Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 30, 2003
• Invested on: May 14, 2004

Manuel Batshaw is a legend in the social service community. A social worker and volunteer, he has played a central role in the development of child welfare policy in Quebec. As chair of a government commission, he produced a report that led to improved conditions and to new legislation protecting children in the care of the province. Involved in numerous community organizations such as Allied Jewish Community Services of Montreal, he initiated the construction of low-cost rental housing for senior citizens and recreation centres for youth and the elderly. His leadership and humanity were recognized with the naming in his honour of the Batshaw Youth and Family Centres, Montreal's now unified English-language social services.