May 8, 2018
UPDATED May 16, 2018

Governor General to Invest 45 Recipients into the Order of Canada

OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will invest 3 Companions, 12 Officers and 30 Members into the Order of Canada during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.

About the Order of Canada
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada, one of our country’s highest civilian honours, recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Close to 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and have taken to heart the motto of the Order: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”). Appointments are made by the governor general on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. For more information about the Order of Canada or to nominate someone, visit www.gg.ca/honours. The ceremony will be streamed online starting at 10:30 a.m. EDT.

A schedule for the investiture ceremony, the list of recipients with citations, and a backgrounder on the Order of Canada are attached.

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Media wishing to cover the event are asked to confirm their attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance no later than 10:15 a.m. on the day of the ceremony.

 Media information:

Sara Régnier-McKellar
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-2569 (office)
613-301-2465 (cell)
sara.regnier-mckellar@gg.ca

 Follow GGJuliePayette and RideauHall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 CEREMONY SCHEDULE

 Members of the media are asked to observe the following schedule: 

9:45 a.m.:	Media arrive at Rideau Hall
10:30 a.m.:	Ceremony begins
	The Governor General speaks
	The Governor General presents the insignia of the Order of Canada (Companions first, followed by Officers and Members)
11:45 a.m.:	Interviews with recipients

 

RECIPIENTS

COMPANIONS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Victoria M. Kaspi, C.C.	Montréal, Que.
Margaret MacMillan, C.C. This is a promotion within the Order.	Oxford, U.K. and Toronto, Ont.
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, C.C., O.B.C. This is a promotion within the Order.	Vancouver, B.C.

 

OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA 

Joseph Arvay, O.C.	Victoria, B.C.
Yoshua Bengio, O.C.	Montréal, Que.
Abdallah S. Daar, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Mary Eberts, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Richard Brian Marcel Fadden, O.C.	Ottawa, Ont.
William Rodney Graham, O.C.	Vancouver, B.C.
Robert Joseph, O.C., O.B.C.	West Vancouver, B.C.
Lewis Edward Kay, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Peter G. Martin, O.C.	Toronto, Ont.
Mark Messier, O.C.	Edmonton, Alta. and New York, U.S.A.
Howard Leslie Shore, O.C.	Toronto, Ont. and New York, U.S.A.
William Siebens, O.C.	Calgary, Alta.

 

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA 

Howard Adelman, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
René Blouin, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Louise Boisvert, C.M.	Sherbrooke, Que.
Denis Boivin, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Chantal Caron, C.M.	Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Que.
Joyce Churchill, C.M.	Portugal Cove–St. Philip’s, N.L.
Susan Coyne, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Libby Davies, C.M.	Vancouver, B.C.
Peter B. Dent, C.M.	Hamilton, Ont.
Alan Doyle, C.M.	St. John’s, N.L.
Nady A. el-Guebaly, C.M.	Calgary, Alta.
Richard French, C.M.	Chelsea, Que.
The Honorable Liza Frulla, P.C., C.M., O.Q.	Montréal, Que.
Salvatore Guerrera, C.M.	Rosemère, Que.
Daniel Roland Lanois, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Catherine Latimer, C.M.	Ottawa, Ont.
Oryssia Lennie, C.M.	Edmonton, Alta.
John Lord, C.M.	Waterloo, Ont.
Roland François Mahé, C.M., O.M.	St. Boniface, Man.
Félix Maltais, C.M.	Montréal, Que.
Marguerite Mendell, C.M., O.Q.	Montréal, Que.
Anita Molzahn, C.M.	Sidney, B.C.
Élise Paré-Tousignant, C.M., O.Q.	Deschambault-Grondines, Que.
André Perry, C.M.	Saint-Sauveur, Que.
Diane Proulx-Guerrera, C.M.	Rosemère, Que.
Frederick Sasakamoose, C.M.	Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Sask.
Eric Schloss, C.M.	Edmonton, Alta.
Sharon Lynn Walmsley, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.
Meeka Walsh, C.M.	Winnipeg, Man.
Barbara Jean Weihs, C.M.	Toronto, Ont.

 

 RECIPIENTS’ CITATIONS

COMPANIONS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Victoria M. Kaspi, C.C.
Montréal, Quebec

Victoria Kaspi is making the stars in our observable universe a little less mysterious. A professor of astrophysics at McGill University, she is one of the world’s pre-eminent experts on neutron stars—incredibly dense objects that form following the collapse of massive stars. Her discoveries of the unique features of these stars have brought renown to Canada and have advanced scientific understanding of the nature and boundaries of matter. Concurrently, her leadership of key institutions has helped build our national research capacity in such fields as cosmology, astronomy and astrobiology.

Margaret MacMillan, C.C.
Oxford, United Kingdom and Toronto, Ontario

Margaret MacMillan is one of the world’s pre-eminent specialists in modern international history. Since her appointment to the Order, she has burnished her reputation as a historian whose published work engages experts and is compelling to general audiences. As a professor and warden of St Antony’s College at Oxford University, she has shaped public understanding of the causes of the Great War. Notably, her recent book The War That Ended Peace is a celebrated examination of this central turning point of our modern world. Also known for her insightful contributions to public discourse, she is a sought-after commentator on the pressing international issues of our day.

This is a promotion within the Order.

Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, C.C., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Cornelia Hahn Oberlander is considered one of the world’s most influential leaders in landscape architecture. For over 60 years, she has created environments where grace and pragmatism intertwine to benefit people of all ages. With ongoing and conscientious effort, she imagines and promotes socially conscious and environmentally responsible designs. At the height of her craft, she continues to renew her practice while expressing a lifelong passion for the natural world.

This is a promotion within the Order.

OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Joseph Arvay, O.C.
Victoria, British Columbia

Joseph Arvay has helped shape our understanding of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. A prolific litigation lawyer, he has appeared before the Supreme Court myriad times and served as counsel in numerous cases of landmark importance, such as physician-assisted suicide, safe injection sites, LGBTQ rights and Indigenous land claims, often on a pro bono basis. With keen legal acumen and dedication to social justice, he has played an unparalleled role in shaping the interpretation of the law on matters of civil rights and liberties.

 Yoshua Bengio, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec

A global leader in his field, Yoshua Bengio continually pushes the boundaries of research and artificial intelligence. Université de Montréal computer science professor, he is doing innovative work on deep neural networks to help machines better understand the world around us. Founder of the Laboratoire d’informatique des systèmes adaptatifs and the Montréal Institute for Learning Algorithms, he has helped to make Montréal an international hub for artificial intelligence research, attracting venture capital and such technology giants as Google, Microsoft and Facebook.

 Abdallah S. Daar, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Abdallah Daar has devoted his career to improving public health worldwide. A professor of clinical public health, global health and surgery at the University of Toronto, he has spearheaded international programs and partnerships to promote research and health care delivery options for non-communicable diseases and mental health. He has contributed to many organizations, including UNESCO and the WHO. He helped create the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases and is a co-creator of Grand Challenges Canada, a government-supported initiative that funds innovative solutions to global health problems.

 Mary Eberts, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Mary Eberts is a trailblazing lawyer and human rights advocate. She has strengthened equality rights of women and girls under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms through her work with the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women, and as the co-founder of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund. She was a key figure in the development and regulation of midwifery in Ontario and has served as litigation counsel—often pro bono—to the Native Women’s Association of Canada for more than 25 years.

Richard Brian Marcel Fadden, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

#A guardian for all Canadians, Richard Fadden has provided steady-handed leadership throughout his distinguished career as a public servant. As the intelligence and security coordinator for the Privy Council Office, he helped shape Canada’s response to 9/11. He later served as director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, as deputy minister of National Defence, and as national security advisor to two prime ministers. Known for his pragmatism, experience and wisdom, he has guided Canada’s security and defence community through challenging times with an extraordinary breadth of knowledge.

William Rodney Graham, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia

A multi-faceted conceptual artist, Rodney Graham has produced a prolific body of work that has captivated audiences at home and abroad over the past four decades. Exploring the human condition through everyday life, he cleverly interprets historical, literary, musical, philosophical and popular references through his provocative and whimsical photography and film, in which he is often personally portrayed. His eclectic style is widely exhibited and included in public collections around the world. Known as a generous mentor, he inspires a new generation of contemporary artists.

 Robert Joseph, O.C., O.B.C.
West Vancouver, British Columbia

Robert Joseph is a residential school survivor who has become a passionate champion of healing and reconciliation. A hereditary chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation, he is the founder and ambassador of Reconciliation Canada, an organization that fosters strengthened relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in communities across Canada. He played an active role in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as an honorary witness. An eloquent, authoritative and respected voice, he is a leader in opening dialogue and renewing relationships.

 Lewis Edward Kay, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Eminent biochemist Lewis Kay helps to explain the mechanisms of life on the smallest scale by studying how proteins behave within living cells. A pioneering expert in the use of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), he established the NMR research lab at the University of Toronto. He has developed innovative research methodologies that use NMR to examine the structure of proteins, their movements and their interactions with other molecules. This fundamental work has transformed the discipline of molecular biophysics and has had a worldwide impact on biochemistry imaging research.

Peter G. Martin, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Peter Martin is one of Canada’s foremost astronomy researchers and stands as an influential leader in international astronomy. A professor at the University of Toronto, he has developed computer models that use astronomical observations and physical processes to better understand interstellar matter and how it relates to stellar evolution. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics and the Dunlap Institute, two world-class institutes that have increased Canada’s research capacity and global reputation in astronomy and astrophysics.

Mark Messier, O.C.
Edmonton, Alberta and New York, U.S.A.

Known for his leadership skills both on and off the ice, hockey legend Mark Messier is considered one of the greatest players of all time. A 26-year NHL veteran, six-time Stanley Cup winner and the only player to lead two different teams to league championships, he is renowned for his perseverance and for his ability to bring people together in pursuit of a common goal. He contributes to various charitable causes and community programs, notably The First Shift, which aims to make hockey accessible to all kids.

Howard Leslie Shore, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario and New York, U.S.A.

Howard Shore’s musical genius is behind numerous productions that have captivated audiences around the world. An original member of the band Lighthouse, and the co-creator and first music director of “Saturday Night Live,” he is a celebrated composer and conductor whose repertoire includes compositions for more than 80 feature films, concert works and documentaries. Notably, his monumental and beloved score for the Lord of the Rings trilogy earned him numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards. Proud of his Canadian heritage, he often returns to mentor and support emerging artists.

William Siebens, O.C.
Calgary, Alberta

Bill Siebens is an entrepreneurial and philanthropic frontiersman. Together with his father, he pioneered the establishment of Canada’s first international exploration and production company, leading the way for others in the petroleum industry. Apart from his leadership in the oil and gas sector, he has quietly and consistently supported a variety of causes benefiting his region. Notably, he donated a portion of the historic OH Ranch to the Calgary Stampede Foundation, a gift that will help preserve western heritage for future generations.

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Howard Adelman, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Howard Adelman’s work on behalf of refugees embodies the Canadian spirit of inclusivity and generosity. Professor emeritus at York University, he helped catalyze Canadians to privately sponsor thousands of refugees from Southeast Asia when he founded Operation Lifeline in 1979. From these efforts, he later created the Centre for Refugee Studies, the leading research centre in North America for forced migration studies. In addition, he is also recognized for his writings on the Rwandan genocide and other ethnic conflicts.

René Blouin, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Renowned gallery owner, veritable talent scout, exhibition curator and all-around art lover, René Blouin plays a leading role on Canada’s visual arts scene. A major cultural promoter for over three decades, he is known for his efforts to build bridges between the commercial art and fine art communities. Through his gallery and his commitments, notably with Concordia University, he tirelessly supports young artists in their efforts to reach new heights.

Louise Boisvert, C.M.
Sherbrooke, Quebec

A respected businesswoman, Louise Boisvert has been dedicated to making a difference in her community for nearly 40 years. Whether advocating for students to stay in school or as the head of La Tribune and La Voix de l’Est, she employs a unifying management style that is well regarded in her region. With unshakeable determination, she mobilizes businesses and stakeholders, and spearheads projects to reduce poverty. Her commitment and energy inspire others to take action.

 Denis Boivin, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Through his leadership, Denis Boivin has enriched his community in numerous ways. A respected chartered accountant and trusted business advisor, he served as Quebec president of one of Canada’s leading professional services firms. Generous with his time and resources, he has supported a multitude of charitable organizations in the social, cultural and health care sectors over the past 30 years. A cancer survivor, he also created a fund to enable foreign specialists to conduct thoracic oncology research in Canada.

 Chantal Caron, C.M.
Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Quebec

Dancer, choreographer, educator and filmmaker, Chantal Caron roots her artistic process in the environment. She leads Fleuve | Espace danse, a contemporary dance company whose creations highlight our natural heritage, particularly the St. Lawrence River. She blends choreography and film, creating moving works that juxtapose dancers with the surrounding environment. Keen to generate a collective interest in nature through dance and movement, she has also run a dance school in her community for over 30 years.

Joyce Churchill, C.M.
Portugal Cove–St. Philip’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Joyce Churchill has been a nurse and dedicated advocate for the autism community for over 30 years. Founding member of the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and the mother of a son living with the condition, she successfully lobbied the provincial government to fund the provision of much-needed support services. She also played an instrumental role in the creation of the Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism in St. John’s. Her extensive community engagement includes a four-year term as mayor of her hometown.

 Susan Coyne, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Susan Coyne’s contributions to Canada’s cultural industry are manifold. A versatile actor and veteran of the Toronto theatre scene, she is perhaps best known for her award-winning acting and writing in the television series “Slings and Arrows”, which she co-created. Also a gifted playwright, her works include Alice’s Affair and Kingfisher Days, an adaptation of her bestselling childhood memoir. Known for her enduring commitment to the development of Canadian theatre, she co-founded the Soulpepper Theatre Company and is a mentor to countless young artists.

 Libby Davies, C.M.
Vancouver, British Colombia

Libby Davies is one of Canada’s leading advocates for social justice. She was known for her principled yet collegial approach to important but often contentious issues as a community activist, a Vancouver city councillor and, subsequently, a long-serving member of Parliament. Throughout her 18 years in the House of Commons, she provided leadership and continuity during a tumultuous period in our political history. She gave a voice to the voiceless on such issues as the plight of thalidomide survivors, LGBTQ rights, affordable housing, missing and murdered women, and safe injection sites.

 Peter B. Dent, C.M.
Hamilton, Ontario

Peter Dent is a pioneer in pediatric rheumatology and immunology in Canada. A professor and clinician for five decades, he also held a number of key administrative roles, including chair of pediatrics at McMaster University and vice-president of medicine at Chedoke-McMaster Hospitals. He is widely respected for launching health initiatives that benefit children and their families, notably the McMaster Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton, as well as for initiating an important web-based information sharing platform used by specialists worldwide.

 Alan Doyle, C.M.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Alan Doyle is one of Newfoundland’s most beloved musical ambassadors. As the lead singer of Great Big Sea, as well as through his solo work which includes studio recordings and arrangements for television and film, he has helped revitalize and popularize traditional Newfoundland folk music for new generations. Born in the small town of Petty Harbour, he remains deeply committed to his roots, and has been consistently supporting multiple charities throughout the province and across Canada for more than two decades.

 Nady A. el-Guebaly, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta

A pioneering researcher, clinician and professor, Nady el-Guebaly has helped change attitudes towards addiction problems by treating them as mental health issues. His efforts have led to the establishment of treatment services throughout Canada, notably specialized clinics in Manitoba and Alberta, the first of their kind in these provinces. Through leading administrative roles in prominent academic institutions and medical associations, he has created clinical practice guidelines that have shaped the addictions field, allowing people to be treated more openly and without shame.

 Richard French, C.M.
Chelsea, Quebec

Known as a man of global vision and leadership, Richard French has had a successful career in academia, business and government. Committed to public service, he served as a member of the National Assembly of Québec where he held various ministerial portfolios. He significantly contributed to such Canadian institutions, agencies and enterprises as the Privy Council Office, Bell Canada and Bombardier. As a recent holder of an endowed chair in business and public policy at the University of Ottawa, he strived to bridge the gap between the public sector and the business world.

The Honorable Liza Frulla, P.C., C.M., O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

 Passionate and a woman of profound conviction, Liza Frulla is an important voice. As a provincial and federal minister, she helped to create institutions dedicated to recognizing our artists through her policies. She also made Canada the first signatory to UNESCO’s Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression. As a host and panellist, she has been a part of the public debate with her insightful comments on current political affairs. She defends our cultural vitality at all costs and is a model of engagement and integrity.

 Salvatore Guerrera, C.M. and Diane Proulx-Guerrera, C.M.
Rosemère, Quebec

Salvatore Guerrera and Diane Proulx-Guerrera’s philanthropic efforts are felt nationwide. They launched the CURE Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars for breast cancer research, education and equipment through creative initiatives such as National Denim Day. Their leadership of the Miriam Foundation has inspired innovative and pioneering projects to advance the well-being of persons with intellectual disabilities and autism. PROCURE Foundation, Hope & Cope, the Jewish General Hospital, and McGill and Concordia universities are also among the beneficiaries of their generosity.

Daniel Roland Lanois, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Singer/songwriter Daniel Lanois is an accomplished musician and revered producer whose vast and award-winning discography transports listeners through his unique and textured sonic signature. He is credited with producing more than 60 albums in the last 40 years, including iconic records by internationally recognized artists U2, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel and Neil Young. He is currently working with established Canadian artists devoted to a new sonic experience.

 Catherine Latimer, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Catherine Latimer has devoted her career to advancing a fair and balanced justice system reflective of Canadian values. Having served for more than 20 years at the Department of Justice, she has been at the centre of many innovative approaches to national policy, including the development and implementation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which has been credited with significantly lowering recidivism and aiding in rehabilitation. Since leaving the public service, she has remained committed to criminal justice issues through her role as executive director of the John Howard Society of Canada.

 Oryssia Lennie, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta

Oryssia Lennie has led a career dedicated to public service. Serving as deputy minister of Alberta’s Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs, and as federal deputy minister of Western Economic Diversification, she played an instrumental role in improving federal-provincial relations. As a provincial delegate in the landmark negotiations for the 1982 Constitution Act and the Meech Lake and Charlottetown accords, she ensured provincial interests were upheld in national discussions. Highly engaged in her community, she also contributes to several charitable causes such as the United Way and Habitat for Humanity.

John Lord, C.M.
Waterloo, Ontario

Researcher, author and facilitator John Lord has devoted his life to the social inclusion of vulnerable citizens. He founded the Centre for Community Based Research, an independent, non-profit research and education organization that utilizes participatory approaches and draws on the knowledge and experiences of citizens who struggle with barriers to inclusion. Considered an innovative leader of the Canadian disability movement, he established the New Story approach to build creative, inclusive communities through individualized funding, independent facilitation and community engagement.

 Roland François Mahé, C.M., O.M.
St. Boniface, Manitoba

Roland Mahé’s determination and commitment have enhanced Franco-Manitoban theatre and dramatic arts. As artistic director of the oldest theatre company in Canada for 45 years, he gave hundreds of artists the opportunity to develop their talents and introduced audiences to new playwrights. The co-founder of two associations supporting the creation of French-language theatre in minority communities, he has been actively involved in raising the profile of this artistic discipline and in developing the French language.

 Félix Maltais, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

For the past 35 years, Félix Maltais has been kindling a passion for science in several generations of young Canadians. He imagined and founded Les Débrouillards, a science education movement that, through magazines, books, activities, television programs and websites, offers young people the joy of discovery. The Les Débrouillards concept emphasizes understanding natural phenomena while helping youth to develop critical thinking skills. The movement is also present in several Francophonie countries.

 Marguerite Mendell, C.M., O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

For over 30 years, Marguerite Mendell has been working tirelessly to revitalize the community to reduce poverty and foster social inclusion. She has taken on various roles at Concordia University, and her in-depth research has led to the development of innovative policy tools and levers to ensure greater economic democracy. She regularly contributes to various international fora and has implemented groundbreaking social and economic innovation projects, including the Chantier de l’économie sociale Trust.

 Anita Molzahn, C.M.
Sidney, British Columbia

Anita Molzahn has been a guiding light in nursing research and education. As a professor and dean responsible for the nursing faculty at the University of Victoria and more recently at the University of Alberta, she has enriched the training of a generation of nursing professionals by establishing innovative curriculum and degree programs, and fostering interdisciplinary research. Concurrently, she has carried out internationally recognized research in nephrology, which has deepened our understanding of quality-of-life factors related to kidney disease and improved our approach to organ donation.

Élise Paré-Tousignant, C.M., O.Q.
Deschambault-Grondines, Quebec

Élise Paré-Tousignant is a leading figure in modern Quebec music culture education. Having begun her career as a music professor at Université Laval, she went on to become the university’s first female dean of the Faculty of Arts and vice-rector. Actively involved in managing cultural institutions, she played an influential role in raising the profile of the Domaine Forget and the Palais Montcalm, notably by opening concert halls that now rank among the best in Canada. She continues to be in high demand for her expertise and extensive involvement.

 André Perry, C.M.
Saint-Sauveur, Quebec

André Perry is a pillar of the recording industry, helping to promote our music culture on the international stage. Over the past 60 years, he has worked with the biggest names in the world as a producer and recording engineer. A founding member of ADISQ, he also built and headed Le Studio, one of the most sought-after recording studios in the world, located in Morin-Heights. The innovative work produced by his company Fidelio Technologies has also pushed the boundaries of digital recording.

 Frederick Sasakamoose, C.M.
Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Saskatchewan

Frederick Sasakamoose’s determination and resilience are inspirational. By making it to the NHL in the early 1950s, he cemented his status as an Indigenous role model for many aspiring hockey players. He developed minor hockey and other sports programs for youth, initially at the local level and then through an initiative that later expanded across Saskatchewan. In talking openly about his achievements as well as his struggles, he has become a trusted mentor and a sought-after speaker who promotes healthy life choices to a broad audience.

 Eric Schloss, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta

Eric Schloss has helped individuals and communities in Canada and abroad through various humanitarian and philanthropic endeavours. He supports a number of institutions focused on protecting human rights and on helping students, the homeless, immigrants and Indigenous Canadians. A medical specialist in pathology and dermatology, he has taken part in projects that provide vulnerable populations in Africa and Haiti with access to improved education and health care. He also founded the University of Alberta’s Canadian Literature Centre, and donated over 40 000 books to its collection and to other on-campus libraries.

 Sharon Lynn Walmsley, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Sharon Walmsley is one of Canada’s leading researchers in HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases. Professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, she has made great strides in improving therapeutic treatments and care for persons living with HIV since the late 1980s. She is especially known for her pioneering work on the particular effects of HIV/AIDS on women and the specificities of women’s care. An outstanding mentor, she has been devoted to guiding emerging generations of researchers and clinicians, particularly young women scientists.

 Meeka Walsh, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Meeka Walsh is a writer, art critic, editor and curator who has had a major influence on the arts in Canada. She is the editor of Border Crossings, an internationally renowned and award-winning quarterly magazine that investigates contemporary culture. Her evident desire to understand Canadian artists and their work shines through her innovative publications and actions, which have helped place Winnipeg, in particular, at the forefront of the arts scene. She proudly contributes to the enhancement of Canada’s cultural community as a supporter of emerging artists and as a generous donor.

Barbara Jean Weihs, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Jean Weihs’ steadfast attention to detail has helped shape library science in Canada and around the world. For over 50 years, she has been a leader in developing global standards and practices for cataloguing non-book materials. She has chaired and participated in many Canadian and international committees, and has contributed numerous articles and books to help broaden the field. Dedicated to improving bibliographic access to information, she is widely celebrated by her peers, both at home and abroad.

ORDER OF CANADA BACKGROUNDER

Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.

Motto and Levels

The Order of Canada’s motto is DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM(“They desire a better country”). Her Majesty The Queen is the Sovereign of the Order, and the governor general is the chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order.

Companion – Post-nominal: C.C.
recognizes national pre-eminence or international service or achievement;

Officer – Post-nominal: O.C.
recognizes national service or achievement; and

Member – Post-nominal: C.M.
recognizes outstanding contributions at the local or regional level or in a special field of activity.

Insignia Description

The insignia of the Order is a stylized snowflake of six points, with a red annulus at its centre which bears a stylized maple leaf circumscribed with the motto of the Order, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”), surmounted by the Royal Crown. It is struck in fine silver and is composed of three individual pieces: the snowflake, annulus and maple leaf. The colour is added by hand through a unique application of opaque and translucent enamel.

The design of the insignia of the Order of Canada dates from 1967, and is credited to Bruce Beatty, C.M., S.O.M., C.D. The technical drawings used by the Royal Canadian Mint in thisnew generation of the insigniawere developed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority at the Chancellery of Honours, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General. The insignia is manufactured by the Mint at its Ottawa facility.

Eligibility

All Canadians are eligible for the Order of Canada, with the exception of federal and provincial politicians and judges while in office. The Order’s constitution permits non-Canadians to be considered for honorary appointments. Members of the Royal Family, governors general and their spouses are appointed in the extraordinary category. There are no posthumous appointments. 

Officers and Members may be elevated within the Order in recognition of further achievement, based on continued exceptional or extraordinary service to Canada. Usually, promotions are considered five years after the first appointment.

Nominations

Any person or group is welcome to nominate a deserving individual as a candidate for appointment to the Order of Canada. Appointments are made on the recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada, an independent council chaired by the chief justice of Canada. Members of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada reflect the diversity and excellence in Canadian society. Certain members are appointed by virtue of their office; others are appointed for a fixed term to achieve a balanced representation of the various regions of the country.