Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 25, 2007
• Invested on: December 12, 2008

A powerful role model, Joanne MacDonald has spent decades fighting to improve accessibility for disabled persons and to making Canada more inclusive. After achieving outstanding success as an elite wheelchair athlete, she became an outspoken advocate for people with disabilities, helping to empower her peers by challenging stereotypes and promoting equality. As a member of various organizations at the provincial and national levels, she has been a key contributor to the development of the independent living movement.