Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony

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Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony

Governor General to Invest 48 Recipients into the Order of Canada

OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will invest 2 Companions, 8 Officers and 38 Members into the Order of Canada during a ceremony at 
Rideau Hall, on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.

RECIPIENTS

COMPANIONS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Peter A. Herrndorf, C.C., O.Ont.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Ottawa, Ont.

The Honourable Marshall Rothstein, C.C., Q.C.
Ottawa, Ont.

OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Darleen Bogart, O.C.
Toronto, Ont.

Russell Braun, O.C.
Georgetown, Ont.

Michael John Myers, O.C.
Scarborough, Ont. and 
New York, New York, U.S.A.

The Honourable Hugh Segal, O.C.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Toronto, Ont.

Christine Margaret Sinclair, O.C.
Burnaby, B.C. and 
Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.

Donald T. Stuss, O.C., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ont.

Lorne Trottier, O.C.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Beaconsfield, Que.

Hieu Cong Truong, O.C.
Ottawa, Ont.

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Paul Albrechtsen, C.M., O.M.
Winnipeg, Man.

Judith G. Bartlett, C.M.
Winnipeg, Man.

Edwin Robert Bourget, C.M.
Québec, Que.

Geoffrey Cape, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.

Jan Christilaw, C.M.
Vancouver, B.C.

Susan Elizabeth Crocker, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.

Cathy Crowe, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.

Tracy Dahl, C.M.
Winnipeg, Man.

William MacDonald Evans, C.M.
Ottawa, Ont.

Brian F. Gable, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.

Emmanuelle Gattuso, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.

Douglas Maitland Gibson, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.

Ellen Hamilton, C.M.
Iqaluit, Nvt.

Robert Keith Harman, C.M.
Almonte, Ont.

Christopher House, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.

Mi’sel Joe, C.M.
Conne River, N.L.

Roxanne Joyal, C.M.

Toronto, Ont.

Daniel Kandelman, C.M.
Montréal, Que.

Sylvia L’Écuyer, C.M.
Delta, B.C.

Garry M. Lindberg, C.M.
Ottawa, Ont.

John Macfarlane, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.

Pierre Maisonneuve, C.M.
Montréal, Que.

Patricia Mandy, C.M.
Dundas, Ont.

Kim McConnell, C.M.
Okotoks, Alta.

Paul Mills, C.M.
London, Ont.

Reza Nasseri, C.M., A.O.E.
Edmonton, Alta.

Jean Perrault, C.M., C.Q.
Sherbrooke, Que.

Alfred H. E. Popp, C.M., C.Q.
Ottawa, Ont.

Ash K. Prakash, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.

Gail Erlick Robinson, C.M., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ont.

Ahmet Fuad Sahin, C.M., O.Ont.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.

Diane Sasson, C.M.
Montréal, Que.

John H. Sims, C.M., C.Q.
Ottawa, Ont.

Annabel Slaight, C.M., O.Ont.
Roches Point, Ont.

Gordon J. Smith, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.

Michael Tymianski, C.M.
Toronto, Ont.

William A. Waiser, C.M., S.O.M.
Saskatoon, Sask.

Bert Wasmund, C.M.
Milton, Ont.

RECIPIENTS’ CITATIONS

COMPANIONS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Peter A. Herrndorf, C.C., O.Ont.
Ottawa, Ontario

Peter Herrndorf’s visionary leadership has helped shape a vibrant cultural landscape. For almost two decades, this former executive in public broadcasting and publishing has applied his considerable business acumen to his role as head of the National Arts Centre. Devoted to advancing the institution’s national relevance, he has supported and showcased homegrown talent, encouraged performance tours and spearheaded the bold redesign of this iconic landmark. His extraordinary engagement in the arts also reflects his desire to enrich the lives of Canadians throughout the country.

This is a promotion within the Order.

The Honourable Marshall Rothstein, C.C., Q.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

Marshall Rothstein is a pillar of leadership in Canadian law. His early career focused on his personal practice in transportation law; he also taught at the University of Manitoba and was appointed to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. He later served with integrity on Canada’s highest courts, notably for nine years on the Supreme Court of Canada. He authored a prodigious number of judgments, notably on intellectual property rights, tax law and commercial matters. Since retiring from the Court, he remains dedicated to legal education through numerous speaking and lecturing engagements.

 

OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Darleen Bogart, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Darleen Bogart is a steadfast advocate for Braille literacy. A volunteer with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind for over 50 years, she has taught generations of volunteers how to transcribe and teach this tactile reading and writing system for people with vision loss. She is recognized as a key figure in the adoption of the Unified English Braille code and for increasing Braille literacy worldwide. Her exceptional community engagement extends to the Women’s College Hospital in Toronto where she has been a volunteer for more than 50 years.

Russell Braun, O.C.
Georgetown, Ontario

Baritone Russell Braun has graced the stages of the world’s finest musical venues. Since his debut with the Canadian Opera Company 25 years ago, he has become known for his luminous voice and sensitive interpretations. He has distinguished himself in opera, concerts and oratorio, and his recordings have earned him critical acclaim. Now teaching at the University of Toronto, he is highly regarded for his warm and generous support of the next generation of singers and for his commitment to performing the work of Canadian composers.

Michael John Myers, O.C.
Scarborough, Ontario and New York, New York, United States of America

Mike Myers is one of the most multi-faceted comedic performers of his generation. An actor, writer, director and producer, he is celebrated for creating memorable television and film characters like Wayne Campbell, Shrek, Austin Powers and Dr. Evil, whose catchphrases are now part of the popular culture lexicon. He wears his heritage on his sleeve, with many shout-outs and inside jokes about Canada appearing throughout his international career. His 2016 book, Canada, is both a personal memoir and a love letter to his homeland.

The Honourable Hugh Segal, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Hugh Segal’s commitment to the public interest has earned the respect and admiration of Canadians. As chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, he delivered recommendations that have modernized Canada’s international developmental assistance, and was known for his expertise in national security issues. He monitored the human rights situation in Sri Lanka as Canada’s special envoy to the Commonwealth, and initiated a debate on welfare reform that has expanded across the country. His commitment to public service continues in his role as the fifth master of Massey College.

This is a promotion within the Order.

Christine Margaret Sinclair, O.C.
Burnaby, British Columbia and Portland, Oregon, United States of America

Christine Sinclair is the greatest player to have ever laced up soccer cleats for Team Canada. She debuted on the national team at the age of 16 and has since captained the squad to numerous impressive finishes including two historic back-to-back Olympic medals. One of the sports’ most feared strikers, she stands second worldwide in all-time international goals scored and has captured championships with three professional teams. Her leadership on and off the pitch has made her an inspiration to countless young athletes across the country.

Donald T. Stuss, O.C., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario

Donald Stuss is renowned for his revolutionary research on brain function, injury and rehabilitation. A professor at the University of Toronto, he has had a significant impact on our understanding of the connection between the brain’s frontal lobe and attention and memory. Through careful research, he has pioneered interventions to help rehabilitate those affected by frontal lobe damage. As the founding scientific director of Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute and of the Ontario Brain Institute, he helped establish both organizations as internationally renowned brain research centres.

Lorne Trottier, O.C.
Beaconsfield, Quebec

Lorne Trottier is deeply committed to promoting scientific education and research. Through his family foundation, he has contributed significantly to various institutions, including McGill and Simon Fraser universities and the École Polytechnique de Montréal. His dedication to improving scientific literacy at all levels was demonstrated through the foundation of the Trottier Public Science Symposium, one of our country’s most vibrant venues for public science. As the initiator of the interdisciplinary Trottier Energy Futures Project, he has also contributed to planning sustainable energy solutions for Canada.

This is a promotion within the Order.

Hieu Cong Truong, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

Hieu Cong Truong has changed the way money is made. As the director of advanced engineering and research at the Royal Canadian Mint, he propelled Canada to the forefront of the global minting industry through numerous innovations. Multi-ply coin plating, advanced gold and silver refinement, the world’s first digital technology for gold coin authentication, and the toonie’s inner core locking mechanism are among his many celebrated achievements. He is also a role model within the Vietnamese community, lending his time and talent to numerous organizations.

 

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

Paul Albrechtsen, C.M., O.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Paul Albrechtsen is one of Manitoba’s outstanding business and philanthropic leaders. President and CEO of Paul’s Hauling, he arrived in Canada from Denmark over 60 years ago and established a trucking company that has grown to become one of the leading bulk transport services in western Canada. In addition, he established a foundation that, over the years, has supported a wide variety of projects benefiting Manitobans, including St. Boniface Hospital, the Reh-Fit Centre, Assiniboine Park Conservancy and the United Way of Winnipeg.

Judith G. Bartlett, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Judith Bartlett is committed to improving health care in Manitoba’s Indigenous communities. One of the first Indigenous people to graduate from the medical program at the University of Manitoba, she has made trailblazing contributions to public health and was instrumental in establishing the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre in Winnipeg. A respected university professor, researcher and mentor, she developed a holistic life promotion framework that draws from the wisdom of the traditional medicine wheel, and has led various Indigenous health initiatives at the national and international levels.

Edwin Robert Bourget, C.M.
Québec, Quebec

Edwin Bourget is driven by a love of knowledge. A senior researcher in biology and marine ecology at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique in Rimouski and at Université Laval, he has conducted groundbreaking research on the environmental adaptation and dispersion of marine invertebrate populations. Later in his career, as vice-rector of research at the Université de Sherbrooke and Université Laval, he advocated for cross-discipline research and the breaking down of silos, working to strengthen partnerships between academia and industry. To that end, he supports numerous organizations promoting the dissemination of knowledge.

Geoffrey Cape, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

For more than 25 years, Geoffrey Cape has been at the forefront of promoting environmental sustainability across diverse platforms. Author, public speaker and founder of Evergreen, he has helped to instill a commitment to environmental issues in Canada and has been a key advocate for sustainable cities, green infrastructure and climate change resilience. He is also renowned for revitalizing and transforming Evergreen Brick Works into an attractive, internationally recognized centre for urban environmental excellence.

Jan Christilaw, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

An obstetrician-gynecologist, Jan Christilaw is an innovative health care leader. As vice-president of the BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, she has launched new treatment programs and strengthened its research profile by encouraging interdisciplinary co-operation. Known for her ability to improve public health outcomes, she also leads provincial efforts to enhance breast screening and perinatal health. Her work extends beyond Canada as she has provided obstetrical training in Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania, and has campaigned to increase access to emergency obstetrical care in rural Africa.

Susan Elizabeth Crocker, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

With her experience, drive and commitment, Susan Crocker is an influential presence in the city of Toronto. For more than 20 years, she has held key positions in the financial services industry, notably with CIBC and the Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan. She is renowned for her philanthropy in support of a number of Toronto’s iconic arts institutions. Recognized and sought after for her leadership abilities, she was appointed chancellor of St. Francis Xavier University in 2015, making her the first woman and lay person to hold the position.

Cathy Crowe, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

As one of Canada’s first street nurses, Cathy Crowe has devoted her career to using health care for social justice. In 1998, she co-founded the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee, an organization that pioneered new approaches to homelessness. She produced several documentary films and authored a book that have given voice to the marginalized and vulnerable. Through her creative and tenacious efforts as a social activist, she has bridged the issues of health and homelessness with a goal of making housing available for all.

Tracy Dahl, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

World-renowned coloratura soprano Tracy Dahl has enriched Canada’s operatic scene. Acclaimed for her clear, high and flexible voice and her theatrical sensitivities, she has performed with many of the world’s most prestigious opera companies as well as with every major Canadian orchestra. A proud Winnipegger, she works tirelessly to nurture and develop the next generation of Canadian singers. Highly regarded as a kind and supportive teacher and mentor, she brings the best out of her students to the delight of their audiences.

William MacDonald Evans, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Mac Evans has dedicated his career to ensuring Canada’s place among the stars. As one of the most influential builders of Canada’s space program, he played an instrumental role in the creation of the Canadian Space Agency. As its longest-serving president, he spurred major initiatives in astronaut recruitment and developments in satellite technology. His efforts have ensured Canada’s role as a competitive leader in modern space exploration through such landmark contributions as the Canadarm 2, an important component of the International Space Station, and the earth observation satellite RADARSAT 2.

Brian F. Gable, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Brian Gable has been drawing public attention to the Canadian socio-political reality for 40 years. As the editorial cartoonist for the Globe and Mail, he entertains and informs Canadians with his work, which embodies our national sense of humour, namely our ability to laugh at ourselves and our institutions. Never malicious, partisan or ideological, he is lauded for his wit and skill with a pen and is a legend within the editorial cartooning community. Highly respected among his peers, he acts as a mentor to his fellow cartoonists.

Emmanuelle Gattuso, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Emmanuelle Gattuso’s dynamism knows no bounds. She made pioneering contributions first as a senior manager in the communications field and then as a co-founder of Canadian Women in Communications, an organization that continues to support the advancement of women in the sector. Since then, her transformational leadership of fundraising initiatives and her philanthropy have helped many charities achieve their goals. A cancer survivor, she makes a difference in the lives of others affected by the disease through her generous support of Princess Margaret Hospital and Camp Oochigeas.

Douglas Maitland Gibson, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Douglas Gibson is one of Canada’s best-known literary editors and publishers. In a career spanning 40 years, notably with Macmillan Publishing and with McClelland & Stewart, he played an instrumental role in advancing and promoting Canadian literature. Known for his hands-on approach to publishing, he contributed to the enduring success of some of our country’s greatest authors. Highly invested in the literary community, he has also shared his expertise as a teacher at Simon Fraser University and as a judge of writing and publishing competitions.

Ellen Hamilton, C.M.
Iqaluit, Nunavut

An artist, director and educator, Ellen Hamilton is a dynamic advocate for Nunavut’s arts community. As a founding member of the Qaggiavuut Society, she helped strengthen and create opportunities for Inuit performing artists through training, networking and experience-sharing opportunities. She was also instrumental in the development of a creative space for Arctic performing artists. As an educator, she has had an impact on many lives, having developed Inuit-specific corrections programs and culturally sensitive early childhood education for Nunavut.

Robert Keith Harman, C.M.
Almonte, Ontario

Keith Harman has enhanced the security of individuals and infrastructure worldwide. An engineer and entrepreneur in the field of perimeter intrusion detection, he pioneered the development of several unique electronic sensing products and founded a successful company that has become an international leader in the technology. His innovations have helped protect homes, airports, utility plants, correctional facilities and international borders. During his 45-year career, he has provided many Canadians with training and employment, and has served as a mentor to young engineers entering the field.

Christopher House, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Christopher House believes in the highest calibre of artistic expression. A leading contemporary dancer and choreographer, he has served at the helm of the Toronto Dance Theatre for more than two decades, shaping it into one of Canada’s foremost dance companies in the genre. His creativity and innovation have given rise to many visually stunning works that have toured internationally and enriched the repertoires of dance companies and independent artists. His mentorship, combined with his dedication to new works, has helped transform Canada’s dance landscape.

Mi’sel Joe, C.M.
Conne River, Newfoundland and Labrador

Traditional chief and spiritual leader of the Miawpukek First Nation, Mi’sel Joe has inspired his community to grow from a place of isolation to prosperity. For more than three decades and through innate leadership and determination, he has brought individuals together to develop a positive path towards reconciliation. His sustained efforts have enabled the community to enjoy a strong economy and a growing population. A revered national Mi’kmaq spiritual leader, and an authority on traditional medicines and healing practices, he is deeply committed to keeping his people’s roots alive.

Roxanne Joyal, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Roxanne Joyal puts her heart and soul into improving the lives of those less fortunate. She has been an administrator with the WE Movement since its inception and is the co-founder, president and CEO of Me to We, a social enterprise that promotes responsible consumption and organizes volunteer trips to developing communities. Thanks to her leadership and business acumen, she has established fair economic ties between local producers and western markets, giving thousands of artisans the opportunity to build a promising future.

Daniel Kandelman, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Daniel Kandelman advances knowledge in the field of dentistry. A professor in Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Dentistry, he is internationally renowned for his research into the benefits of xylitol in preventing tooth decay. Regularly sought out by global and Canadian public health organizations, he created and directed an international centre for prevention that champions excellence in teaching and promotes oral health services for vulnerable populations. A well-known pianist, he has also organized several benefit concerts in support of humanitarian organizations.

Sylvia L’Écuyer, C.M.
Delta, British Columbia

Sylvia L’Écuyer is dedicated to the vitality of the arts and music in Canada. A musicologist by training and a skilled communicator, she has been sharing her love of classical music with audiences for over 30 years as a host on Radio-Canada. Known for such programs as “Les Musiciens du dimanche” and “Place à l’opéra,” she has also been Radio-Canada’s director of musical programming and has been a jury member for several arts boards. In addition to her active involvement in the community, she co-founded the Société pour les arts en milieux de santé.

Garry M. Lindberg, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Garry Lindberg has played an integral role in defining Canada’s role in space. As the project manager for the Canadarm and then as the founding vice-president of research and applications at the Canadian Space Agency, he was a driving force behind the country’s highest-profile space programs. He enhanced our technological reputation and helped create national heroes through the astronaut program. His contributions to science and technology are matched by more than 20 years of volunteering for local initiatives and community events.

John Macfarlane, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

John Macfarlane has had a legendary impact on Canadian journalism. In a career spanning half a century, he has held the position of editor-in-chief at a number of prominent Canadian magazines, including Weekend Magazine, Toronto Life and The Walrus. He has shepherded hundreds of award-winning articles to print and has nurtured the talents of emerging writers, editors, photographers and designers. He has also been actively involved in the community through his work on the boards of several literary, arts and community organizations.

Pierre Maisonneuve, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Pierre Maisonneuve had an illustrious career in journalism, covering the major social and political events of the past 50 years, including elections, constitutional debates and referendum crises. As host of various television and radio call-in shows, he gave his audience a balanced and thoughtful analysis. With a desire to share knowledge, he has written numerous biographies. He also gives his time to La Maison des enfants de l’île de Montréal and the Université de Sherbrooke’s University of the Third Age.

Patricia Mandy, C.M.
Dundas, Ontario

Pat Mandy is an advocate for Indigenous health. One of Ontario’s leading nurses and health care administrators, she was the first Indigenous president of the College of Nurses of Ontario and a founding member of the Aboriginal Health Advocacy Committee. Through her leadership of Hamilton Health Sciences, she improved the patient experience by creating the Aboriginal Health Navigator role, the first such initiative in Canada. A compassionate and principled mentor, she has supported many Indigenous youth pursuing careers in the health profession.

Kim McConnell, C.M.
Okotoks, Alberta

Kim McConnell is a leading voice for Canada’s agriculture industry. Founder of AdFarm, he is considered a pioneer of agricultural marketing in North America and has spearheaded numerous successful national and international campaigns that have helped this important sector thrive. He is widely sought after for his insight on modern media and is a devoted member of a wide range of farming and community organizations. He is also known for fostering entrepreneurship and for mentoring youth in rural communities.

Paul Mills, C.M.
London, Ontario

Paul Mills has been an instrumental presence in Canada’s folk music community for 45 years. A singer-songwriter, producer, recording engineer and studio owner, he lives and breathes the folk tradition. His impact as a record producer is substantial; with close to 200 albums produced for such Canadian artists as Stan Rogers, Sharon, Lois and Bram, Ron Hynes and John Allen Cameron, he has helped bring folk music to Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

Reza Nasseri, C.M., A.O.E.
Edmonton, Alberta

Reza Nasseri is committed to building sustainable communities. He is the founder and president of the Landmark Group of Builders, which has grown to become a leading residential builder known for its innovative and energy-efficient homes. Notably, he established a unique prefabrication facility for panelized construction that improves building quality and reduces manufacturing waste and greenhouse gases. In addition, he helps shape brighter futures for many with his generous support of post-secondary education, poverty reduction, immigrants, health care and the arts.

Jean Perrault, C.M., C.Q.
Sherbrooke, Quebec

Known for his civic dedication, Jean Perrault has worked tirelessly toward the economic, tourism, cultural and sport development of his community. Having worked for over 30 years as a city councillor and mayor of the City of Sherbrooke, he left lasting legacies. As president of the Union des municipalités du Québec and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), he promoted improved public and educational infrastructures across Canada effectively and with distinction. He also integrated bilingualism into the FCM, an organization that has existed for over a century.

Alfred H. E. Popp, C.M., C.Q.
Ottawa, Ontario

Alfred Popp is committed to keeping the world’s oceans safe and clean. A lawyer with the Department of Justice for many years, he was heavily involved in the International Maritime Organization, an agency of the United Nations that oversees global shipping. He chaired numerous diplomatic conferences and led negotiations of conventions designed to prevent accidents and negligence at sea, and to compensate individuals affected by oil contamination. Equally committed to reducing domestic pollution, he served three terms as the administrator of Canada’s compensation regime for oil spills.

Ash K. Prakash, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Ash Prakash is a leading figure in the promotion and life of Canadian art. One of Canada’s pre-eminent art dealers, he has helped assemble some of the country’s most important private art collections. He has increased public awareness of our country’s art history as an author of renown and as an advisor on numerous exhibitions. Also a benefactor of the National Gallery of Canada, he recently provided that institution with a major donation of the works of James W. Morrice.

Gail Erlick Robinson, C.M., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario

Gail Robinson is a devoted champion of women. A professor of psychiatry and of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Toronto, she has worked to advance women’s mental health, prevent violence against women and improve medical education. She co-founded the Women’s Mental Health program at the university as well as Canada’s first rape crisis centre and Toronto’s Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children. A pioneer in addressing health care provider sexual misconduct, she frequently serves as an expert witness during the proceedings of regulatory bodies and in court.

Ahmet Fuad Sahin, C.M., O.Ont.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Fuad Sahin is a foundational figure in Canada’s Muslim community. A proud Canadian, he possesses a profound love for the country that has been his home since the 1950s. He is known for establishing several religious and humanitarian organizations, notably the Council of Muslim Communities of Canada and the International Development and Relief Foundation. Guided by the principles of openness and tolerance, he has supported the leadership of women within the faith, and nurtured mutual understanding between Muslim communities and with the broader Canadian population.

Diane Sasson, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Diane Sasson is devoted to the welfare of women. For 20 years, she led Auberge Shalom pour femmes, the first and only Jewish centre for abused women and their children in Canada. A respected advocate for legal reform, she was instrumental in the collaborative process that altered Quebec’s Civil Code in favour of allowing victims of spousal violence or sexual assault to terminate their residential lease without penalty. Her capacity for building partnerships has strengthened the province-wide network of shelters, thereby offering greater support to vulnerable women and families.

John H. Sims, C.M., C.Q.
Ottawa, Ontario

John Sims has devoted his career to making Canada a more just and equitable country. As a well-respected deputy minister of the Department of Justice, he brought a strong sense of personal ethics and a measured and conciliatory approach to the role. Since retiring from the public service, he has renewed his commitment to improving access to justice for all Canadians. He is also a volunteer with the Canadian Bar Association, where he serves as chair of its Access to Justice Committee.

Annabel Slaight, C.M., O.Ont.
Roches Point, Ontario

Annabel Slaight has devoted her career to opening children’s hearts and minds to the wonders of the world around them. One of Canada’s pioneers in children’s publishing, she co-founded OWL, Chickadee and Chirp magazines and, through them, encouraged a love of science and the natural world among countless readers. She has also contributed to the creation of innovative, screen-based programming for young Canadians as president of the OWL Centre for Children’s Film and Television, and currently gives generously of her time to watershed conservation initiatives.

Gordon J. Smith, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

A master of illusion, Gordon Smith is considered a pioneer in the film and television make-up and prosthetics field. A respected figure in the industry, he designed special effects make-up and meticulously crafted cutting-edge prosthetics for more than 80 motion pictures, including Platoon, JFK and the X-Men movie franchise. Primarily self-taught, he and his Canadian crew spearheaded the development of silicone gel prosthetic technology, now the industry standard around the world. His work has helped to enhance the cinematic experience of moviegoers at home and abroad.

Michael Tymianski, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Michael Tymianski is fostering hope for stroke victims. A professor at the University of Toronto and head of the largest division of neurosurgery in Canada, he has conducted fundamental research on the molecular mechanisms that govern the death of brain cells during strokes. His landmark investigations over nearly two decades have led to the development of the first-ever therapy to show real promise in protecting the brain following these episodes. His contributions at the leading edge of the field have captivated scientists worldwide.

William A. Waiser, C.M., S.O.M.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Bill Waiser is widely known as “Saskatchewan’s historian.” Distinguished professor emeritus of history at the University of Saskatchewan, he is recognized not only for the uncompromising quality of his research, but also for his abilities as an adept storyteller. Through his repertoire of award-winning works, he has skilfully told the story of his province and its people to both academic readers and the wider public. His writings on western and northern Canada are considered major contributions to the heritage of these regions.

Bert Wasmund, C.M.
Milton, Ontario

Bert Wasmund has made lasting contributions to Canada’s mining industry. A chemical engineer lauded for his commitment to sustainability, he has provided leadership and expertise to Hatch Ltd. for over 50 years. His groundbreaking innovations, particularly related to the design of new smelting furnaces, have set the standard in the industry while minimizing negative environmental impact and enhancing worker safety. A committed mentor, he has supported enhanced educational opportunities for students at the University of Toronto, Queen’s University and McMaster University.


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