Member of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2021-09-24
Invested on: 2023-10-26
Harold Bassford, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Harold Bassford has influenced post-secondary education in Canada. A professor and dean at York University, he founded its nursing program and health studies curricula. As president of the University of the Fraser Valley, he led its transition from a college to a full university, and introduced Indigenous and Indo-Canadian programs to the subject roster. He is also acclaimed for creating the first Canadian academic campus in India. Complementing his distinguished career is his leadership in serving marginalized groups as past president of Casey House and the Surrey Place Centre in Toronto.