Companions

Howard Alper, C.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

A distinguished university professor at the University of Ottawa, Howard Alper is recognized worldwide for his contributions to organometallic chemistry. An honorary member of numerous research societies and academies, he has worked on homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, the results of which have been heavily cited in international scientific publications. He has chaired multiple initiatives including the Government of Canada’s Science, Technology and Innovation Council, where he spearheaded the global acknowledgement of excellence in Canadian research. An expert advisor in science policy and research, he has shaped international policies for numerous foreign governments.

This is a promotion within the Order.

Peter Howard Russell, C.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Canada’s most respected political scientist, Peter Russell has shaped society through his sustained engagement and seminal work. Professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, this prolific author has re-examined the evolution and patriation of our country’s Constitution, changing the conversation on Canada’s origins and nature. Through his long-standing scholarship, he has helped Canadians better understand and appreciate our shared culture, history and collective future. Revered for his expertise, he has been sought out by foreign governments with respect to constitutional reform, judicial systems, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

This is a promotion within the Order.

Mark Roger Tewksbury, C.C., M.S.M.
Calgary, Alberta

An athlete of great talent and drive, Mark Tewksbury is also a passionate agent for change. His gold-medal performance in the 100m backstroke at the 1992 Olympic Games resonated with audiences worldwide. In his post-competitive life, he is a tenacious advocate for clean sport and a staunch defender of the rights of athletes, members of the LGBTQ2 community, and people with intellectual disabilities. Canada’s first out Olympian, he has demonstrated great personal courage and generosity in sharing his story of self-acceptance, personal leadership and transformation through sport, inspiring many around the world.

The insignia was previously presented to Mark Tewksbury.

Officers

Ric Esther Aliza Bienstock, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Ric Esther Bienstock is an exceptional representative of the Canadian documentary filmmaking tradition. For more than two decades, she has been producing, directing and writing an eclectic, award-winning and highly acclaimed slate of documentaries investigating global events and conflicts. By blending a cinematic, narrative style with extraordinary access to players in the social, political and cultural underworlds, her films pulse with the compassion, integrity and gravitas demanded by the subject matter. She is frequently sought after by governments, agencies and organizations to screen and discuss her films with audiences worldwide.

Neil Devindra Bissoondath, O.C., C.Q.
Québec, Quebec

Esteemed author Neil Bissoondath shapes the future of our culture and society. His internationally acclaimed publications thoughtfully explore cultural diversity, belonging and identity within a social context, as well as the stereotypes and isolation suffered by ethnic groups in Canada and abroad. Through his teachings at l’Université Laval, and as a member and former vice-president of the PEN Canada board of directors, this beloved professor and mentor inspires emerging authors to embrace bilingualism and diversity.

Eddy Carmack, O.C.
Saanichton, British Columbia

Eddy Carmack is a luminary of climate oceanography. Since the 1960s, he has completed more than 90 field missions, documenting the Arctic Ocean’s role as an exemplar for climate change. His big-picture thinking, collaborative focus and emphasis on linking research with the needs of polar communities have guided his career, from his early Beaufort Sea expeditions to his co-introduction of science-capable icebreakers. Now an emeritus scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, he has left a legacy of Arctic knowledge to the next generation of researchers

Graham Fraser, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

Graham Fraser has profoundly shaped Canada’s linguistic duality. A distinguished journalist and author, he wrote for the Toronto Star and served as bureau chief for Maclean’s and The Globe and Mail while producing influential books on language, culture and politics in Quebec and Canada. As commissioner of Official Languages, he identified vital links between language policy and national unity, and promulgated the idea that bilingualism strengthens national identity. He continues to contribute meaningfully to public discourse at McGill University and as a senior fellow at the University of Ottawa.

Frances Henry, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Esteemed social scientist Frances Henry is a trailblazer in anti-racism studies. Professor emerita at York University, she is a prolific writer on the topic of racialized minorities in contemporary democratic society. Her visionary research has had a fundamental impact on Canada’s public policies, notably in the areas of employment equity, policing and immigration. A highly soughtafter speaker and mentor, she has laid the foundation for generations of scholars in the field of anti-racism.

Daniel Heath Justice, O.C.
Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia

Cherokee Nation scholar, author and advocate Daniel Heath Justice has greatly influenced contemporary Indigenous studies in North America and abroad. He contributes to this important dialogue as a professor and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Literature and Expressive Culture at the University of British Columbia. In addition, several organizations devoted to Indigenous and LGBTQ2+ studies have benefited from his leadership and expertise. Author of the field-defining book Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, he is highly praised for presenting complex social and cultural topics in an effective and approachable format.

Daniel Jutras, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec

Jurist Daniel Jutras is an international authority on comparative law. Professor, architect of the transsystemic approach to law, and former dean of the Faculty of Law at McGill University, he transformed the field of study, and taught law from a pluralist and bi-juridical perspective, reflecting the Canadian reality. He has also had a profound influence on the Barreau du Québec, the Canadian Bar Association, the Canadian Judicial Council and the Supreme Court of Canada. He remains a highly respected mentor to an entire generation of jurists.

Sandra Louise Kirby, O.C.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Sandra Kirby is a champion for equity, inclusion and safety in sport. As an Olympian, teacher, researcher and activist, she has striven to uncover and uproot gender-based violence, homophobia, and violence against children in the sporting world. Her pioneering 1996 national survey of sexual harassment and abuse among high-performance athletes provided the evidence needed to push for global systemic change. Through her extensive work advocating for athletes on the national and international stage, she has strengthened Canada’s role as a leader in social justice in sport.

Lisa LaFlamme, O.C., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario

Whether covering wars or elections, natural disasters or commemorations, Lisa LaFlamme is one of Canada’s most recognizable journalists. Over the past 30 years, notably as chief anchor and senior editor of CTV National News, she has covered a wide range of stories and major domestic and international events with clarity and fairness. A passionate supporter and promoter of humanitarian issues, she actively volunteers for Plan International, Journalists for Human Rights, and Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. An inspirational role model in news broadcasting, she mentors numerous aspiring journalists in Canada and abroad.

Sister Sue Mosteller, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Sister Sue Mosteller is a quiet champion of people with intellectual disabilities. For decades she taught, wrote and travelled tirelessly in support of L’Arche, a network of community homes where people of varying abilities live and work together. When she took over the reins of day-today operations, she oversaw a dramatic expansion of the global organization. Her dedication to fostering respect and dignity for all humans is inspiring a new generation through her work with millennials seeking to make spiritual connections and social contributions.

Alain Simard, O.C., C.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

Alain Simard’s career is an indelible part of Montréal’s soundtrack. As the head of L’Équipe Spectra, he produced numerous albums, programs and shows while promoting Francophone music as both a talent agent and founder of the FrancoFolies. In addition to his role in establishing the Spectrum, the Place des Festivals and ARTV, he is the creator and founder of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and the MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE festival. These world-class events have solidified his renown as a driving force in positioning Montréal as a festival city.

Gilles Ste-Croix, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec

Pioneer and co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, Gilles Ste-Croix is known as the only “Grand Saltimbanque” in Quebec, a title given to him upon his retirement. He is the master craftsman behind the shows that have left their mark on the imaginations of hundreds of millions of people around the world, including ALEGRĺA and QUIDAM, as well as O and LOVE, based in Las Vegas. He continues to push the boundaries of the circus arts, both in Quebec and abroad. In Mexico, he co-founded the Circo de los Niños, which helps disadvantaged children develop their talents while stimulating their creativity.

Brian Douglas Sykes, O.C.
Edmonton, Alberta

The impact of Brian Sykes’ pioneering research is as immense as its subject matter is minuscule. An internationally acclaimed biochemist, he is renowned for his innovative use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to examine proteins and enzymes. His seminal work has notably aided the development of new treatments for various metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to teaching at the University of Alberta, he helped establish the High Field NMR facility in Edmonton, and shares his expertise with numerous national and international boards.

William G. Tholl, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

William Tholl has had a lasting impact on our health care system. As a public servant, CEO and advisor, he influenced the development of national health policy and practice for more than 40 years. His leadership of a number of the country’s largest health organizations, notably the Canadian Medical Association, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada and HealthCareCAN, was marked by a forward-thinking and enduring emphasis on public policy and engagement. His focus on collaboration, patient advocacy and strong mentorship has inspired the next generation of health care professionals.

Members

T. Robert Beamish, C.M.
Mississauga, Ontario

Robert Beamish is recognized as an astute businessman and seasoned philanthropist whose dedication to industry and community resonates far and wide. As the founder of the Woodbridge Group, he is a global leader in the design, development and production of foam products for the automotive sector. His commitment to innovative green technologies has garnered multiple awards. Through the WB Family Foundation, he directs his altruistic energy and generous resources into foundations for arthritis, juvenile diabetes, addiction and mental health, and to the promotion of research and development in universities across Ontario.

Ronald Duncan Besse, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Astute businessman Ronald Besse had a long-standing career in the publishing industry. Starting as a sales representative, he successively rose through the ranks and became CEO of various publishers specializing in consumer, academic and educational books in both English and French. He was instrumental in commissioning Canadian editions of successful U.S. textbooks as well as Canadian-authored textbooks, and helped disseminate the scholarly work coming out of Canada’s leading national research institutions. He is also a devoted philanthropist and a generous contributor to higher education and health care initiatives.

N. Louise Bradley, C.M.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Louise Bradley is advancing mental health care for Canadians. As president and CEO of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, she has helped improve the country’s mental health system by advocating for person-centred, recovery-oriented care. Notably, she led the organization’s implementation of pioneering, national-scale initiatives to combat stigma and promote psychological wellness and safety. With a collaborative mindset, she has worked to expand the mental health conversation by building partnerships with different levels of government, community agencies and professional groups across the country.

Maurice Brisson, C.M.
Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec

An expert in the development of electric power transmission and distribution networks, Maurice  Brisson is deeply committed to promoting engineering education programs at the university level. A committed philanthropist, he created a scholarship that bears his name and made a generous donation to the Campus Montréal fundraising campaign in support of electrical engineering students. As co-founder of an engineering consulting firm, he established a mentorship program that has given over 30 engineers the opportunity to develop their skills and take part in major international projects.

James Casey, C.M., M.S.M.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Renowned for his leading entrepreneurial expertise, James Casey has had an enduring impact on the Atlantic region. As board chair of Atlantic Beef Products, he restructured the management of the federally inspected processing facility, leading to its thriving operation in Prince Edward Island. Former president and CEO of Padinox Inc., he was essential in establishing the manufacturer as one of the best-known Canadian cookware companies in the country. Building on his success, he has supported a variety of community causes, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, and remains an active philanthropist.

The Honourable James Cowan, C.M., K.C.
Halifax, Nova Scotia and Ottawa, Ontario

James Cowan is both a staunch defender of human rights and a model of community service. A lawyer and former senator, he was a driving force behind the passage of the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act, which prevents the misuse of information derived from genetic testing. He also focused attention on medical assistance in dying and the criminal justice system’s approach to persons suffering from mental illness. A long-serving member of the board of Dalhousie University, he has led numerous civic, health and educational groups, and is the current chair of Dying with Dignity Canada.

Sharon Davis-Murdoch, C.M.
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Sharon Davis-Murdoch is a social justice champion and an advocate for culturally competent health care. Co-founder of the Health Association of African Canadians and a long-time public servant, she was instrumental in improving Nova Scotia’s delivery of health care to marginalized communities throughout the province. As an advisor to Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine, she has significantly increased the number of Black graduates in the health professions. A devoted mentor to young health professionals and public servants, she fosters dedication to diversity, equity and social inclusion.

William Fast, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

William Fast’s entrepreneurial and philanthropic actions have had a lasting effect on the world. Regarded for his business acumen, he established numerous companies in the Canadian manufacturing industry and has been a sought-after mentor for emerging start-ups. When his family was touched by cancer, he co-founded the Bill and Margaret Fast Foundation and the Children’s Cancer Fund. As a patron, board member and former chair of iDE Canada, he has fostered entrepreneurship and technological innovation in Africa, Asia and Central America to address rural poverty and sanitation issues affecting more than 35 million people.

Ronald Charles Fellows, C.M.
Mississauga, Ontario

Ron Fellows is one of the most successful race car drivers in Canada. A Canadian icon in endurance racing, he has won several times in classic competitions, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. His racing versatility has made him shine, from the GM Motorsport series to NASCAR. His tireless involvement in developing Canadian motorsports has also resulted in the creation of a driving school and a youth karting championship, as well as the modernization of the Mosport International Raceway.

Berna Valencia Garron, C.M. and Myron Austin Garron, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

After losing their child, Berna and Myron Garron became champions in the fight against paediatric cancer in this country. In memory of their son Michael, they helped to establish the Garron Family Cancer Centre to support paediatric cancer research. For nearly 10 years, their considerable philanthropic support has enabled the research centres to acquire the state-ofthe-art equipment needed to improve treatment for young Canadians. Through SickKids, they have also expanded their humanitarian work to help children with cancer in the Caribbean.

Mark Byron Godden, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Mark Godden is an award-winning and prolific choreographer and dancer. He has created innovative works for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and other renowned provincial and American troupes. His choreographies for Dracula, The Magic Flute, Angels in the Architecture and Miroirs have brought new dance forms to Canadian and international audiences, and figure among the repertoires of ensembles worldwide. He also conceived the world’s first full-length Indigenous-inspired ballet, Going Home Star – Truth and Reconciliation.

Morris Goodman, C.M.
Hampstead, Quebec

Morris Goodman has always endeavoured to enhance the well-being of Canadians. As the co-founder of Pharmascience Inc., he was instrumental in the significant growth of this family company, one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in Canada. A committed philanthropist, he has supported several organizations such as the Jewish General Hospital, l’Université de Montréal and McGill University, which houses the internationally renowned Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute. He has also made substantial donations that have helped strengthen the health of vulnerable communities around the world.

Steve E. Hrudey, C.M., A.O.E.
Edmonton, Alberta

Engineer Steve Hrudey has devoted his career to protecting public health through safer drinking water. A world-respected author and researcher, he has examined the causes of water-borne illness, notably through the Walkerton Inquiry and as a member of the expert panel on drinking water for Indigenous communities. His transformative recommendations have informed water safety planning in Canada, in many other countries and at the World Health Organization. A professor emeritus at the University of Alberta, he galvanized the creation of new research and education programs connecting human health and environmental issues.

Jagmohan Humar, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Engineer Jagmohan Humar has devoted his career to protecting our built environment. A distinguished professor at Carleton University, he has made pioneering contributions to earthquake-resistant design and has written an authoritative textbook on structural dynamics. In addition to consulting on such projects as Toronto’s SkyDome and the seismic rehabilitation of heritage buildings, he has helped shape the National Building Code of Canada. Lauded as a community leader, he has presided over several cultural organizations, and supports education both in Canada and in his native India.

Elder Carolyn F. King, C.M.
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Ontario

Carolyn King works tirelessly to further the promotion and preservation of First Nation heritage, culture, traditions and identity. A community developer, entrepreneur and respected leader, she advocates for Indigenous-led initiatives, and is active in education, government and business, notably in the development of cross-cultural training programs that seek to improve Canadians’ understanding of First Nations. The first woman to be elected chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, she has spoken to thousands to raise awareness of Indigenous history.

Paul C. LaBarge, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Paul LaBarge has been instrumental in promoting a more united Canada. In addition to being an esteemed lawyer and a founding partner of LaBarge Weinstein LLP, he is a strong supporter of multiple causes related to heritage, health, business and education. An active member of his community, he has chaired numerous organizations, including the Canadiana Fund, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance. He is lauded for his role as a founder of the Trans Canada Trail, as well as for his extensive and longstanding contributions to its development.

Elizabeth Langley, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

The curtain may never fall on Elizabeth Langley. An invested mentor and dramaturge, she is lauded as a forward-thinking proponent of creative expression, encouraging artists to experiment rather than merely abide by traditions. In addition to having devised and directed the contemporary dance program at Concordia University, this beloved pedagogue unceasingly renews herself as an internationally renowned performer and choreographer. Heartening dancers to defy ageism, she enrolled at Amsterdam’s School for New Dance in her 60s and continues to perform one-woman shows 20 years later.

Isabelle Marcoux, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Isabelle Marcoux is a model of leadership and community involvement. As the head of Transcontinental, she is renowned for her exceptional contributions to Quebec’s economic development. Through various professional development programs and by promoting corporate policies, she has also worked with executives and emerging leaders to foster the rise of women to decision-making positions and to ensure diversity in the Quebec business community. Considered one of the most influential women in Canada, she has spearheaded several major fundraising campaigns during her outstanding philanthropic career.

Brian McFarlane, C.M.
Stouffville, Ontario

Hockey Hall of Famer Brian McFarlane has contributed to the sport of hockey for well over half a century. His 26-year career as a host and commentator on Hockey Night in Canada brought him into households across the nation. Widely considered the country’s premier hockey historian, this talented and prolific author has penned more than 90 books, many chronicling the history of the game. He is equally recognized for giving generously of his time and energy to numerous charitable events and fundraisers.

Cheryl Lisa Meeches, C.M., O.M.
Long Plain First Nation, Manitoba

Lisa Meeches is a devoted mentor to the next generation of Indigenous storytellers. In addition to producing award-winning projects that have furthered the television and film industry in her province, she created CBC New Indigenous Voices and NSI IndigiDocs to support aspiring filmmakers. She has developed and hosted programs that feature Indigenous stories of resilience, shedding light on some of the country’s most critical issues. Actively engaged in the wider community, she has championed several local and national initiatives, notably as the executive director of the Manito Ahbee Festival.

Menka Nagrani, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Menka Nagrani has a talent for highlighting the potential in people. This multidisciplinary artist and pioneer of artistic inclusion in Quebec is the founding director of Les Productions des pieds des mains, a performance company showcasing atypical artists. Combining contemporary dance, experimental theatre and other disciplines, she gives artists the chance to shine on the Canadian and international stages. Her award-winning shows and short films have been presented countless times across Quebec, in Canada and at festivals worldwide, and have provoked social dialogue on diversity and inclusion.

Ralph Pentland, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Ralph Pentland has helped safeguard the world’s freshwater resources for future generations. As a leading environmental policy advisor and a frequent Canadian contributor to the work of the International Joint Commission, he made substantial submissions on water issues, notably as the primary author of the original Federal Water Policy, which was adopted in 1987, and still remains in effect. Internationally sought after for his expert advice and vast knowledge, he has greatly influenced the way our country, and many others, manage this priceless resource.

John Rea, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

During his 50-year career, composer John Rea has explored new ways of making music. Always striving for originality, he has developed his own style and experimented with new instrumental techniques linked to orchestration, which are now appreciated around the world. His creations span a variety of genres, including chamber music, ballet, and large-scale orchestral and operatic works commissioned across Canada and abroad. A professor at McGill University, he is recognized as a dedicated pedagogue as well as a writer on music, while being actively involved in the Montreal musical community.

Donna M. Slaight, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

A long-time advocate for human rights, mental health and equality, Donna Slaight represents the best in Canadian humanitarian values. As the leader of Gifts of Light, a volunteer-run program at Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, she has effected positive change in the lives of patients and their caregivers. Driven by a deep commitment to her community, she is a generous philanthropist and an influential board member of numerous committees and organizations. Notably, she has served as chair of the Canada Committee of Human Rights Watch.

John Warren Sleeman, C.M.
Guelph, Ontario

John Sleeman’s passion and determination profoundly impacted the Canadian beer industry. As founder and chair of Sleeman Breweries, one of Canada’s most successful and storied breweries, he led the business with integrity and professionalism. While chairing the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Charter for Business, he strove to expand the scope of the program and significantly multiplied opportunities for youth across the country, notably in at-risk communities. Relentless in his efforts to give back, he supports numerous initiatives and institutions such as the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and the University of Guelph.

Harry Sheldon Swain, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario and Victoria, British Columbia

Harry Swain has had a major impact on Canadian public policy. In federal civil service for over two decades, he was instrumental in negotiating land transfers with Indigenous communities, including that which led to the creation of Nunavut. Since then, he has led advisory panels on safe drinking water and other socio-environmental issues. An enthusiastic supporter of the Victoria Symphony, he lent his skills to updating its governance and fundraising capabilities. An author and an educator, he continues to underscore the connection between this country’s economic future and climate change.

The Honourable Karen Merle Weiler, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Karen Weiler is recognized for her unprecedented work transforming Ontario’s Family Law Reform Act while serving as counsel at the Ministry of the Attorney General. An eminent jurist, she served 37 years as a trial judge and justice of the Court of Appeal for Ontario. During that time, she spearheaded access to justice initiatives for disabled and unrepresented litigants. In her retirement, she is a mentor to young lawyers, and is dedicated to helping vulnerable youth through Toronto’s Covenant House, the Canadian Concussion Centre and Innocence Canada.