Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga

  • Riga, Latvia

Order of Canada

  • Honorary Officer of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: November 14, 2023
    • Invested on: October 03, 2024

    Vaira Vike-Freiberga, O.C., O.Q.
    Riga, Latvia

    Vaira Vike-Freiberga has enriched Canada-Latvia relations and reflected Canadian values abroad. Professor emerita in psychology at l’Université de Montréal, she returned to her native Latvia to become the first woman to serve as its president, helping the country enter into NATO and the European Union, and regain stability during its post-Soviet period. She remains committed to protecting democracy and human rights, and to promoting women leaders worldwide.
    This is an honorary appointment.