Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: November 4, 2009
• Invested on: September 03, 2010

Alexa McDonough has distinguished herself through a lifelong commitment to progressive change and social activism. Former leader of both the provincial and federal New Democratic parties, she served as a passionate voice for reform and as a strong advocate of policies in aid of marginalized people. She was also effective in building a more inclusive political party, ensuring greater representation of women and visible minorities in government. Since retirement from political life, she has been serving as president of Mount St. Vincent University and continuing her active involvement in international development and peace advocacy work.