Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 8, 2014
• Invested on: September 12, 2014

For his pioneering contributions to the art of photography and for his promotion of contemporary Canadian photographers.


James Borcoman is a pioneer of Canadian photography. Curator of photographs at the National Gallery of Canada for more than 25 years, he played a visionary role in the establishment of the museum’s collection of contemporary and historical photographs. His stewardship of the exhibition program, combined with his many publications, have contributed greatly to the field and have advanced photography as an art form. In addition, he helped launch the careers of many talented Canadian photographers.