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Her Excellency Mary May Simon

Manotick, Ontario, Canada

Manotick, Ontario, Canada

Manotick, Ontario, Canada

Order of Canada

  • Member of the Order of Canada

    Awarded on: 1991-11-01
    Invested on: 1992-04-29
    President of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, she is an exceptional leader who has devoted her life to working for the recognition of aboriginal rights. Her integrity, diplomacy and firmness of purpose have won her the respect of heads of governments and international organizations. She is becoming a respected adviser in dealing with such important issues as the environment, human rights, scientific research and development and peace.
  • Officer of the Order of Canada

    Awarded on: 2005-11-17
    Invested on: 2006-10-06
    Mary Simon has played a leading role in strengthening ties between Canada's Northern people and the people of Arctic regions around the globe. As Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs, she was the principal architect of the Canadian northern policy. Her leadership, perseverance, and ability to build consensus were instrumental in securing international cooperation and in creating the Arctic Council and the University of the Arctic. In addition, she has been deeply committed to young people in her roles as Chair of the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation and as Chancellor of Trent University. This is a promotion within the Order.
  • Companion of the Order of Canada

    Awarded on: 2021-07-22
    Invested on: 2021-07-22
    Thirtieth Governor General of Canada