Meritorious Service Cross
Awarded on: 1999-06-22
Invested on: 1999-09-10
Brian C. Leonard, M.S.C., Ottawa, Ont.
Meritorious Service Cross (civil division)
Dr. Leonard has been actively involved with Project ORBIS International Canada, of which he became President in 1997. A non-profit organization, Project ORBIS operates the world's only flying hospital, a converted DC-10 jetliner. This well-equipped aircraft flies to developing countries with the mission of eliminating blindness through hands-on training, education and resource development. Since 1984, Dr. Leonard has participated in 44 volunteer surgical teaching programs worldwide. As founding Director General of the University of Ottawa Eye Institute and Executive Director of the Sally Letson Foundation, he is a vigorous advocate of blind people and has developed specific world blindness strategies, highlighting Canada as a major contributor to this worthwhile cause.