Companions
Stacey Ann Allaster, C.C.
Welland, Ontario and St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
Stacey Allaster is a made-in-Canada global leader in professional sports. Chief executive of professional tennis of the United States Tennis Association, she was the first woman to be appointed tournament director of the U.S. Open. As former president, chair and CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association, she was instrumental in the financial growth of women’s tennis on an international scale, notably securing equal prize money for female players at all the Grand Slam events. A trailblazer for gender equality, she has reshaped sporting management organizations at the highest level.
The Honourable Clément Gascon, C.C.
Montréal, Quebec
Clément Gascon has made extraordinary contributions to Canadian law. His illustrious, five-decade-long career as a litigator, adjudicator and jurist was highlighted by his 2014 appointment to the country’s highest judicial body, the Supreme Court of Canada. Now in private practice, he continues to have a profound impact on the Canadian legal community by drawing on his own lived experiences in an ongoing quest to destigmatize mental illness.
Leo W. Gerard, C.C.
Sudbury, Ontario
Leo Gerard is one of the most influential labour leaders in modern history. Working his way from shop steward to president of United Steelworkers International, he advocated for workers’ rights, global solidarity, fair trade and social justice, while also making labour a partner with environmental organizations. He helped create Workers Uniting, the largest international union, and was a driving force behind IndustriALL Global Union, which supports millions of workers and their families worldwide.
Chief Wilton Littlechild, C.C., A.O.E., M.S.C., K.C.
Maskwacis, Alberta
Wilton Littlechild is a leader at the forefront of reconciliation. A revered politician, lawyer and Hall of Fame athlete, he has dedicated his life to advocating Indigenous laws and rights in Canada and around the world. This beloved commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has worked with the United Nations for over 40 years in international law. He is also the esteemed founder of the World Indigenous Nations Games.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Officers
The Honourable Willie Adams, O.C.
Kemptville, Ontario
Willie Adams has dedicated his career to Indigenous representation at the regional, territorial and federal levels. As the first Inuit senator in Canada, he ensured Indigenous issues were reflected in Canadian legislation relating to education, language rights, infrastructure, land claims, self-governance and natural resources. Throughout his tenure, he represented the Northwest Territories and, subsequently, Nunavut, for which he helped develop the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
lax̌lax̌tkʷ Jeannette Christine Armstrong, O.C.
Penticton, British Columbia
Jeannette Armstrong is an author, educator and traditional knowledge keeper of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation. An associate professor of Indigenous studies at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, she founded the undergraduate Nsyilxcen Language Fluency program, the first of its kind among Canadian universities. She is also an accomplished poet, novelist and environmental ethicist, whose work has influenced generations of Indigenous leaders and shaped curricula across the country.
Françoise Lise Aubut, O.C.
Stanstead, Quebec
Lise Aubut has been contributing to Canada’s music industry for decades. Lyricist, author, producer and impresario, she has shared in the success of several internationally renowned artists, including the legendary Édith Butler. Throughout her career, she has written the lyrics to hundreds of songs enjoyed by millions of listeners worldwide. A committed activist and advocate for music creators, she co-founded the Société professionnelle des auteurs et des compositeurs du Québec and the Society for Reproduction Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers in Canada, the first such organization in Canada.
Donovan Bailey, O.C., O.Ont.
Oakville, Ontario
Sports legend Donovan Bailey is one of the fastest sprinters of all time. His gold-medal performances are among the most iconic moments in sports history, and he was the first to hold the titles of world champion, Olympic champion and world-record title-holder concurrently. An inspiration both on and off the track, he motivates and encourages youth as a committed speaker and mentor. In retirement, he devotes his time as an entrepreneur, board member and philanthropist, and remains a steadfast advocate for clean sports and fair play.
Gertrude Bourdon, O.C.
Québec, Quebec
A nurse by profession, Gertrude Bourdon rose through the ranks to become one of the few women to hold a senior management position in Canada’s health care system. From 2015 to 2018, she served as president and CEO of the CHU de Québec–Université Laval, the largest university medical centre in Quebec. By streamlining the administration of health care organizations and managing major projects, she has helped improve services provided to citizens, thus ensuring the well-being of the community.
Eleanor Joanne Daley, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Eleanor Daley has shaped choral music in Canada and beyond. For more than three decades, she has been commissioned by well over 100 choirs throughout North America and Europe. Her prolific body of work has been widely performed by the world’s premier amateur and professional choral ensembles, bringing significant acclaim to the nation. She has been a highly respected accompanist for major ensembles and is also the long-time music director at Fairlawn Avenue United Church, where she has established one of the finest choral programs in the country.
Allen Charles Edward Eaves, O.C., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Allen Eaves has been at the forefront of Canada’s biotechnology industry. As founder, president and CEO of STEMCELL Technologies Inc., he created the largest biotechnology company in the country, supplying innovative life science research services worldwide. Professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia, he was also head of its clinical hematology division at the Vancouver Hospital and BC Cancer Agency, where he co-founded the renowned Terry Fox Laboratory. Through his leading business acumen, he has successfully commercialized Canadian stem cell research on an international level.
Allen Eaves will also be receiving the insignia on behalf of his late spouse, Dr. Connie J. Eaves, O.C., who was appointed to the Order of Canada for advancing our understanding of cancer development, and for her national and international leadership in stem cell biology.
Sheree Lynn Fitch, O.C.
River John, Nova Scotia
Sheree Fitch’s work is a testament to the power and joy that can be found in the spoken and written word. This storyteller, writer and poet has a unique ability to grasp and reflect the range of human emotion. She has captivated generations of young readers, though all with a youthful spirit revel in her singular ‘lipslipperiness.’ She is also a passionate advocate for literacy, and Canadian literature and writers.
François Girard, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec
Internationally renowned multidisciplinary artist François Girard has distinguished himself as a producer, screenwriter and stage director for film, opera, theatre and circus. His work has garnered a multitude of international awards and has showcased Canadian talent abroad. From Thirty-Two Short Films About Glenn Gould and The Red Violin, to Œdipus rex / Symphony of Psalms and Parsifal, his artistic achievements have captivated broad and eclectic audiences around the world.
Budd Lionel Hall, O.C.
Victoria, British Columbia
Budd Hall is a community-based research innovator. For decades, he has inspired generations of researchers to form partnerships with the communities in which they work, transforming how knowledge is produced and shared. Now professor emeritus at the University of Victoria, he was the founding director of its Office of Community-Based Research, the first of its kind in Canada and a model of university-community engagement. Through his leadership work with UNESCO, he supports a global network of researchers who strive towards real social change in a complex world.
Walter William Jule Jr., O.C.
Edmonton, Alberta
Walter Jule is a visionary printmaker. He is revered at home and abroad, and his artwork has been showcased in hundreds of exhibitions at pre-eminent venues worldwide. This accomplished and devoted educator was instrumental in establishing the internationally renowned printmaking program at the University of Alberta, and developed standards and practices that have contributed to the evolution of the arts. For more than 50 years, he has been a leading voice in Canadian culture and in the global printmaking community.
Andy Kim, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
With his captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics, Andy Kim has left an indelible mark on the music industry. This singer-songwriter’s hits Rock Me Gently and the iconic Sugar, Sugar have become timeless classics, topping the charts and garnering global acclaim. As the first independent Canadian artist in history to have a number-one single, he has solidified his status as a revered figure in popular music.
Yves Lenoir, O.C.
Sherbrooke, Quebec
Yves Lenoir helped transform and modernize elementary education in Quebec. Professor emeritus at Université de Sherbrooke, he is internationally recognized for his work on teaching practices, educational intervention and teacher training. With a focus on interdisciplinarity, he helped create several research structures, including the Centre de recherche sur l’intervention éducative and the Centre de recherche sur l’enseignement et l’apprentissage des sciences. A prolific researcher, he has developed approaches and tools that have influenced thousands of educators around the world.
Elder Albert Dennis Marshall, O.C.
Eskasoni, Nova Scotia
Elder Albert Marshall is a revered member of the Moose Clan of Eskasoni First Nation, in Mi’kma’ki. With his beloved wife, the late Elder Murdena Marshall, he has shared Mi’kmaq culture, history and language through the wisdom of Etuaptmumk / Two-Eyed Seeing, the harmonious interchange between Indigenous ways of knowing and other knowledge systems. His teachings have had a profound impact on public policy, the environment and health care.
Sandra Miju Oh, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario and Los Angeles, California, United States of America
Sandra Oh is a multi-talented actress and producer whose work has been internationally acclaimed by audiences and critics. As an advocate for art and inclusive storytelling, she is recognized as an inspiration for the versatility of her roles and her skill as a performer in numerous stage and screen productions, including Double Happiness, Sideways, Grey’s Anatomy, Killing Eve, The Chair and Turning Red.
The insignia was previously presented to Sandra Oh.
Joseph L. Pater, O.C.
Kingston, Ontario
Joseph Pater is a foundational figure in Canada’s clinical cancer research community. As inaugural director of the National Cancer Institute of Canada’s Clinical Trials Group, he is credited with turning the group into a leading entity that has defined medical practice and broadly improved outcomes for cancer patients. He is equally recognized for mentoring the next generation of Canada’s leading oncologists.
The Honourable François Rolland, O.C.
Sutton, Quebec
François Rolland has always been committed to improving the justice system and to making it more accessible and effective. A judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for nearly 20 years, including more than 10 years as chief justice, he played a leading role in modernizing Quebec’s judicial system, notably by helping to create the class actions division and by favouring settlement conferences. He is also a strong supporter of participatory justice, and has focused on this approach both in Canada and internationally. A retired judge, he continues to leave his mark as a mediator and arbitrator.
Jean Riley Senft, O.C.
West Vancouver, British Columbia
Jean Riley Senft is a worldwide authority in figure skating. As a championships judge with the International Skating Union, she has served at numerous national and international events, and has mentored athletes and officials alike in their preparation for high-level competition. During a 1998 Olympic event, she bravely blew the whistle on corrupt bloc judging, ultimately helping to bring about positive change to scoring methodology in the sport. She has also contributed her leadership to the charitable sector, notably through her family foundation.
Nigel Graham Shrive, O.C.
Calgary, Alberta
Nigel Shrive is a sought-after expert in structural mechanics. A trailblazer in biomedical engineering, he contributed to the invention of the artificial Oxford Knee, established innovative programs at the University of Calgary, and provided new insights into orthopaedics and hemodynamics. Equally impressive are his contributions to civil engineering and the construction industry, notably as an advisor on the protection and restoration of brick and stone structures, and the implementation of safer building codes.
Brian Edward Stewart, O.C., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario
For more than five decades, Brian Stewart has helped Canadians understand global events. A senior correspondent at the CBC, he uncovered stories from crisis-afflicted areas around the world, setting the standard of investigative journalism. One of the first reporters to cover the 1984 Ethiopia famine, he helped mobilize humanitarian responses from both Canada and the United Nations. Past distinguished senior fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, he continues to serve as an advisory committee member of Human Rights Watch Canada.
Vaira Vike-Freiberga, O.C., O.Q.
Riga, Latvia
Vaira Vike-Freiberga has enriched Canada-Latvia relations and reflected Canadian values abroad. Professor emerita in psychology at l’Université de Montréal, she returned to her native Latvia to become the first woman to serve as its president, helping the country enter into NATO and the European Union, and regain stability during its post-Soviet period. She remains committed to protecting democracy and human rights, and to promoting women leaders worldwide.
This is an honorary appointment.
Barbara Lewis Zimmerman, O.C.
Collingwood, Ontario
Barbara Zimmerman is bolstering biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation for generations to come. As the long-time director of the Kayapo Project, she has worked with the southeastern Amazon’s Kayapo Nation to support their development of sustainable, conservation-based enterprise, and to protect their territorial sovereignty. The project has helped mentor the next generation of conservationists, uphold constitutional Indigenous rights in Brazil, and support the protection of the last large block of rainforest surviving in the lawless southeastern Amazon.
Members
Ted Barris, C.M.
Uxbridge, Ontario
Ted Barris’ storytelling has served as a mainstay in Canadian military heritage. An author, freelance journalist and broadcaster, he has raised awareness of the role Canadians have played in military history, showcasing a detailed perspective of veterans’ personal experiences. He has authored 20 non-fiction books, including 10 bestsellers on Canadians in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and the War in Afghanistan. A sought-after speaker, he has inspired remembrance and recognition of service among military and regimental associations, museums and veterans’ organizations, as well as within a variety of writers’ circles.
Chief Darcy Murray Bear, C.M., S.O.M.
Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Saskatchewan
Chief Darcy Bear of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation is widely recognized for his visionary leadership and tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for his community. Since the early 1990s, with the support of his community and Elders, he has built a record of economic success and sustainable community development. Highly regarded for his ability to build alliances and set new precedents, Chief Bear continues to create a legacy of innovation in governance and economic development, a model that can be shared with all First Nations in Canada.
James Lloyd Cassels, C.M., K.C.
Victoria, British Columbia
Committed to excellence as a teacher, scholar, and educational and administrative leader, Jamie Cassels is one of the University of Victoria’s most prominent figures. Serving as a professor of law for decades, he also held many senior roles, including those of president and vice-chancellor. With decisive leadership and a strong focus on research-enriched learning, equity, diversity and inclusion, he contributed to the growth of the institution, and helped Indigenous communities gain better access to higher education through unique reconciliation programs in Canada and worldwide.
Timothy Allen Caulfield, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta
Timothy Caulfield is dedicated to building robust health policy and countering scientific misinformation. Research director of the University of Alberta’s Health Law Institute, and Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, he explores the legal and ethical issues within science and medicine. His interdisciplinary expertise, bestselling books and documentary series aim to debunk pseudoscientific claims, promote evidence-based decision making and encourage critical examination of data. A policy influencer in Canada and beyond, he has been involved in such initiatives as #ScienceUpFirst, which has helped create more discerning media consumers.
Alan Côté, C.M.
Petite-Vallée, Quebec
Alan Côté is a mainstay of Quebec’s musical landscape. Over 40 years ago, he founded the Théâtre de la Vieille Forge de Petite-Vallée, a multidisciplinary cultural institution that has distinguished itself above all by its support for vocal artists. As the general and artistic director of the Village en chanson de Petite-Vallée, he works to promote exchanges between artists through the activities of the Camp-chanson, the Théâtre de la Vieille Forge, and the Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée. An avid promoter of the arts, he has enriched Quebec and Francophone culture through his initiatives.
Armand Calixte Doucet, C.M., M.S.M.
Moncton, New Brunswick
For Armand Doucet, teaching is not a job—it is a calling. He was nominated for the renowned Global Teacher Prize for his gifted ability to engage students at New Brunswick’s Riverview High School. As a scholar-practitioner, he connects classroom experience with real-world trends, and is often sought out to speak and advise on issues that impact education globally. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a guiding role as the international community navigated the resulting educational challenges.
Elder Jane Rose Dragon, C.M., O.N.W.T.
Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
Jane Dragon is a pillar in her community. A long-time educator, she is renowned and beloved throughout the North for maintaining and sharing traditional knowledge and skills with the next generation, notably in the creation of Indigenous garments. For decades, she has been devoted to social causes, Indigenous cultural activism, and creating resources for students and youth, notably as a resident Elder and educator for the non-profit organizations FOXY and SMASH.
Janis Dunning, C.M. and Jacques Lemay, C.M.
Victoria, British Columbia
Janis Dunning and Jacques Lemay have unified Canadians from all corners of the country through the performing arts. He has directed numerous pre-eminent national and international events; she has empowered and inspired young Canadians by creating hundreds of television programs. Together, they are renowned for celebrating Canada with their coast-to-coast production, Spirit of a Nation. Devoted educators and mentors, they established several performing arts programs, including the internationally renowned Canadian College of Performing Arts, and have guided countless aspiring artists to successfully pursue careers on the world stage.
Konrad Eisenbichler, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Konrad Eisenbichler is an acclaimed scholar of the Italian Renaissance and of Italian immigration to Canada. Professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, he has bridged history, literature and art through his interdisciplinary scholarship to transform the academic disciplines of sexuality, gender and confraternity studies. He has held leadership roles at the Canadian Society for Renaissance Studies, the Canadian Association for Italian Studies, and the Federazione Giuliano-Dalmata Canadese. Within the Italian Canadian community, his work has highlighted the unique history and experience of Julian-Dalmatian immigrants.
Robert J. Foster, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Robert Foster is a cultural ambassador to numerous national arts organizations. An investment banker and philanthropist, he forged dynamic partnerships between business and arts sectors to transform communities into award-winning cultural spaces. Notably, he lent his expertise to the creation of Daniels Spectrum in Toronto’s Regent Park, and led the Creative Capital Gains report, which set the arts and culture strategy for the City of Toronto.
Michael Terry Harris, C.M.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Investigative journalist and writer Michael Harris has shone a light on our country’s past and present. His reporting on decades-long abuses at the Mount Cashel Orphanage in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, helped spur a royal commission, while his book Justice Denied, which examined racism in Nova Scotia’s judicial system, prompted another. Both commissions led to reform and provided justice. With his nine books, including many national bestsellers, and his decades of dedication to journalism and truth, he has enriched our public debate and helped us grow.
Jane Elizabeth Heyman, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Jane Heyman is a mainstay in Canada’s theatre community. The works of this award-winning director, renowned educator and beloved mentor have graced stages in Vancouver, Montréal and London, England. She has contributed to numerous creative organizations and is the co-founder of Westcoast Actors, the Women in VIEW Festival, and the Performing Arts Lodge Vancouver. She also advocates gender parity, diversity and harassment-free workplaces, notably through her involvement with the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association, and as a champion of women playwrights and sector leaders.
Vahan Kololian, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Vahan Kololian is a champion of multiculturalism and inclusion. An entrepreneur and financier by trade, he is the founder of the Mosaic Institute, an organization dedicated to dismantling prejudice through dialogue, outreach and inclusion. A leader in the Armenian-Canadian community, he works with local and international partners to support development and prosperity in his ancestral homeland, including efforts to resolve historic and modern-day hostilities between Armenia and Turkey. He and his wife also support a variety of Canadian art, health care and educational organizations.
Donald Arnold Kossick, C.M.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Donald Kossick is a model of civic engagement. An impassioned activist, he has advocated a range of issues, from boreal forest and water protection, health care and refugee resettlement, to promoting human rights and social justice. His efforts have had a global impact through several international projects, from Mozambique to Papua New Guinea. He is also a documentarist and radio broadcaster, as well as the celebrated host of the longest-running talk program in Saskatoon, Making the Links, through which he gives voice to the community.
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, C.M., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia is a philanthropic and entrepreneurial force in British Columbia. Co-owner of a successful family business, she is also lauded for her role in co-founding the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN). The first state-of-the-art knowledge and research centre of its kind in North America, PAFN provides essential services to individuals living with autism spectrum disorder, as well as to their families. Generous with her time and expertise, she has been a valued and engaged advisor to important organizations within her community, and was the first woman to serve as a trustee of the Vancouver Police Foundation.
Lois Jeanette McDonall, C.M.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Lois McDonall is an operatic soprano with an illustrious international career and a long legacy as a champion of the performing arts. She has appeared at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and was a principal soloist with the English National Opera for 15 years. She taught at the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music, and is a beloved mentor to many singers whose careers she has nurtured.
Robert Duff McKeown, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Bob McKeown is one of our most respected voices in journalism. For more than a decade, he was an eminent correspondent in the United States renowned for his diligence and determination, and for his award-winning coverage of historic events, including the Persian Gulf War and the World Trade Center attacks. Since his return to Canada, he has presented countless in-depth investigations as a host of CBC’s The Fifth Estate, notably on sports-related concussions, incorporating his dogged passion for football as a Grey Cup champion.
Robert Edward Mitchell, C.M.
Westmount, Quebec
For more than four decades, Robert Mitchell helped protect Canada’s intellectual property interests and improve the sector’s global alignment. A former president of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada and the Fédération internationale des conseils en propriété intellectuelle (FICPI Canada), he strengthened co-operation in the field, stood as a mentor to fellow patent agents, and co-authored the History of the Patent and Trade Mark Profession in Canada.
Crystal Pite, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Crystal Pite has created her own language in dance. This former Ballet British Columbia dancer produced her first piece three decades ago; since then, she has collaborated with renowned dancers and major companies, earning a reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after contemporary choreographers. As the founder and artistic director of her own dance company, Kidd Pivot, she experiments with theatrical elements, incorporating them into visually stunning and poignant pieces that have garnered prestigious international awards and toured extensively across Canada and abroad.
Gary Rush Purdy, C.M.
Hamilton, Ontario
Gary Purdy is a scientist specializing in the area of microstructure development in engineering materials. Professor emeritus at McMaster University, he has conducted theoretical and experimental research that has led to the discovery of new phenomena and the development of advanced materials. An ardent promoter of social justice, he is also a founding member of the Centre for Peace Studies, which supports global initiatives through mediation, conflict resolution and health interventions.
Ann Martin Shaw, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Ann Shaw is a pillar of Canada’s figure skating community. Her contributions to ice dance have earned her an international reputation as a voice of authority, integrity and fairness. She is noted for her efforts to help transform the International Skating Union’s judging system following the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. At home, she has supported figure skaters at all levels, as a mentor, role model and advisor.
Curtis A. Suttle, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Curtis Suttle is a global leader in virology, microbial ecology and ocean sciences. A professor at the University of British Columbia, he is credited with developing the field of marine virology, which has advanced our understanding of the diversity and impact of viruses in the sea, including their effects on plankton and ocean productivity. His work has also stimulated discoveries illuminating the essential role of viruses in the global system, and their contributions to genetic diversity on earth and on ecological equilibrium.
Norman Kiyomitsu Takeuchi, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario
Norman Takeuchi honours and preserves the history and heritage of Japanese Canadians through visual expression. His works, full of subtle and poignant historical allusions, explore the racial prejudice and human rights abuses he and his family endured during World War II, and examine themes relating to multigenerational trauma, healing and resilience. He is an important figure on Ottawa’s art scene, with many of his pieces featured in permanent and private collections in Canada and abroad.
Gérard Trudeau, C.M.
Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec
Entrepreneur Gérard Trudeau has bolstered Canada’s agricultural sector by influencing consumer behaviours and dietary trends across the country. He developed family businesses that offer fresh herbs and specialty vegetables not readily available in North America, and ensured year-round supply through his companies in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. His success in diversifying the ingredients and food products available in Canada made him a sought-after expert in the industry.
Catherine Michelle Valberg, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario
Over a period of decades, visual storyteller, adventurer and philanthropist Michelle Valberg has heightened our awareness of the strong connection between people, animals and the environment. A Nikon ambassador for Canada and the first Canadian Geographic photographer-in-residence, she has captured our country’s beauty, focused people’s attention on Canada’s North and helped enhance children’s lives as the co-founder and president of Project North. At home, she supports youth and mental health initiatives and is a member of several nature conservancy organizations.
Carole Vivier, C.M., O.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
As the former CEO and film commissioner for Manitoba Film & Music, Carole Vivier helped to build the province’s reputation as a thriving arts scene. She is highly regarded for spearheading several local industry initiatives, including the introduction of a precedent-setting film tax credit. Manitoba is now recognized as a force on the international film and music scene, secure in its creative and economic growth for years to come.
Michael West, C.M., O.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Michael West has made seminal advances in the field of neurosurgery. A professor at the University of Manitoba and former head of neurosurgery of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, he was the first to introduce gamma knife radiosurgery in Canada to treat certain brain tumours with remarkable precision. He also initiated a partnership with CancerCare Manitoba to develop a therapy program using state-of-the-art radiation technology. In his retirement, he continues to collaborate on research studies, notably on the use of magnetic resonance imaging during awake craniotomy.
Lorraine M. Wright, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta
Lorraine M. Wright has transformed family nursing in Canada and around the world. She is renowned for her theoretical contributions and innovative clinical practices that soften the suffering of families experiencing serious illness. Professor emeritus of nursing at the University of Calgary and founder of its Family Nursing Unit, she co-authored a landmark family nursing textbook that was subsequently adopted in more than 26 countries. With a 45-year career to her credit, she is a world leader in the field and remains dedicated to educating nurses on the benefits of family care.
Vaughn Alfred Wyant, C.M.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Vaughn Wyant is a well-known figure in western Canada’s automotive industry and a devoted community leader. Since acquiring his first Saskatoon dealership, he has expanded the business to include more than 20 showrooms and nearly 500 employees. He is a passionate philanthropist and fundraiser who has leveraged his company to support art, sport and health care initiatives, including the Remai Modern Art Gallery, the University of Saskatchewan’s Home Ice Campaign, the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation and, most recently, a major initiative for STARS air ambulance in Saskatchewan.