Order of Canada
Companion
The Honourable Michael James Moldaver, C.C., K.C.
Ottawa, Ontario
Michael Moldaver is recognized for his distinguished service to Canadian law. As a Supreme Court justice, he shaped criminal law and Charter jurisprudence. A respected educator and mentor, he contributed to legal scholarship and professional development, strengthening Canada’s justice system through decades of leadership, insight and unwavering dedication.
Officers
Richard Burzynski, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Richard Burzynski has led the fight against HIV/AIDS in Canada and globally. As co-founder of the Canadian AIDS Society and executive director of the International Council of AIDS Service Organizations, he was instrumental in forming UNAIDS and advocating the Global Fund. Ensuring rights for individuals with HIV and the 2SLGBTQI+ community, he championed treatment access, harm reduction and innovative prevention methods, leaving a legacy of impactful advocacy.
Marc Messier, O.C., M.S.C.
Montréal, Quebec
Marc Messier is an actor renowned for his leading roles in many of Quebec’s most influential film, television and stage productions. Notably, he starred in Les Boys, Lance et compte, La Petite Vie and Broue. He also wrote his one-man show Seul… en scène, a look back on the different periods of his life. A prolific actor and icon for French-Canadian audiences, he has enriched Quebec’s cultural landscape for nearly five decades.
Members
Yisa Folasele Akinbolaji, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
An acclaimed artist from Ondo, Nigeria, Yisa Akinbolaji is a respected leader and role model in Winnipeg’s African Canadian community. His highly prized visual artwork incorporates unique experimental techniques of his own invention. They reflect Yoruba-Africa art traditions that highlight social issues within his local and global community. The founder of Creative Foundation Inc., he mentors youth from different cultural backgrounds, and promotes creative thinking and multicultural harmony.
Antonio Ariganello, C.M.
Surrey, British Columbia
A leader in human resources and finance, Antonio Ariganello contributed to the establishment of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. He is the chief executive officer of CPHR Canada and the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon, as well as president of the World Federation of People Management. He is sought out by government agencies and policymakers worldwide for his expertise in defining practice standards.
Morag Barbara Arneil, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Barbara Arneil’s wide-ranging scholarship has sparked and advanced critical debates in political theory. This University of British Columbia professor has questioned the exclusion and oppression of marginalized groups in modern Western political thought, challenging assumptions about its foundations and re-examining what it means to create a truly just society. She is also a leader within the political science field and a dedicated mentor to young scholars.
Nurjehan Aziz Vassanji, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Nurjehan Aziz Vassanji is a publisher and editor who champions literature reflective of Canada’s diverse cultural landscape. Co-founder of the literary magazine The Toronto Review, she is currently the publisher of its offshoot, Mawenzi House Publishers. She promotes written works that focus on the histories, cultures and traditions of South and East Asian, Middle Eastern, African, Caribbean and Indigenous authors.
Anne S. Bassett, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Anne Bassett has advanced our understanding of the genetics of schizophrenia. She initiated studies of the disorder’s first known molecular subtype, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS), as a clinician scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Toronto General Hospital. This University of Toronto professor is a beloved mentor and leader who also champions individuals living with 22q11.2 DS and their caregivers through her research, clinical practice and outreach.
Freda Lang Browns, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Freda Browns is a pillar of Canada’s philanthropic community. For five decades, she has enriched society by supporting cultural, health, education and art organizations in Montréal and beyond. Donations from the distinguished private art collection she established with her late husband, Irwin, can be viewed at museums and institutions across Canada.
Roy Keith Byram, C.M., O.Y.
Marsh Lake, Yukon
Roy Keith Byram is a leading engineer specializing in construction and mining in northwestern Canada. An advocate for sustainable practices, he has overseen such projects as the responsible development of highways linking remote northern communities. He contributes to the prosperity of Yukon’s economic and community advancement through his dedicated philanthropic endeavours.
Alfredo Caxaj, C.M.
London, Ontario
Alfredo Caxaj is a passionate promoter of diversity, inclusion and cross-cultural awareness. He is the founder of Sunfest, a free-admission music and multicultural festival that welcomes over 225 000 visitors annually to London, Ontario. A talented musician, he is also a strong proponent of music’s importance in society, and played a key role in the declaration of London as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music.
Brian Anthony Crane, C.M., K.C.
Ottawa, Ontario
Brian Crane has significantly influenced the law and its development. A constitutional, administrative and Indigenous law specialist, he has championed important legal causes, including human and Indigenous rights, and environmental protection. His work on major land claim agreements contributed to the Government of Canada’s recognition of Indigenous treaty rights.
Kent Farndale, C.M.
Port Perry, Ontario
Kent Farndale is a beloved civic leader. For decades, she has volunteered with and financially supported numerous organizations in the arts, community, education and health care sectors. Notably, she helped establish the Scugog Council for the Arts, served in several capacities with Craft Ontario, and oversaw capital campaigns for Lakeridge Health.
Deanne M. Fitzpatrick, C.M.
Amherst, Nova Scotia
Deanne Fitzpatrick has helped revitalize the traditional art of rug hooking, elevating Nova Scotia’s standing in the craft. Through her business, publications, educational outreach and designs, this globally recognized textile artist shares her expertise worldwide and promotes the history of the craft in the province. Renowned for their vibrant colours and patterns, her art graces private collections across North America and permanent exhibits in Canadian galleries and museums.
John Pearson Hirdes, C.M.
Elora, Ontario
Expert gerontologist John Hirdes has had a transformative impact on the Canadian health care system. Pre-eminent professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Public Health Sciences, he is a long-time leader with the international organization interRAI, which produces evidence-based assessment and decision-support tools to inform best practices and policy creation in care settings across Canada and abroad. He is also a sought-after collaborator with national, government and private health organizations.
Timothy Robert Jones, C.M.
Picton, Ontario
Tim Jones uses arts and culture to transform communities in Toronto and beyond. At the helm of Artscape for more than 20 years, he shaped the non-profit into a global leader in creative placemaking, leveraging the arts to develop stronger, more dynamic and inclusive neighbourhoods. As part of the leadership of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, he built a cultural platform that empowered artists and advocated 2SLGBTQI+ culture, identity and rights.
George Edward MacDonald, C.M.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Edward MacDonald is an eminent scholar on the history of Prince Edward Island. A professor at the University of PEI and a former curator of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, he is celebrated for his meticulous research and prolific writings. A legend in the local heritage community and a sought-after consultant, he is a revered mentor to students in the fields of history and heritage conservation.
Deborah McColl Money, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Deborah Money has made impactful contributions to women’s health as a researcher, clinician and educator. This University of British Columbia professor was the first formally trained individual in obstetrics and gynaecology, and reproductive infectious diseases (RID) in Canada. A national leader in the development of the RID subdiscipline in practice and academia, she is also a renowned role model and mentor to women in medicine.
Osama El-Sayed Moselhi, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Osama Moselhi is a leader and a highly sought-after expert in construction engineering and management. As a professor and director of Concordia University’s Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Engineering and Management, he has influenced the field’s academic growth and attracted top talent to the institution. With many of his own innovations now used in the sector, he has improved safety and efficiency industry-wide.
Nikita James Nanos, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario
Nik Nanos is one of Canada’s top professionals in market and public opinion research. Founder and chief data scientist of Nanos Research, he has become a frequent and trusted advisor to media and industry, and a champion of public engagement in the democratic process. He has also provided leadership to the Canadian Research Insights Council, the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association, and Carleton University.
Linda M. Perry, C.M.
Langley, British Columbia
Linda Perry is passionate educator and advocate for people with disabilities. The former executive director of Vela Canada, she advanced the innovative concept of microboards, a small network of supporters that helps individuals access services, receive funding and lead independent lives. Her Microboard™ model is considered an exemplar of best practice at the United Nations, and has significantly advanced freedoms and self-determination among people with disabilities.
André Pierre Picard, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
André Picard is committed to keeping Canadians safe, informed and healthy. At The Globe and Mail since 1987, this prominent columnist reported on infectious diseases, health equity and risk communication, raised awareness and made complex science accessible to diverse audiences. His commitment to informing Canadians, notably throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, extends through bestselling books that have influenced the country’s health policies and systems.
Bruce Godfrey Pollock, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Bruce Pollock has made groundbreaking contributions to geriatric psychopharmacology. This internationally renowned field leader and University of Toronto professor developed new approaches to treating older individuals with psychiatric conditions, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. A former vice-president of research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, he helped guide the organization into becoming a leading international psychiatric research hub.
Arun Ravindran, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Arun Ravindran is a senior scientist and emeritus chief of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s Mood and Anxiety Division. As professor and founding director of the University of Toronto’s Global Mental Health program, he has developed and implemented mental health and clinician training programs in low- and middle-income countries. He is lauded for his outstanding contributions to research in neuropsychopharmacology, alternative therapies and clinical practice guidelines.
Martine Monique Roy, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Martine Roy advocates diversity, inclusion and equity in 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Canada. She co-founded Pride at Work Canada, chairs the LGBT Purge Fund, and serves as Quebec and Eastern Canada regional manager of 2SLGBTQ+ Business Development at TD Bank Group. In response to the LGBT Purge—a period of systemic discrimination notably within the Canadian Armed Forces from the 1950s to the 1990s—she launched a class action lawsuit that resulted in a historic settlement and apology.
Maia-Mari Sutnik, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Maia-Mari Sutnik has profoundly shaped the culture and community of photographic art in Canada. Recognized as the first curator of photography at the Art Gallery of Ontario, she promoted Toronto and Canada as eminent homes of distinguished artists and renowned photography collections. A revered educator and pillar in Canadian photographic studies, she has mentored the next generation of art historians and curators, and championed innumerable artists.
Mary A. Tidlund, C.M.
Canmore, Alberta
Mary Tidlund is an esteemed businesswoman recognized for her innovative leadership in Canada’s oil and gas industry. She is also a dedicated philanthropist who launched an international charitable foundation that mobilized over 1 000 volunteers in more than 29 countries to improve education, health care and microfinancing opportunities. A cherished mentor and role model, she serves as a board member of numerous non-governmental organizations and corporations.
David Kin-Kay U, C.M.
Richmond Hill, Ontario
David U is at the forefront of advancing medication safety in health care settings. As the founder of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada, he established the first national reporting system for preventable medication-related errors, which has been emulated around the globe. His groundbreaking research and collaboration with physicians, nurses, pharmacists and patients in drug error reporting has helped prevent injury and saved countless lives.
Daniel Marc Weinstock, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Daniel Weinstock is moving debates forward in philosophy, public policy and social justice in Canada. This philosopher and McGill University professor’s wide-ranging scholarship is driven by his commitment to public service and to the advancement of dialogue on contemporary issues affecting society. In addition, he has sought to build bridges between different philosophical traditions within the field, and between French- and English-speaking communities in Canada.
Ruth Doreen Williams, C.M., O.B.C.
Kamloops, British Columbia
Originally from the High Bar Indian Band, currently registered with the Tsilhqot’in Nation, Ruth Williams has promoted community-level economic and social development her whole life. Notably, she is a founding member and former president and CEO of All Nations Trust Company, an Indigenous-owned financial institution supporting Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs.
Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division)
Crosses
Daniel Evan Borsuk, O.Q., M.S.C.
Montréal, Quebec
In 2018, plastic surgeon Daniel Borsuk and his team performed Canada’s first-ever face transplant. This procedure enables patients to gradually reintegrate into society with greater self-esteem and without fear of being ostracized. It is a surgical breakthrough highlighting Canadian medical expertise both nationally and internationally.
Daniel Cyr, M.S.C.
Julie Hamelin, M.S.C. (deceased)
Claudette Hélène Morin, M.S.C.
Jeannot Painchaud, M.S.C.
Montréal, Quebec
Daniel Cyr, Claudette H. Morin, Jeannot Painchaud, co-founders of Cirque Éloize and the late Julie Hamelin led their company to international acclaim. Their original creations have thrilled over 5 million spectators in over 600 cities, inspiring a new generation of circus artists. Cirque Éloize has since transformed itself to offer a richly diverse creative experience.
The Meritorious Service Cross awarded to the late Julie Hamelin was presented to her family at a previous date.
Norman Angus Armour, M.S.C. (deceased)
Vancouver, British Columbia
Katrina Maureen Dunn, M.S.C.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
In 2005, Katrina Dunn and the late Norman Armour co-founded The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. Delivering radical, innovative and contemporary works of live art by acclaimed local, national and international artists, this signature event attracts more than 18 000 guests annually.
The Meritorious Service Cross awarded to the late Norman Angus Armour was presented to his family at a previous date.
Robert Francis Lunney, M.S.C.
Calgary, Alberta
Retired chief of police Robert Lunney is dedicated to improving Canada’s police forces. Throughout his career, he identified ways to modernize policing models and opened the door to new initiatives. He promotes the advancement of policing as a profession and showcases Canada as leader in law enforcement and community safety.
Julia Mary Mackey, M.S.C.
Wells, British Columbia
Julia Mackey is the playwright and performer of Jake’s Gift, a multi-award-winning play about a Canadian veteran who returns to Juno Beach. Since 2007, this artistic commemoration of Canada’s important role in the Normandy landings has been presented to thousands across Canada and abroad in both English and French.
Lydia Shemeluck, M.S.C.
Medals
Karen Elaine Barnes, M.S.M.
Chemainus, British Columbia
Karen Barnes is an advocate for education development in Indigenous communities. During her tenure at Yukon College, she brought together representatives from the community, government and Indigenous groups to transition this post-secondary institution from a college to a university. It is now Canada’s first northern university above the 60th parallel.
Susan Blight, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Hayden King, M.S.M.
Warkworth, Ontario
Susan Blight and Hayden King are the creators of the Ogimaa Mikana Project, an initiative that seeks to restore the names of Toronto streets, trails and paths to Anishinaabemowin. Aiming to assert Indigenous presence across Anishinaabe territory, they expanded their project to update billboards and signage around and beyond Toronto.
Michael Edward Claener, M.S.M.
Queensville, Ontario
Michael Claener has demonstrated exemplary leadership as president of the Glaucoma Research Society of Canada. Over the span of 10 years, he helped expand the non-profit organization to a national level, allowing the Society to raise millions of dollars for research into the causes, prevention and treatment of glaucoma.
Shawky Joseph Gabriel Fahel, M.S.M.
Waterloo, Ontario
Shawky Joseph Gabriel Fahel is the founder of the Canadian International Development Organization (CIDO), and a staunch advocate for peace, education and health care. Through CIDO, he has donated health care equipment and financed charitable endeavours in Canada and the Middle East, particularly in Palestine.
Sandra Gauthier, M.S.M.
Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Quebec
Sandra Gauthier created the Smarter Seafood program to promote sound management of marine resources and encourage Quebec businesses to offer lesser-known products from among the many edible species found in the St. Lawrence to help ensure sustainable development and protect biodiversity.
Elaine Mary Gold, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Elaine Gold established the Canadian Language Museum to promote linguistic inclusivity, preservation and revitalization, all within a perspective of reconciliation. Through the museum’s travelling exhibits and at its permanent location in Toronto, information about Canada’s Indigenous, official, heritage and sign languages is now more accessible to the general public.
Major Paul Alfred Hale, M.S.M., C.D. (Ret’d)
Brampton, Ontario
Paul Hale is an outstanding leader of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Association (PPCLI). He spearheaded the association’s efforts to foster mental well-being and suicide prevention among members of the Canadian Armed Forces. As a result, a network of responders specializing in mental health first aid has been established throughout the military community.
Nicole Lamb Ives, M.S.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Nicole Ives is a champion for the inclusion of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in social work education. She co-founded Indigenous Access McGill in 2007, to support Indigenous students from recruitment to graduation. She also successfully lobbied to make First People and Social Work a mandatory course for undergraduates.
Melynda Jarratt, M.S.M.
Bathurst, New Brunswick
Melynda Jarratt is a leading expert on war brides—British and European women who married Canadian servicemen and moved to Canada after the Second World War. Her publications, along with donations to provincial archives, have showcased the unique stories of these women and their immigrant experience.
Harvey J. Kirsh, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Harvey J. Kirsh has demonstrated exemplary leadership as a construction arbitrator, mediator, referee, author, counsel and advocate. Founding president of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers and an expert in construction law and dispute resolution, he brought his peers together to improve the practice and understanding of these fields.
Susan Yvette Kuczynski, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Susan Kuczynski demonstrated exemplary leadership in establishing the Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer liaison program at SickKids in Toronto. The program provides support and education to thousands of families by directing them to appropriate community services, and by pairing health care professionals with the parents of young cancer patients.
Yves Landry, M.S.M.
Québec, Quebec
Yves Landry founded Le Grand Tour de Roue Yves Landry to help fund pediatric hematology-oncology research and treatments for children with cancer. Thanks to his contributions, the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec is able to offer patients state-of-the-art or experimental care not covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.
Karyn Lynn Lazareck, M.S.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Karyn Lazareck established Gaining Resources Our Way in 2002, to provide a program for young adults with social and intellectual disabilities. This comprehensive program helps individuals develop life management skills and healthy living habits, and reinforces their social, recreational and vocational capabilities to enhance their overall independence and well-being.
Myrna Lichter, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Ophthalmologist Myrna Lichter created a medical outreach program that has provided vision care to unhoused people in Toronto. She and her team visit shelters to offer eye examinations, glasses and specialized follow-up care, and have since expanded their efforts to include nearly 800 Syrian refugees living in the region.
Michael A. McCallum, M.S.M.
Odessa, Florida , United States of America
From 2017 to 2021, Michael McCallum served as chief of the United States Defense Intelligence Agency Liaison in Ottawa. A proud advocate for our country, he helped broaden Canada’s intelligence operations and strengthened collaboration between the United States and Canada, thus ensuring greater public safety at home and abroad.
Nancy Iona McMillan, M.S.M.
Grimsby, Ontario
Nancy McMillan is the dedicated volunteer leader of BRIGHT Run, a fundraising event for breast cancer research in the Greater Hamilton Area. Her exceptional leadership has led to the remarkable achievement of raising millions of dollars, significantly increasing awareness for this vital cause, and fostering a sense of unity within the community.
Andrew Mizzoni, M.S.M.
Richmond Hill, Ontario
A philanthropist and childhood cancer survivor, Andrew Mizzoni has raised over $600 000 for pediatric research and cancer care. Despite facing hardships, including the tragic loss of his daughter, Gigi, to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, he continues to persevere, inspires others and remains committed to improving the lives of children in need.
Farah Mohamed, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Farah Mohamed is the driving force behind G(irls)20, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women achieve gender equality. Through G(irls)20 leadership camps, mentorship programs and signature international summits, she has inspired young women to assume leadership roles in the heart of their communities. Under her direction, the organization has cultivated the next generation of female role models.
Joy Anne Neufeld, M.S.M.
Steinbach, Manitoba
In 2004, Joy Neufeld opened Soup’s On, the first soup kitchen in Steinbach, Manitoba. For two decades, she offered hot meals to members of the community twice a week and provided school lunches to ensure hundreds of children had the nourishment they needed to grow and learn.
Liberato Prioriello, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Lee Prioriello established Youth Bocce Canada to create an inclusive and safe environment for people with disabilities to engage in sports in the Greater Toronto Area. Today, the organization has become an integral part of the community, supporting over 400 athletes yearly and participating in tournaments around the world.
Paige Pearl-Anne Procter, M.S.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
At 16 years old, Paige Procter created Coffeehouse to End Cancer, a charity concert aimed at raising funds for the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Over a decade later, the concert has successfully raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, while also offering a stage for young performers from Manitoba’s Interlake Region to showcase their talent.
Christophe Michel Raisonnier, M.S.M.
Ottawa, Ontario and Carantec, France
Christophe Raisonnier conceived the idea of building the Amicitia France-Canada Monument to highlight the 400 years of shared history between these countries and the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers during global conflicts. The driving force behind this project, he assembled and led the team that oversaw its construction in Ottawa.
Kyle Austin Scott, M.S.M.
Whitecourt, Alberta
Kyle Scott has devoted his time and volunteer efforts to raising awareness of the Canadian Honours System among serving and retired Canadian Armed Forces members. In 2021, he launched the initiative Canadian Veterans: Owed or Missing Medals, an initiative that helps military personnel receive replacements for lost, missing or stolen medals.