Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 23, 2008
• Invested on: April 07, 2010

For the last three decades, David Matas has been dedicated to defending the rights of society's most vulnerable members. A lawyer and recognized authority on human rights, immigration and refugee law, he has had a marked impact on the evolution and expansion of these fields in Canada and abroad. He has been a valued advisor and human rights observer for the Canadian government and has been sought out for his expertise by several human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International Canada, the Canadian Council for Refugees and the International Commission of Jurists. Currently, he is a member of the board of directors for Rights and Democracy, and serves as senior legal counsel for B'nai Brith Canada.