Officers

Martha Gertrude Muriel Billes, O.C.
Calgary, Alberta

Business trailblazer Martha Billes took the helm of the family business and propelled it to new heights. As the majority voting shareholder of Canadian Tire Corporation Limited, she oversaw the significant growth of the company, leading it to become one of the most-trusted retail brands in the country and an international icon of successful entrepreneurship. A kind hearted philanthropist, she invested both time and money to benefit many causes, notably by founding Jumpstart Charities, which improves the lives of millions of children across the country through sports and physical activity.

Elizabeth Cannon, O.C.
Calgary, Alberta

Elizabeth Cannon has had a far-reaching impact on Canada’s science, technology and academic sectors. An expert in geomatics engineering, she has been a leader in the development of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), both as a field of study and as a commercial technology. She is equally renowned for helping to push the country’s research capacity forward through her involvement in several academic and professional organizations, notably as the long-serving president of the University of Calgary. A trailblazer throughout her career, she has championed other women in the STEM fields.

John Challis, O.C.
West Vancouver, British Columbia

John Challis is a globally recognized medical researcher, academic and health administrator. His research in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology has significantly advanced our understanding of the birth process and the influence of fetal development on later adult health. Professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, he has built strategic partnerships among universities, hospitals, government and the private sector to promote knowledge transfer and to strengthen the links between clinical and basic health research.

Navjeet Singh Dhillon, O.C.
Calgary, Alberta

Bob Dhillon is committed to giving back to his adopted country. A passionate advocate of higher education, this founder and president of Mainstreet Equity Corp. has established student scholarships at various universities, including the Dhillon School of Business, for which he is the namesake donor. Active in public service, he shares his expertise on the boards of several provincial and federal organizations, including the Premier’s Economic Recovery Council, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. He also generously provides safe housing to refugees resettling in Canada and those affected by natural disasters.

The Honourable David Ross Fitzpatrick, O.C., O.B.C.
Kelowna, British Columbia

Ross Fitzpatrick has left an indelible mark on the Okanagan Valley. Founder of his family’s estate winery, he pioneered the movement of sustainable green development and championed innovative operating practices in the industry. He is also an esteemed senator and a powerful advocate for Indigenous economic independence in the region, noted for his commanding negotiations of the Westbank First Nation Self-Government Agreement. Additionally, his deep commitment to conservation secured the protective rights of sacred Indigenous land, including Spotted Lake and in the South Okanagan-Similkameen area.

Evelyn L. Forget, O.C.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Evelyn Forget is a tireless champion for income equity. An esteemed health economist and scholar, she has shown how a guaranteed basic income can help lift families and communities above the poverty line. Her groundbreaking quantitative research on minimum income levels has revealed their positive impact on individuals’ physical and mental health, and on their educational outcomes. A devoted mentor to social justice advocates and a sought-after advisor to non-profit organizations and all levels of government, she has advanced anti-poverty policies and initiatives across Canada and around the world.

J. Edward Johnson, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec

An unassuming leader, J. Edward Johnson has had a profound influence on the most senior levels of government and corporate Canada. A former senior vice-president of and strategic advisor at Power Corporation of Canada, he helped direct its evolution into an insurance leader and guide its philanthropic influence across many sectors. He has shared his passion for culture, education and nature through his governance and advocacy of several Canadian institutions, including the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the National Theatre School of Canada, and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.

Frederick A. Leighton, O.C.
Bear River, Nova Scotia

Ted Leighton has expanded the reach of the veterinary profession. A pathologist and a professor emeritus at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, he has uncovered wildlife health challenges linked to habitat loss, climate change, species extinction and emerging diseases. His leadership was instrumental in the development of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, an internationally renowned network dedicated to disease surveillance and research. Throughout his career, he has been a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and its crucial role in preserving sustainable ecological stability.

Patricia Livingston, O.C.
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Anesthesiologist Patricia Livingston has enhanced patient safety in underserved communities around the world. Associate professor and medical director of global health at Dalhousie University, she has widely contributed to curriculum development and medical education. Her leadership was instrumental in furthering the development of the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society International Education Foundation program in Rwanda, now replicated in other low and middle-income countries. She established self-sustaining training programs tailored to the specific realities of urban and rural communities, which have significantly improved patient outcomes.

Vivian McAlister, O.C.
London, Ontario

Highly respected leader, educator and mentor Vivian McAlister has made remarkable contributions to the field of transplantation surgery. Internationally renowned for his surgical skills, compassion and innovation, he has advanced teachings and research in large-organ transplantation, health care delivery, disaster preparedness, and the history of medicine. Despite a full workload, he enlisted in the military as a combat surgeon and was deployed on multiple overseas missions for over a decade. Additionally, he has held leadership positions in numerous scientific organizations, notably as editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of Surgery.

Claude Meunier, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec

By embracing the absurd, Claude Meunier has transformed the rules of comedy in Quebec. Making a name for himself first as part of the comedy trio Paul et Paul, then in the duo Ding et Dong, he continued his meteoric rise as co-writer of the plays Les Voisins and Broue, and as the creator and writer of the television series La Petite Vie, in which he also starred. Drawing record-breaking numbers of viewers, this comedy has left its mark on generations and is now an integral part of Quebec’s heritage. A philanthropist and volunteer, he has never hesitated to lend his creative talent to support a wide variety of causes.

Antony David John Penikett, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Tony Penikett is a champion of social democracy, cultural accommodation and racial reconciliation. A former premier of Yukon, he and his government legislated the Yukon Human Rights Act and helped negotiate Canada’s first third-order Aboriginal Self-Government Agreements. In his retirement, he served as a negotiator, mediator and writer on Arctic and Indigenous issues. He has also mentored graduate students and young northerners as a professor of public policy and treaty negotiations at Simon Fraser and Queen’s universities, and at the University of Washington.

Angela Swan, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Angela Swan has made an indelible contribution to the practice of law in Canada. Considered a leader in contract law, she has helped advance legal principles, and her work has been cited by courts numerous times, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Her scholarship is equally impressive, and she has mentored generations of students through her teaching positions at the University of Toronto, the University of Victoria, McGill University and Osgoode Hall. She exemplifies diversity, and is a staunch leader and advocate of equality in the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Daniel John Taylor, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

With a voice that draws global applause, countertenor Daniel Taylor is one of our country’s most celebrated cultural ambassadors. Distinguishing himself with moving performances and known for his warmth and humour, he has appeared on the world’s greatest stages with prestigious orchestras, composers and artists. Founding artistic director and conductor of both the Theatre of Early Music and the critically acclaimed ensemble The Trinity Choir, he is highly regarded as a devoted university professor and mentor to the next generation of singers.

Members

Mary S. Aitken, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Leading entrepreneur Mary Aitken is recognized for her business acumen in Toronto’s financial and investment sectors. She is the founder and CEO of The Verity Group of Companies, which includes the Verity women’s club and networking community. Verity supports the advancement of women through professional, social and personal opportunities, and has inspired at-risk youth in neighbouring Regent Park to discover their potential to succeed. Throughout her career, she has used her senior industry expertise to reduce gender disparities in the Ontario business sector.

Arthur Frank Bergmann, C.M.
Rocky View County, Alberta

Musician and agent provocateur Art Bergmann is a pioneer of Canadian independent music. Throughout his 50-year career as a solo artist and member of numerous bands, he has been renowned for an artistic voice that swings between impassioned outrage and detached reportage. The scope of his songwriting addresses deep-rooted social injustices, and raises awareness of issues relating to homelessness, child abuse and government malfeasance. An award-winning icon, he continues to inspire countless Canadian artists through his work.

Myer Bick, C.M.
Côte-Saint-Luc, Quebec

Myer Bick’s philanthropic excellence has bettered countless lives. At the head of the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, he oversaw a transformative, tenfold increase in funding, which directly translated into pivotal talent acquisition and enhanced research opportunities. An esteemed authority on stakeholder and donor relations, he has shared his expertise as a consultant and as a mentor to other heads of health foundations. He is additionally recognized for his public-minded leadership in the Canadian Jewish community, and for supporting arts and education initiatives.

Michael S. W. Bradstreet, C.M.
Vittoria, Ontario

Michael Bradstreet is a biologist and leading conservationist. For more than five decades, he has committed his expertise to protecting endangered species and pristine wildlife habitats across our country, from the most northern Arctic ecosystems to the Carolinian forests of southern Ontario. Former senior vice-president of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, he is also recognized for his stewardship of Lake Erie’s Long Point Bird Observatory and for his role in launching Birds Canada, a world-renowned conservation organization esteemed for its bird population monitoring and citizen scientist initiatives.

John W. Brink, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta

Archaeologist and curator Jack Brink has fostered greater public appreciation of Alberta’s Precontact past. Engaging the Blackfoot people and surrounding communities in his explorations, this internationally recognized expert on mass bison hunting and Indigenous rock art was the driving force in the development of two of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, and Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi. In addition to his numerous advancements in the field, he authored an award-winning book and is a sought after speaker.

Brian Cherney, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Brian Cherney has had a lasting impact on Canada’s musical landscape. His imaginative compositions, which can be enjoyed on multiple sensory levels, have been commissioned and performed by leading ensembles and soloists in Canada and around the world. With a catalogue of over 100 pieces, he has garnered an international reputation as one of our country’s greatest composers. He has also inspired and mentored generations of artists throughout his five-decade-long teaching career at McGill University, and is a champion of past and present Canadian composers.

David Cooper, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

A prominent performance photographer and videographer, David Cooper is renowned for his groundbreaking use of light, movement and innovative technologies. A long-time photographer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, he is also celebrated for his work with major Canadian theatre companies, notably the Shaw Festival, the Arts Club Theatre and the Vancouver Playhouse. Showcasing an innovative perspective of movement, he has created numerous short dance films that have been screened nationally and internationally. He has held numerous workshops for aspiring and emerging photographers and is regarded as an esteemed mentor.

Rita Davies, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Cultural visionary Rita Davies has galvanized Ontario’s artistic landscape. At the helm of the Toronto Arts Council and, later, of the city’s cultural division, she demonstrated that this sector can be a powerful economic engine, which resulted in critical increases in arts funding. Through foundational policies and reports, she spearheaded the establishment of diverse and inclusive programs, and helped develop more vibrant art spaces. Relentless in her stewardship of culture, she has also served as both member and chair of several boards, including the Ontario Arts Council.

Jacalyn Duffin, C.M.
Kingston, Ontario

Jacalyn Duffin has grounded modern medicine in its historical context. This professor emerita at Queen’s University has drawn on her unique background in both clinical medicine and the humanities to enhance our understanding of scientific research and health care of the past and the present. She has also played a key role in the growth of medical history and in applying historical activism to current policy problems. She is equally renowned among peers and students for her mentorship and efforts to nurture a humane medical profession.

Hoda ElMaraghy, C.M., O.Ont.
Windsor, Ontario

Hoda ElMaraghy is a pre-eminent manufacturing systems researcher. A distinguished university professor of industrial engineering at the University of Windsor, she is the founding director of its Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) Centre. She has made innovative contributions to advance the intelligence, adaptability and responsiveness of manufacturing systems in Canada and abroad. A pioneer and inspirational role model in her field, she was the first woman in Canada to obtain a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, and the first woman in the country to serve as a dean of engineering.

Mohamad Fakih, C.M.
Mississauga, Ontario

Mohamad Fakih is a passionate community leader and humanitarian. Exemplifying the immigrant success story, he transformed a struggling restaurant into a thriving franchise chain across North America. Leveraging his success to bring communities together, he has instilled philanthropy into his business model and culture, and has raised awareness and funds for numerous important initiatives and causes. His guidance and generous philanthropic support during times of tragedy and crisis inspires Canadians to help those in need, both at home and abroad.

Pavel Hamet, C.M., O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

Pavel Hamet has been the driving force behind the development of new treatments for cardiometabolic diseases. Internationally renowned for his research on high blood pressure and diabetes, he has shown decisive leadership, notably as founder of the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, and as the Canada Research Chair in Predictive Genomics of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease. His expertise has helped position Canada as a key player in the advancement of knowledge in population genomics and public health.

John S. Hunkin, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

John Hunkin is committed to governance and philanthropy. In addition to being the former president and CEO of CIBC, he has been instrumental in the growth of the organizations he supports by generously sharing his expertise. Renowned for his ability to inspire others to give, he has donated to numerous health care, education and arts initiatives. He has been a dedicated board leader and member of the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, York University, and many others.

Susan Keiko Langdon, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Susan Keiko Langdon has been making a positive impact on Canada’s fashion industry for three decades. As executive director of the Toronto Fashion Incubator, she has created and implemented initiatives to support and mentor emerging designers and entrepreneurs, advancing Canada’s culture and economy in the process. An ardent promoter of Canadian talent, she has helped the country achieve high status on the world stage through her innovative programs and community outreach, and is a sought-after speaker in all facets of the field.

Allan S. MacDonald, C.M.
Sydney, Nova Scotia

Allan MacDonald was instrumental in establishing Atlantic Canada’s organ and tissue donation and multi-organ transplantation programs. Professor emeritus at Dalhousie University, he has contributed greatly to the science and clinical application of immunosuppressant agents, notably in kidney, liver and pancreas transplantation. He has helped advance patient care in the region by introducing the first intensive care unit and by initiating laparoscopic general surgery. An active participant in many professional medical organizations, he has always maintained that “the best care anywhere should be the best care everywhere.”

Larry J. Macdonald, C.M.
Okotoks, Alberta

Larry Macdonald is an influential figure in Calgary’s business and philanthropic communities. Following a successful career in the Canadian oil industry, he has become known for his hands-on approach to volunteerism and philanthropy. Now director emeritus of the United Way Calgary, he has held numerous leadership positions within the organization for more than three decades. He and his wife have made transformational donations to the group, and have been instrumental in recruiting new donors and contributions for the United Way Centraide Canada and the United Way Worldwide.

The Honourable Louise Mailhot, C.M., O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

Louise Mailhot has devoted her career to justice and to the protection of labour and human rights. A prolific author, speaker and former judge of both the Superior Court of Quebec and the Court of Appeal of Quebec, she is celebrated for her use of clear, neutral language, and has implemented training programs on judicial writing for the Canadian and international judiciary. A staunch advocate of gender equality, she has supported and promoted the development and advancement of women in the legal field and beyond.

David Stuart McLean, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

“Big Dave” McLean is Canada’s heartfelt master of the Delta and Chicago blues. As a perpetually touring guitarist, he has performed soulful songs with local themes in towns across the country. His ardent commitment to the craft spans five decades, multiple albums and a biographic film that have all helped preserve and rejuvenate the genres. Forever wishing to pass on his passionate knowledge, he has influenced and guided such notable artists as Colin James, Jordan Cook and the band Wide Mouth Mason.

Scott Moir, C.M. and Tessa Virtue, C.M.
Ilderton, Ontario and London, Ontario

Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue have brought ice dancing to unprecedented heights. The most decorated team in figure skating’s history, they have won more than 50 international medals, including three Olympic gold medals, and were the youngest ice dancers to stand atop the Olympic podium. They have emboldened tomorrow’s figure skaters through their displays of elegant strength and chemistry, and by promoting inclusivity in sport as proud supporters of Special Olympics Canada. Undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with as partners, they also support their communities as individuals.

Andrew T. Molson, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Andrew Molson is a respected leader in Montréal’s business and philanthropy sectors. In addition to his roles as chair of RES PUBLICA Consulting Group and president of his family’s foundation, he holds leadership positions on the boards of numerous community organizations, universities, museums and hospital foundations. His powerful influence on fundraising initiatives has created a ripple effect of giving. By forging ties between non-profit groups and Montréal’s business community, he has helped create a flourishing culture of philanthropy in the region and across the country.

Kathy Murphy, C.M. and Kevin Murphy, C.M.
York, Prince Edward Island

Kathy and Kevin Murphy are visionary business leaders in Charlottetown. With their hallmark service excellence, these esteemed entrepreneurs have transformed their network of family run restaurants, boutique hotels and a brewery into popular destinations. Their commitment to staff and patrons is matched by their dedication to the community as prominent heritage developers devoted to preserving the island’s historic culture and to expanding tourism throughout the province. They are also admired as generous mentors to local businesses and students in the hospitality industry.

Jacques Nantel, C.M.
Saint-Placide, Quebec

Jacques Nantel is considered Canada’s retail guru. Professor emeritus at HEC Montréal, he is one of the foremost authorities on entrepreneurial dynamics and consumer psychology. A strong supporter of the local economy, he anticipated the importance of the digital revolution and its profound impact on the evolution of business trends, influencing the business strategies of several hundred businesses. An outstanding communicator, he is known to the general public for his media appearances and for his contributions to the book Le Code Québec, which was a resounding success.

Peggy Nash, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Peggy Nash is an advocate for rights and equality in Canadian politics and the labour movement. The first woman in North America to lead union negotiations with a major auto company, she broke barriers in male-dominated sectors. As former president and leadership candidate of the federal New Democratic Party, and as the party’s Industry and Finance critic, she promoted labour rights and social justice. She was a founding member of Equal Voice, which advocates for gender equality in public office.

Ginette Noiseux, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Ginette Noiseux has left an indelible mark on contemporary theatre. Artistic director of the Théâtre ESPACE GO since 1981, she has built a creative space dedicated to new theatrical and textual works and stagings, where she has continuously supported women’s contributions to the evolution of innovative artistic practices. Bridging the worlds of government, business and the arts, she has established key partnerships that have allowed the theatre to prosper. An award-winning costume designer, she continues to bring her creativity to the performing arts.

Marc Parent, C.M.
Saint-Laurent, Quebec

A champion of innovation, Marc Parent mobilized Canada’s aviation industry and propelled it to new heights. Having first left his mark on Bombardier, he then distinguished himself as president and chief executive officer of CAE. Under his leadership, CAE has become a world leader in aircraft pilot training, creating thousands of jobs across Canada and internationally. Actively involved in his community, he also co-chairs the McGill University Health Centre Foundation’s fundraising campaign.

Christina Petrowska Quilico, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Christina Petrowska Quilico has been enchanting audiences with her techniques and talent over the last five decades. With more than 50 albums to her credit, this internationally acclaimed pianist and interpreter of both classical and contemporary music is renowned for performing the most challenging music, in collaboration with leading orchestras and composers worldwide. A champion of Canadian composers and the music of women, she is also a respected York University professor and mentor to the next generation of artists.

Anthony Robin Poole, C.M.
South Lancaster, Ontario

Robin Poole improved our understanding of osteoarthritis and the development of the human skeleton. As a laboratory director at the Shriners Hospital and professor at McGill University, he helped Canada become an international leader in connective tissue and musculoskeletal research. He advanced treatment and intervention options through his seminal studies on cartilage damage in arthritic joints, and developed new detection methods through the use of blood and urine biomarkers. An esteemed mentor, he co-founded and helped direct the Canadian Arthritis Network, a pioneering organization in health research at home and abroad.

Tom Radford, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta

Award-winning producer Tom Radford is a trailblazer in western Canada’s media production industry. He established the National Film Board’s Northwest Studio and co-founded the National Screen Institute, Filmwest and Clearwater Documentary, strengthening the voices of regional filmmakers. He has created more than 50 films, documenting important environmental, cultural, socio-economic and Indigenous issues, many of which have been presented on television and at international film festivals. His body of work has immortalized the history and the people of the Canadian West and of Canada’s North.

Terry Salman, C.M.
West Vancouver, British Columbia

Terry Salman is a pillar of Canada’s mining industry. An esteemed entrepreneur and investment advisor, he supported the success of more than 400 companies in mineral exploration and other industries by raising billions of dollars over the course of his 40-year career. He is recognized for his transformational philanthropy and executive leadership of prominent organizations, notably as chair of the Vancouver Public Library Foundation and St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. He is also the founder of the Essential Needs Foundation, which provides financial support and counselling services to veterans.

Luc Vinet, C.M., O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

Luc Vinet is a pioneer of mathematical physics. Aisenstadt professor at Université de Montréal, former director of the Centre de recherches mathématiques, and CEO of the Institute for Data Valorization (IVADO), he made major discoveries related to symmetries, algebraic structures and integrable systems, among others. A strong advocate for interdisciplinary research and higher education, he distinguished himself as vice-principal of McGill University, then as rector of Université de Montréal. An outstanding educator, he has played a decisive role in advancing science and training new generations of researchers.

Germaine Therese Warkentin, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Germaine Warkentin is known globally for her work on the material culture of the book. Professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, she has unveiled the interweaving links between European Renaissance literature and early Canadian literature by studying the role of exploration writing. A visionary scholar, she has distinguished herself by examining Indigenous material evidence from before and during early contact, fostering a better understanding of the influence of non-alphabetical texts and communication systems on western print culture. For decades, she has shown a passionate commitment to mentoring succeeding generations of scholars.

Peter Warrian, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

A distinguished research fellow at the University of Toronto, Peter Warrian is one of Canada’s foremost authorities on the steel industry. His unique expertise helped in establishing the Canadian Steel Trades and Employment Congress, a solution-based, union-management organization focused on labour adjustment and retraining of laid-off steelworkers. A dedicated philanthropist, he is the former chair of the Philanthropic Foundations of Canada and the co-founder of the Lupina Foundation, which supports innovative research into factors affecting health, including personal anxiety, socio-economic determinants and access to services.

David P. Wilkinson, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

David Wilkinson is a leader in the fields of fuel cell and hydrogen science. Involved in industry and academia, he has translated his research in energy and sustainability into tangible, real-world applications. As vice-president of research and development at Ballard Power Systems, he expanded its world-class research department, establishing the company and Canada as global leaders in the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen technology. Now a professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of British Columbia, he is training the next generation of engineers and championing clean energy technology.