Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 10, 2002
• Invested on: October 24, 2003

David Bates is a pioneer in the field of respiratory medicine in Canada . Founder of the country's first respiratory division at Montreal 's Royal Victoria Hospital in the 1950s, he modernized the treatment of lung diseases. He helped to revolutionize the diagnosis of conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema by demonstrating the importance of testing the lungs' ability to function. Committed to the study of the effects of air pollution on human health, he has constantly strived to have medical research influence public policy. He is an acknowledged leader in issues regarding air quality and has lent his expertise to several national and international committees and commissions.