Companions
Michael Andrew Fox, C.C.
Burnaby, British Columbia and New York, New York, United States of America
Michael J. Fox is in a remarkable chapter of his life, blending selective acting with powerful global advocacy and unflinching honesty about Parkinson’s. Through his foundation, he drives transformative research and hope. He has inspired millions worldwide by channelling his voice into writing, public speaking, and the acclaimed 2023 documentary Still.
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Donald K. Johnson, C.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Donald K. Johnson has strengthened business education, health care and the arts through transformative philanthropy and leadership. His major gifts to the Ivey Business School, the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, and leading cultural institutions complement his ongoing advocacy to remove capital gains tax on charitable gifts to increase donations nationwide.
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Lewis Edward Kay, C.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Lewis Kay is driving innovation in biomolecular structure and dynamics research. This University of Toronto professor and SickKids senior scientist continues to refine nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approaches to study large, previously unreachable proteins and apply NMR to increasingly complex biological systems. He is also a dedicated mentor, guiding future innovators and specialists.
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Christine Sinclair, C.C., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Christine Sinclair is an international soccer legend. One of the most influential athletes in Canadian history, she is the world’s all-time leading goal scorer and captained the Canadian team to its first-ever Olympic gold medal. She is a powerful advocate for the advancement of women’s sport and has inspired generations of athletes globally.
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Officers
Eric E. Baker, O.C.
Long Sault, Ontario
Entrepreneur Eric Baker had a distinguished career in private equity and venture capital investing. Driven by his instinct for innovation, this sought-after administrator grew many successful businesses in the emerging technology and communications sectors. A generous philanthropist, he has supported organizations and initiatives in a wide variety of fields.
Cecilia Benoit, O.C.
Victoria, British Columbia
Cecilia Benoit, a University of Victoria scientist and sociologist, is recognized for her rigorous research and respect for the communities with whom she engages. Her work has informed policy debates on sex work, maternal care and health equity. Her efforts to challenge stigma and elevate evidence-based research have helped move Canadian policymakers toward effective change.
Michel Bouvier, O.C., C.Q.
Montréal, Quebec
Michel Bouvier revolutionized the study of G-protein-coupled receptors through major methodological innovations in cellular signaling. A renowned researcher and builder, he bridged fundamental research, translational science and the biopharmaceutical industry. A prolific author and internationally recognized mentor, he has trained hundreds of scientists and contributed to patented technologies driving therapeutic innovation.
Yvan Cournoyer, O.C.
Blainville, Quebec
Hockey icon Yvan Cournoyer had an exceptional career in the National Hockey League. Over 16 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, he won 10 Stanley Cups, cementing his status as an exceptional player. Inducted into the Hall of Fame and named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history, he has also distinguished himself through his community and philanthropic work.
Ronald C. C. Cuming, O.C.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Commercial law scholar Ronald Cuming transformed secured transactions law in Canada and abroad. Principal architect of Saskatchewan’s Personal Property Security Act, he guided its nationwide adoption and advised global agencies on modern lending systems. Author of influential texts, he shaped the Cape Town Convention and jurisprudence cited at the highest courts.
Niv Fichman, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
A veteran producer and founder of Rhombus Media, Niv Fichman has shaped Canadian cinema for nearly five decades. His acclaimed films, including The Red Violin, Enemy and BlackBerry, have earned global recognition and major awards. A visionary and mentor, he continues to champion excellence in film and television.
The Honourable Mayann Elizabeth Francis, O.C., O.N.S.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mayann Francis is a distinguished public servant, human rights advocate and historic trailblazer. Appointed as Nova Scotia’s 31st lieutenant governor in 2006, she became the first African Nova Scotian and second woman in the role. She later continued her public service and authored several books, including her 2019 memoir.
Alison Mary Keith, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Alison Keith has transformed the study of Latin epic through her groundbreaking work on gender and genre. University of Toronto classics professor and director of the Jackman Humanities Institute, she is also an acclaimed author, mentor and leader who advances classical scholarship globally through innovative research, teaching and service to major academic societies.
Cindy Kenny-Gilday, O.C.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Cindy Kenny‑Gilday is a leading Sahtu Dene advocate whose work exposed the devastating health and cultural impacts of uranium mining on her community in Great Bear Lake, Northwest Territories. She advanced Indigenous rights globally by helping to integrate traditional knowledge into international conservation policy and amplifying Indigenous voices in United Nations sustainability discussions.
Loreena McKennitt, O.C., O.M., C.D.
Stratford, Ontario
Loreena McKennitt has enriched and represented Canadian culture at home and abroad through her music. She has championed artists, supported military families as an honorary colonel, and fostered community through the Falstaff Family Centre and Wise Communities Stratford. Her leadership in public dialogue, reconciliation efforts and civic engagement have strengthened Canada.
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Tonita Murray, O.C., O.O.M.
Ottawa, Ontario
Tonita Murray modernized Canadian police training and advanced global discussions on democratic policing. She strengthened security sector reform in Afghanistan and expanded her impact through policing and rule‑of‑law work with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Nairobi. She continues to shape international policing reform through her published research.
Peter William Nickerson, O.C.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Peter Nickerson is a world-renowned clinical and transplant nephrologist. By developing innovative tools for the prediction, diagnosis and prevention of acute and chronic transplant rejection, and creating national programs for kidney-paired donation and highly sensitized patients, he has helped elevate the quality of and access to care across the country.
Stephanie Nolen, O.C.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
A distinguished journalist and author, Stephanie Nolen has reported from more than 80 countries, exposing inequities in health, conflict and social justice. Renowned for her groundbreaking HIV-AIDS coverage in Africa, she has earned major national and international awards, and has written acclaimed books on AIDS, art history, and women’s roles in the space race.
Beverley Anne Orser, O.C., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario
Beverley Orser is a leading anesthesiologist, neuroscientist and University of Toronto professor internationally recognized for defining anesthesia’s molecular mechanisms. Her discoveries have transformed our understanding of how anesthetic drugs influence memory, consciousness and brain function. She has also advanced patient safety worldwide through influential advocacy initiatives and internationally adopted best‑practice standards.
Duke Redbird, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Duke Redbird, an Elder and member of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, has been a defining voice in Indigenous arts and thought for more than 60 years. Through poetry, visual art and spoken word, he highlights the enduring bond between people and the land, and has influenced creators, educators and communities across Canada and beyond.
Corinne Etta Sparks, O.C.
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Corinne Sparks, a trailblazing Canadian jurist and mentor to Black lawyers, transformed the country’s legal landscape. The first Black judge in Nova Scotia and the first Black woman to serve as a judge in Canada, she notably issued a landmark decision on racial and judicial bias that was upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Mary Thompson, O.C.
Waterloo, Ontario
Mary Thompson has transformed statistical science through advances in survey methodology and public policy research. This University of Waterloo professor made major contributions to the International Tobacco Control Project, advised national agencies and helped found the Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute. She also champions women in the mathematical and statistical sciences. (50)
The Honourable Charlie Watt, O.C., O.Q.
Kuujjuaq, Quebec
Charlie Watt is a retired senator and influential Inuit leader who founded both the Northern Quebec Inuit Association and the Makivvik Corporation. He played a pivotal role in negotiating the landmark James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Throughout his 34-year career in the Senate, he championed Indigenous rights and introduced Inuktitut to the chamber.
Grover Timothy Whiten, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Tim Whiten, a major figure in contemporary Canadian art, has spent five decades exploring spirituality, transformation and the human condition through sculpture, drawing, performance and multimedia installation. Widely exhibited and held in major collections, his work continues to inspire profound reflection. He also shaped generations as a long-time York University professor.
Members
Vicki Adams Willis, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta
Vicki Adams Willis is a leader in jazz dance. She has pushed the art form forward while simultaneously rediscovering and promoting the authentic roots of the genre. Co-founder and long-time artistic director of Calgary’s Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, she has advanced the arts sector in Canada and beyond with her profound and groundbreaking contributions.
Philip David Boothe Akin, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Philip Akin, a trailblazing actor, director and cultural force, has shaped stage and screen for more than 50 years. At a time when there were few Black performers on Canadian television, he inspired many. Notably, he co‑founded Obsidian Theatre, through which he championed Black artists and reshaped Canada’s theatrical landscape for future generations.
Stephen Lawrence Archer, C.M.
Kingston, Ontario
Stephen Archer is an internationally acclaimed cardiologist. His seminal discoveries in pulmonary arterial hypertension and its underlying mechanisms have led to novel therapies and improved patient care. He has influenced important health care initiatives, including the creation of the Translational Institute of Medicine at Queen’s University and the Alberta Cardiovascular and Stroke Research Centre.
Bishop Andrew Phillip Atagotaaluk, C.M.
Inukjuak, Quebec
Andrew Atagotaaluk, the first Inuk diocesan bishop in the Anglican Communion, has had a profound and multi‑dimensional impact on Inuit communities throughout the Arctic. His work shaped community healing, cultural strength, youth well-being, spiritual life and institutional resilience across Nunavut, Nunavik and the wider Arctic region.
Sister Annette Bellavance, C.M., G.O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec
Annette Bellavance is a revered school administrator and educator. As head of Collège Regina Assumpta, she led its revitalization and modernization, transforming it into one of the most sought-after private educational institutions in the city. A champion of community connection, she has contributed extensively to the advancement of Quebec’s private education landscape.
Trèva Cousineau, C.M.
Orléans, Ontario
Trèva Cousineau is a leader in the Franco-Ontarian community. A tireless activist, she has spent over 60 years defending and promoting the Canadian Francophonie locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. She is known for her sustained community involvement, lending her expertise to such organizations as the Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario and the Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans.
Allan L. Covens, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Allan Covens is a globally recognized leader in gynecological oncology. He has helped elevate the standard of surgical treatment for cervical and other cancers, including the introduction and promotion of conservative and fertility-sparing approaches. A national and international mentor, he has brought cancer care to women in countries lacking specialized treatment.
Chris Cran, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta
A transformative force in the Calgary visual arts community, Chris Cran has shaped generations of artists through his innovative explorations of painting. Blending traditional genres with pop-cultural sources, he playfully disrupts perception. A celebrated exhibitor, mentor, teacher and advocate, he has profoundly enriched Canada’s artistic landscape.
Gordon Sinclair Earle, C.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Gordon Earle is a distinguished public servant and politician who has advanced human rights, accountability and equity in Canada. In 1997, he became Nova Scotia’s first Black member of Parliament, a milestone in national representation. His leadership strengthened public institutions and left a legacy of fairness, inclusion and principled civic service.
John William Foster, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario
John Foster is a long-time advocate of social justice and human rights. A leader in NGOs and ecumenical groups, he influenced government policy and strengthened civil society, notably in the areas of international relations, refugees and HIV/AIDS. He is an expert coalition builder and community mobilizer, and his impact extends across Canada and beyond.
David Tat Fai Fung, C.M.
West Vancouver, British Columbia
David Fung is a leading engineer, technology integrator, and entrepreneur whose career spans sustainable industry, global manufacturing and cross‑border innovation. He has built or revitalized more than 25 companies worldwide, advancing clean technology and circular‑economy solutions. A prolific inventor and advisor, he has significantly shaped Canada–China economic and industrial relations.
Christopher Gaze, C.M., O.B.C., M.S.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Christopher Gaze is a visionary arts leader whose career spans five decades of performance, education and advocacy. As founding artistic director of Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, he built it into a major cultural force, championed youth outreach, and strengthened British Columbia’s arts community through mentorship, public engagement and dedication.
Duane Michael Gibson, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Duane D. O. Gibson is a globally recognized Guinness World Record-setting hip-hop artist, author and educator whose empowering music, books and youth programs have reached over 4 000 schools. Founder of Stay Driven, he motivates students nationwide through messages of resilience, leadership, literacy and positive decision‑making, blending artistry with meaningful social impact.
Trevor Ariel Hurwitz, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Trevor Hurwitz has had a transformative impact on the treatment of complex brain disorders. Considered the founder of neuropsychiatry in British Columbia, he created the province’s first programs in the discipline, which remain at the forefront nationwide. He is also a patient advocate and advisor on medico-legal and ethical issues in psychiatry.
Prakash Vinodrai Joshi, C.M.
Burnaby, British Columbia
Prakash Joshi has made outstanding contributions to the fields of materials testing and quality control inspection. A distinguished technologist, he developed innovative testing procedures that advanced new materials technologies, particularly in the construction industry. An author and musician, he is also widely recognized for his long-standing involvement within the Indo-Canadian community.
Brenda Kamino, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Brenda Kamino is a distinguished actor whose career spans 50 years and more than 100 stage, television and screen productions. A champion of equitable representation who advocates non-traditional casting, she expanded opportunities for marginalized artists and transformed diversity in Canada’s performing arts. A beloved mentor, she is the co-producer of the Renaissance Canadian Theatre Company.
Clarence LeBreton, C.M.
Caraquet, New Brunswick
Acadian historian and public servant Clarence LeBreton has advanced cultural preservation and regional development in New Brunswick through his leadership at the Village Historique Acadien, Aquarium of New Brunswick and within various departments. Engaged author and community builder, he has strengthened French‑language media, organized major commemorations and served on several boards for years in service to the public.
Martha L. P. MacLeod, C.M.
Prince George, British Columbia
A visionary leader in rural nursing and remote health care, Martha MacLeod has championed equitable access for northern communities while mentoring future nurses and nurse practitioners. Through groundbreaking research and influential publications, she has transformed education and strengthened primary and community care. Her enduring contributions continue to shape the future of rural health in Canada.
Ryan Bresser Moran, C.M., M.S.C.
Victoria, British Columbia
Ry Moran is a Red River Métis citizen who has amplified Indigenous voices through his leadership in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. As Canada’s first associate university librarian, Reconciliation, at the University of Victoria, he is strengthening ethical stewardship and access to Indigenous historical records.
Daniel Patrick Murphy, C.M.
Stanhope Beach, Prince Edward Island
A leading Prince Edward Island entrepreneur, Danny Murphy built D. P. Murphy Group into a major hospitality enterprise while advancing regional tourism and employment. A dedicated philanthropist, he strengthened disability services, revitalized Oak Acres Children’s Camp, and supported health care and Alzheimer’s initiatives, profoundly enhancing community well-being across the Maritime provinces.
Nancy Nicol, C.M.
Kingston, Ontario
Nancy Nicol has profoundly advanced human rights through activism and through her groundbreaking documentary filmmaking, research and writing. Her extensive works chronicling decades of 2SLGBTQI+ advocacy in Canada, as well as her leadership of an international participatory research project, have preserved vital queer histories and strengthened global movements for equality, justice and social change.
Janice Lynn Pasieka, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta
Surgeon Janice Pasieka has helped redefine treatment for adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid and neuroendocrine disorders. She transformed coordinated care in western Canada by establishing multidisciplinary clinics at Calgary’s Tom Baker Cancer Centre. She also created Canada’s first American Association of Endocrine Surgeons‑accredited endocrine surgery fellowship and has mentored surgeons worldwide.
Roger Damon Price, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario
Roger Price is a groundbreaking creator of youth television whose influential series reshaped children’s programming. His imaginative storytelling and irreverent humour empowered young audiences and advanced both science fiction and sketch comedy. His legacy endures through continued work with You Can’t Do That Productions in Ottawa and remains widely celebrated.
Caroline Quach-Thanh, C.M., O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec
Microbiologist and infectious disease specialist Caroline Quach-Thanh is one of Canada’s leading public health figures. Professor at Université de Montréal and clinician at CHU Sainte-Justine, she has conducted research that has strengthened infection prevention and control in hospitals and the wider community. An outstanding communicator, she used her expertise to help the public understand the issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Robert Quartermain, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Robert Quartermain is an esteemed geologist and mining company executive. Throughout his successful career, he enabled the creation of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in GDP, and discovered one of the highest-grade gold deposits in the country. A philanthropist, he has also positively impacted 2SLGBTQI+ youth across Canada.
Jean-François Rivest, C.M.
Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec
Professor Emeritus at Université de Montréal, Jean-François Rivest is well known in Quebec’s musical landscape. This virtuoso violinist and conductor has performed in hundreds of concerts worldwide with some of Canada’s most prestigious ensembles, including the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. A true mentor, he has launched several youth-centred educational initiatives, including the Orchestre de l’Université de Montréal and École LUMI.
Donald Colin Robertson, C.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario
Colin Robertson is a leading authority on Canadian foreign, trade and defence policy and public diplomacy. A career diplomat, he developed expertise on relations and trade negotiations with our closest neighbour through his multiple postings in the United States. He continues to educate on international affairs through his presentations, podcasts and commentaries.
Lorne Richard Segal, C.M., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Lorne Segal is a respected business leader known for his visionary, detail‑driven leadership in landmark real estate development. He is equally recognized for his enduring commitment to community service, including leadership in major mental health and youth empowerment initiatives. His combined impact reflects a lifelong legacy of principled enterprise and meaningful civic contribution.
Mary-Deanne Shears, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Mary Deanne Shears is a trailblazing journalist whose decisive leadership transformed the Toronto Star. Rising from early reporting roles to become the first woman to serve as managing editor, she shaped groundbreaking journalism, led with authority and integrity, and expanded opportunities for women across Canada’s newsroom landscape.
Harvey Allan Skinner, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Harvey Skinner is a globally recognized researcher in the field of behaviour change and addictions. His seminal Drug Abuse Screening Test has become the global standard, enhancing clinical treatment and policy development. He is an esteemed champion of digital innovation, interdisciplinary learning, international peacebuilding, and youth-led initiatives for addressing climate change.
Roderick Milton Stewart, C.M.
Port Hope, Ontario
Roderick Stewart is passionate about architectural plaster conservation. His products and methods have become industry standards across North America, where he is known as a leading expert in this specialized field. His notable application of acrylic resins has extended the useful service life of plain face and decorative plaster in countless heritage buildings.
Floyd Edward Toole, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario
Acoustics researcher Floyd Toole transformed global understanding of sound reproduction through groundbreaking work at Canada’s National Research Council. His innovative loudspeaker measurements and NRC facilities spurred Canadian loudspeaker manufacturing, and he advanced room acoustics and loudspeaker standards at Harman International. His definitive textbook continues to guide the field worldwide.
Bhavana Varma, C.M., O.Ont.
Kingston, Ontario
Community leader Bhavana Varma has dedicated her career to the non-profit sector. As president and CEO of United Way in Kingston, she worked with the community to transform the organization into one of Canada’s top charities. A role model, she has championed diversity, inclusion and collaboration throughout all her endeavours.
Jerry Hsueh-Ching Wang, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta
Biochemist Jerry Wang is internationally renowned for his landmark discoveries that have shaped modern cell-signalling science, enzymology and neuroscience. Throughout his prolific career at the universities of Manitoba and Calgary, he has influenced research direction and solidified Canada’s reputation as a leader in biomedical innovation.
Juanita Westmoreland‑Traoré, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Juanita Westmoreland‑Traoré is a trailblazing legal figure who broke barriers as Quebec’s first Black judge and Canada’s first Black law dean. She also became the first Black woman to teach law at two major Quebec universities. Her enduring commitment to equality and justice continues to inspire students and young professionals.
Kona Kristen Chant Williams, C.M.
Wahnapitae, Ontario
Kona Williams, the first First Nations forensic pathologist in Canada, has transformed forensic practice through culturally informed leadership, national advocacy and system reform. Her work strengthens death investigations, advances equity for Indigenous communities, and modernizes forensic standards. As a national advisor and academic leader, she champions justice, representation and improved responses to missing Indigenous people.
Verna Caroline Williams, C.M.
Aiyansh, British Columbia
Elder, matriarch and language educator Verna Williams helped revitalize the Nisga’a language and traditional knowledge. Her legacy to the Nisga’a Nation includes contributions to the Nisga’a Language Student Vocabulary Guide and the FirstVoices archive. She is a revered teacher and cultural leader who is ensuring access to the Nisga’a language for future generations.
Anne Woolger, C.M.
Pickering, Ontario
Anne Woolger has devoted nearly four decades to welcoming and supporting refugee claimants with compassion and conviction. As founder of Matthew House Toronto, she expanded a single home into a vast network that has supported more than 5 000 newcomers and inspired similar programs across North America.