Companions
Janette Bertrand, C.C., C.Q.
Montréal, Quebec
Janette Bertrand is one of the leading figures on Quebec’s cultural scene. A journalist and writer, she continues to create thought-provoking content on a wide range of socio-cultural issues that affect all of Canada. A respected speaker in all forums, she is a tireless advocate for the rights of women, the elderly and other marginalized groups. For decades, she has never hesitated to speak out on sensitive issues in order to break taboos.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Raymond A. J. Chrétien, C.C.
Montréal, Quebec
Raymond Chrétien has been defending Canadian interests and ideals for over half a century. Internationally recognized, he is a leading figure in Canadian diplomatic relations. His knowhow and experience as a skilled negotiator have earned him the role of negotiator for Canada and Quebec in a number of important files, particularly those involving relations with the United States. His unwavering commitment to the transmission of knowledge has benefited the Université de Montréal’s Centre for International Studies, the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations and the International Observatory of Mayors on Living Together.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Donald Joseph Savoie, C.C., O.N.B.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Donald J. Savoie has been steadfast in advancing public policy administration and regional economic development. His expert recommendations on comparative political systems and economic policies have helped strengthen federal-canton relationships in numerous governments worldwide, including those of Latin America, the Balkans, Africa and Eastern Europe. As Canada Research Chair in Public Administration and Governance at the Université de Moncton, this pre-eminent scholar is also one of Canada’s most prolific authors in his field. His award-winning publications and research methodologies have continued to profoundly impact government practitioners worldwide.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Officers
Jean-Charles Coutu, O.C., O.Q.
Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec
Jean-Charles Coutu has modernized Indigenous justice in Canada. Through the Quebec Itinerant Court, he sat in 21 Cree and Inuit villages in northern Quebec, where he advocated for the administration of adapted justice. The former mayor of the City of Rouyn, he also worked with Jeunesses musicales du Canada at the local and national levels, and co-founded both the Festival des guitares du monde in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Agora des arts in Rouyn-Noranda.
Jan den Oudsten, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Jan den Oudsten has shaped the future of public transit in Canada. A mechanical engineer and founder of the vehicle manufacturer New Flyer Industries, he responded to the need for accessible urban transit and is recognized for designing the first low-floor kneeling bus. He also pioneered hydrogen fuel cell technology and pushed the boundaries of clean energy research to produce hybrid-electric buses. His innovations have cemented Canada’s reputation as a leader in transit design and has forever transformed bus technology around the globe.
The Honourable Lillian Eva Quan Dyck, O.C.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Lillian Dyck has been a lifelong advocate of social justice and equality for women, First Nations peoples and racial minorities in Canada. As a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, she challenged the status quo to end discrimination against women in the sciences. Her legacy as a senator is far-reaching, notably advocating for legislative remedies to address violence against women, particularly in the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. She also helped restore official Indian status to many thousands of descendants of First Nations women.
Digvir Jayas, O.C.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Digvir Jayas is helping to nourish the world through increased access to safe and nutritious food. An authority on grain storage at the University of Manitoba, he developed new methods to prevent spoilage and loss, which have advanced agricultural practices worldwide, notably in Canada, China, India, Ukraine and the United States. He has made vital scientific and humanitarian contributions by improving both the quantity and quality of international food supplies. Generous with his energy and expertise, he is helping to drive research in Canada as a leader in science and academia.
Shoo Kim Lee, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Shoo Lee is improving the well-being of newborns and their families. From implementing Ontario’s first maternal milk bank to empowering parents as caregivers in intensive care, he has introduced best practices in neonatal care that have reduced infant mortality and morbidity. A strong promoter of knowledge exchange, this University of Toronto professor and former pediatrician-in-chief of the Sinai Health System facilitates networks and programs connecting neonatologists within Canada and abroad. As a devoted educator and mentor, he guides and trains the next generation of Canadian researchers and clinicians in child health.
Arthur J. Ray, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
An internationally recognized historical geographer, Arthur Ray has made lasting contributions to our understanding of Canada’s ethno-history, economic history and Aboriginal case law. Professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia, he is best known for pioneering the use of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s archives to delineate the historical geography of First Nations in Canada, from the time of first European contact. The impact of his scholarship has been far-reaching and has resulted in renewed interest in fur trade studies and has revolutionized Indigenous studies’ methodology.
Elder Doreen Spence, O.C.
Calgary, Alberta
Cree Grandmother Doreen Spence has contributed to world peace through her teachings of unconditional love and reconciliation. One of the first Indigenous women in Canada to graduate as a licensed practical nurse, she has advocated for Indigenous peoples’ rights, leading to localto-global systems change in health care, education, justice and social services. As our country’s representative and presiding Elder to the United Nations Working Group of Indigenous Populations, she helped draft the declaration that established global human rights standards. She continues to share her traditional knowledge for the benefit of all people.
Members
W. J. Brad Bennett, C.M., O.B.C.
Kelowna, British Columbia
A committed philanthropist, Brad Bennett epitomizes generosity. For decades, he has nurtured the Okanagan Valley’s technological, medical and educational fields. A wearer of many hats, he was involved in numerous national and provincial boards, notably as chair of Mitacs and chair of the University of British Columbia’s board of governors, where he played a key role in the creation of the UBC Okanagan satellite campus. The Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, Okanagan College and other organizations have all benefited from his support.
Max Blouw, C.M.
Victoria, British Columbia
Recognized as a leading academic administrator, Max Blouw has advocated tirelessly for comprehensive and evidence-based research in Canadian universities. The former vicepresident of research at the University of Northern British Columbia and the former president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University, he undertook major projects that contributed to the development and expansion of both institutions. Chair of multiple government initiatives, he is the founding director of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, an organization supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis public health renewal and equity.
Lily Siewsan Chow, C.M.
Victoria, British Columbia
Lily Chow is a pre-eminent scholar on Chinese-Canadian history. An esteemed educator and author, she has written eloquently on the history of early Chinese immigrants to Canada, and their contributions to the social and economic development of British Columbia. A tireless advocate for human rights and social justice, she has sought redress for the injustices done to the Chinese community in the province. She has also deepened our understanding of relations between the Chinese-Canadian community and First Nations throughout the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson–Nicola Regional District.
Ronald Ivan Cohen, C.M., M.B.E.
Manotick, Ontario
For 50 years, Ronald Cohen has been preserving the literary and cultural heritage of the nation, as well as its broadcast standards. A respected lawyer and film producer, he co-founded the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, and led the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council. His numerous contributions to Library and Archives Canada include a vast collection of the works of Lucy Maud Montgomery. A renowned bibliographer and pre-eminent Churchill expert, he was a founder of the Sir Winston Churchill Society of Ottawa and has been internationally recognized for his “services to British history.”
Liliane Colpron, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Liliane Colpron revolutionized the art of bread making in Quebec. A seasoned entrepreneur, she played a pioneering role in the growth of Quebec artisanal bakeries, particularly as co-founder of the Première Moisson bakeries. At the helm of the family business for two decades, she has contributed to the resurgence of locally grown bread-quality wheat while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and healthy eating. In addition to putting philanthropy at the heart of Première Moisson, she created the Fondation Gaïa Nova to support the development of a sustainable and inclusive global economy.
B. Denham Jolly, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Denham Jolly is a leader in Toronto’s Black community. An outspoken civil rights activist and successful businessperson, author and philanthropist, he established FLOW 93.5, the first Blackowned radio station in Canada and the first to showcase the music and stories of culturally diverse communities. He has also promoted equity and opportunity for minority Canadians in business, employment and education as founder of the both the Black Business and Professional Association and its prestigious Harry Jerome Awards, and as a founding member of the Black Action Defence Committee.
Sara Louise Diamond, C.M., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario
Sara Diamond has contributed immensely to Canada’s artistic, cultural and digital industry landscapes. The revolutionary work of this accomplished and prolific artist bridges the fields of art, design, science and technology. She is also renowned for her roles as president and vice-chancellor of Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU), and in her previous capacity at The Banff Centre. Under her visionary direction, she has positioned OCADU as an eminent leader in innovative teaching and research, one that fosters opportunities for Indigenous education and collaborative partnerships.
Michel Doucet, C.M., O.N.B., K.C.
Dieppe, New Brunswick
Attorney Michel Doucet has made advocating for Francophone minority rights his top priority. Founder and director of the International Observatory on Language Rights at Université de Moncton, he has deepened Canadians’ understanding of this complex subject through his publications, proposed legislative amendments and teaching. Numerous cases brought and argued before several courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, have confirmed his influence and expertise in this field, notably the landmark Charlebois v. Moncton case.
Donald Gordon Duguid, C.M., O.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Donald Duguid is a pillar in curling. After skipping the 1970 and 1971 World Champion team— the only team to go undefeated in consecutive years—he became a pioneer in curling telecasting and helped bring the sport to a global audience for over five decades. Notably, he pushed for the introduction of microphones on curlers and the use of the telestrator, which enhanced the audience’s proximity to and understanding of the game. A co-founder of the first curling schools in Canada, he has shared his passion and knowledge with countless others.
Roxanne Fairweather, C.M., O.N.B.
Saint John, New Brunswick
A champion of innovation, Roxanne Fairweather is committed to advancing research and to creating new and sustainable economic opportunities in Atlantic Canada. Co-owner and CEO of Innovatia, a knowledge management company with expertise in information technology, she strives for excellence in providing services in the fields of oil and energy, finance and telecommunications. Her leadership and skill set have benefited many New Brunswick organizations in the health, education and business sectors. She has also been a strong advocate for women in public service throughout the province.
Patricia M. Feheley, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Patricia Feheley is a champion of early and contemporary Inuit art. For decades, she has supported Indigenous artists and made their works accessible as the owner and director of Feheley Fine Arts, and as a leading expert on numerous boards and within several key government organizations. An art historian and curator, she has shared her deep knowledge and passion with visitors, collectors and enthusiasts in Canada and abroad, fostering greater awareness and appreciation of this art form.
Charles Edgar Fipke, C.M.
Kelowna, British Columbia
Leading geologist and prospector Charles Fipke has been at the forefront of heavy mineral exploration projects for over 40 years. He and his team are credited with the discovery of North America’s first commercial diamond pipes in the Northwest Territories. He is also well-known for his philanthropic support for health care initiatives at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Notably, he founded the eponymous Centre for Innovative Research at UBC’s Okanagan campus as well as the Fipke Professorship in Alzheimer’s Research at UBC’s Vancouver campus.
Mitch Garber, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Mitch Garber is an innovative entrepreneur and keen investor whose business acumen runs deep. His contributions to Canada’s economic development have been impactful, notably in the fields of gaming and entertainment, and in his role as chair of Invest in Canada and the beloved Cirque du Soleil. Outspoken about issues affecting our country, he is a staunch promoter of Canadian values and defender of linguistic duality. A committed philanthropist, he pays his success forward by giving generously of his time and energy to a broad range of business, community and cultural organizations.
Roger D. Grimes, C.M.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Roger Grimes is an articulate advocate for societal change and improvement. A high school teacher, he championed educational advancement and welfare as president of the province’s teachers’ association. Called to public service, he turned to provincial politics and held a number of ministerial portfolios before serving as premier. An insightful and effective leader, he successfully gained collaborative consensus, furthering the socio-economic interests of the province. As chair of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, he remains a stalwart defender of public governance.
Gary Gullickson, C.M.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Gary Gullickson is a prominent member of the Saskatoon music community. Throughout his extensive career in the public school system and at the University of Saskatchewan, he became a strong and tireless advocate for music education in the province’s school curriculum. As the revered director of the popular Saskatoon Boys’ Choir, Men’s Chorus and the University Chorus, he has provided opportunities for generations of children and adult singers, and inspired them with his enthusiasm and passion for choral music.
Arshavir Gundjian, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Over the course of 50 years, scientist and social leader Arshavir Gundjian laid the foundation on which today’s Canadian Armenian community continues to build. Relentless in his efforts to help newcomers integrate into Quebec society while preserving their unique culture, he spearheaded the creation of the École Alex Manoogian, the Tekeyan Association of Montréal, and the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Canada. Committed to supporting Armenian diaspora communities internationally, he also served as vice-president of the Armenian General Benevolent Union for a decade.
V. Tony Hauser, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Renowned master of black-and-white portraiture, Tony Hauser is one of Canada’s leading photographers. His celebrated photographs of influential Canadians and international personalities have been exhibited across the globe over the last four decades. As a humanitarian and ardent activist, he travels the world to focus his lens on social injustice and collaborates with charities to effect change through the power of his images. Using the labour-intensive, 19th-century process of platinum printing, he captures the essence of his subjects and preserves their story for future generations.
John R. Lacey, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta
John Lacey embodies the principle of paying it forward. Following an extensive global career in the energy sector, he leveraged his expertise, experience and success to champion entrepreneurship and innovation in the non-profit sector at home, particularly in the city of Calgary. His extensive involvement with foundations, boards and local organizations has been characterized by a deep commitment to helping community initiatives remain sustainable and achieve their long-term goals. A proud supporter of the arts, he is a highly revered patron of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Diane Lamarre, C.M.
Longueuil, Quebec
An outstanding pharmacist, Diane Lamarre has helped to advance her profession. Known for her highly innovative approach to seniors and patients in palliative care, she is also a clinical professor at the Université de Montréal and president of the Quebec Order of Pharmacists. While in this latter role, she oversaw the successful creation and adoption of a bill that expanded the mandate of pharmacists. Also known for her talent as a communicator, she has made numerous media appearances to educate the public on the use of medications. Moreover, she is actively involved with Pharmacists Without Borders–Canada, having taken part in over 30 humanitarian missions and currently serving as its president.
Reginald Leach, C.M., O.M.
Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Ontario
Former right winger Reggie Leach set records during his National Hockey League career that still stand today. Known as the ‘Riverton Rifle’ in reference to both his Manitoba hometown as well as his shot accuracy, he was part of the iconic Broad Street Bullies-era Philadelphia Flyers. Since retiring from hockey, he has dedicated himself to giving back to youth through coaching and speaking publicly about his successes and struggles. He is a strong and vocal advocate for sport’s integral role in building healthy communities.
Jacques Légaré, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Jacques Légaré is one of Canada’s leading demographers. Professor emeritus at Université de Montréal, he played a key role in creating the databases for the Research Program in Historical Demography and the Registre de la population du Québec ancien, which solidified his international reputation. His work has guided the work of several generations of researchers, while enabling citizens to learn more about their family history by retracing the paths of their ancestors. A renowned communicator, he is known to the general public for his media appearances, where he discusses a range of topics, including population aging.
Rose Lipszyc, C.M.
Thornhill, Ontario
Despite the atrocities she faced, Holocaust survivor Rose Lipszyc has been a voice for hope. She has actively volunteered as a speaker with the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre for over a decade. Lauded for her ability to engage her mostly young audiences in thought-provoking dialogues, she inspires them to defy racism and oppression, and to become agents of social change. Ever the educator, she pursues multiple speaking engagements each year, and was a main contributor to the HISTORY Channel’s documentary Cheating Hitler: Surviving the Holocaust.
Jon E. Love, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Jon Love has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many Canadians. A respected and charismatic business leader, he has contributed to Canada’s economic landscape at the helm of two leading real estate businesses, Oxford Properties and KingSett Capital. Beyond the corporate world, his generosity and committed action have had a profound impact on his city, province and country. Numerous social service, health care and educational institutions have benefited from his purpose-filled philanthropy and engagement.
Donald S. Mavinic, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Donald Mavinic is tackling key challenges in sustainable resource management. Professor at the University of British Columbia, he has translated his innovative research findings on biological nutrient removal into full-scale commercial applications and exemplars of sustainability. He developed a unique technology that converts harmful phosphorus compounds in wastewater into an environmentally friendly fertilizer necessary for agricultural production. His professionalism and dedication have enhanced not only the engineering profession, but the numerous science initiatives and research organizations to which he has contributed.
Séan McCann, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
For gifted singer-songwriter Séan McCann, music is medicine. After two decades of unparalleled success and coast-to-coast tours as a founding member of the folk rock band Great Big Sea, it is now as a solo artist and bravely that he takes the stage to share his journey towards recovery. With his guitar, Old Brown, by his side, this devoted mental health advocate has engaged with numerous organizations across the country, and inspires his audiences to express their stories through song.
C. Michael O’Brian, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Michael O’Brian is one of British Columbia’s outstanding business and philanthropic leaders. Using his prowess gained from a successful career in the investment sector, this avid arts patron has played a significant role in the governance of a range of organizations, including the Museum of Anthropology, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver Opera and the Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Through his eponymous family foundation, he has made transformative donations to educational institutions in his province and to the Create Change Foundation in Ghana.
Louis Paquin, C.M.
Saint-Boniface, Manitoba
A pioneer in Franco-Manitoban television production, Louis Paquin has proven himself to be a proud advocate for the Canadian Francophonie. As co-founder of Les Productions Rivard and member of the Alliance des producteurs francophones du Canada, he has improved the production conditions for linguistic minorities in Canada, enabling regional production companies to develop their potential and thrive on the Canadian television landscape. Because of his efforts, series such as La ruée vers l’or and La grande traversée were able to appeal to a wide audience from coast to coast to coast.
Barbara A. Paterson, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta
Barbara Paterson has immortalized great Canadians across the country. An esteemed artist and sculptor, she has crafted larger-than-life-size bronze effigies of prominent figures who have defined our country’s history, culture and heritage. She is internationally acclaimed for her Women Are Persons! monument honouring the five Alberta women who, in 1929, successfully lobbied for Canadian women to be seen as persons in the eye of the law. Installed in both Calgary and Ottawa, the work has become an iconic piece of Canadian visual art mastery.
Donald R. M. Schmitt, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
A leader in Canada’s architectural community, Donald Schmitt is a champion of sustainable environments. As principal of the Toronto-based firm Diamond Schmitt Architects, he is revered for such iconic buildings as the SickKids Hospital Research Tower, the Emily Carr University of Art + Design, and Lazaridis Hall. He is also known for re-imagining landmark historical buildings, notably the National Arts Centre, the Senate of Canada Building and The University of Toronto Schools. A generous, civic-minded artist, he lends his talent to numerous cultural initiatives and design review panels.
Stefan Glenn Sigurdson, C.M., K.C.
West Vancouver, British Columbia
Social innovator Glenn Sigurdson has devoted his career to resolving complex multilateral disputes. A lawyer by trade, he is esteemed for his ability to forge relationships, particularly between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and has facilitated such critical resolution efforts as the Exploratory Dialogues on Residential Schools. A pioneer of environmental mediation, he has made foundational contributions to Canadian fisheries management and global mining practices, notably by establishing the Global Energy Minerals and Markets Dialogue forum. Additionally, he is a committed mentor and a proud promoter of his Icelandic-Canadian heritage.
Michael Dixon Smith, C.M.
Fortune, Prince Edward Island
Chef Michael Smith is an artisan of culinary culture. Host of several cooking shows and author of award-winning cookbooks, he pleases his audiences and readers with the joys of the kitchen through simple, nutritious recipes. A champion of the farm-to-table movement, he encourages the use of fresh, local and sustainable food across the country and stands behind such national initiatives as Half Your Plate. A proud food ambassador, he promotes Prince Edward Island as a culinary destination and is the co-proprietor of The Inn at Bay Fortune with his wife, Chastity.
Howard Timothy Lee Soon, C.M.
Kelowna, British Columbia
Internationally acclaimed vintner Howard Soon elevated British Columbia’s wine industry to higher standards. Pairing an inventive spirit with a keen entrepreneurial mind, he harnessed the benefits of the province’s unique terroirs by planting new varieties of quality grapes and inspired others to follow suit. A certified wine educator and an esteemed mentor, he has helped shape a new generation of experts. Generous with his time and expertise, he is a valued and engaged advisor to charitable organizations within his community.