Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: April 27, 2000
• Invested on: February 28, 2001

He is acknowledged by his peers as one of the world's experts on polar bears. He has also earned the respect of the Inuit people and others who have depended on this animal for generations. He carefully listens to their traditional knowledge, respects their views and incorporates them into his research. A gifted public speaker, he has captured the interest of scientists, impressed nature conservationists and enthralled youngsters in elementary schools, a testament to his love for this magnificent northern creature.