Companions

John Louis Bragg, C.C., O.N.S.
Oxford, Nova Scotia

John Bragg’s passion for the prosperity and well-being of Atlantic Canada is legendary. As CEO of the Bragg Group of Companies, he has overseen its extensive growth and diversification, which includes Oxford Frozen Foods, the world’s largest provider of wild blueberries, all while maintaining and nurturing the company’s Maritime roots. Leveraging his experience and success, he has fervently advocated for rural development and sustainability, one community at a time. Committed to empowering individuals through education, he helped establish more than 60 scholarships at several of the region’s universities.

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Officers

Leonard Joseph Cariou, O.C., O.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba and New York, New York, United States of America

Over the course of his 60-year career, Len Cariou has distinguished himself as one of Canada’s great theatre actors. He mastered his craft as a founding member of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and, later, at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, before garnering recognition and acclaim for his musical theatre performances on and off Broadway. Ever the consummate professional, he has translated his skills to success in American television and film. Proud of his roots, he is committed to developing a thriving Canadian theatre scene and to nurturing young artists, particularly in his home province.

Michael Donovan, O.C.
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Always pushing the boundaries of storytelling, Michael Donovan is a visionary leader and tenacious entrepreneur in the Canadian film and television industry. He is the producer and credited writer behind such productions as This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Bowling for Columbine and Shake Hands with the Devil. Built from the ground up over the course of several decades, his publically traded film companies have had a tremendous impact on the economy and have fostered Canadian talent at home and abroad. He has also shared his wisdom with various national advisory boards and as chair of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.

Aled Morgan Edwards, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Aled Edwards is a proponent of open science research. Founder of the internationally renowned Structural Genomics Consortium, he enables open access to biomedical research without any patents. Extending this successful model, he co-founded Medicines for Kids, which promotes open-access drug research with the aim of generating novel and affordable treatments. A professor at the University of Toronto and McGill University, he has bolstered Canada’s reputation in the global scientific and innovation communities with his conception of the role of open science in drug discovery.

Elizabeth A. Edwards, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Elizabeth Edwards has expanded the realm of possibility in bioremediation. A professor of chemical engineering at the University of Toronto, she is celebrated for her mentorship, and is renowned for proving that certain petroleum hydrocarbons, such as benzene, can be degraded without oxygen. She has been instrumental in developing transformative microbial treatments for polluted soils and groundwater, notably KB-1, which is used worldwide to remediate sites contaminated by chlorinated solvents. She also amplifies the pertinence of interdisciplinary research and of academic-industry partnerships, namely as the founder and director of BioZone.

Moya Marguerite Greene, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

Moya Greene is revered for her business acumen in Canada and abroad. A sought-after visionary in her field, she oversaw the modernization of several iconic institutions including the Canadian National Railway and the Department of Transportation. A transformational leader while at the helm of Canada Post, she is credited with raising mental health awareness in the workplace to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. Recently, she led the privatization of the Royal Mail Group in the United Kingdom where she was the first woman and non-Briton to serve as CEO.

Sheldon Levy, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Sheldon Levy’s visionary leadership has transformed Canada’s most distinguished educational institutions. An academic administrator and former president and vice-chancellor of Ryerson University, he was instrumental in transitioning the institution from a polytechnical college to a world-class university. Committed to fostering innovation, he is also acclaimed for designing Ryerson’s Digital Media Zone, an early-stage incubator for student entrepreneurs, which has been replicated at campuses around the globe. He is a sought-after consultant and serves as a special advisor to the federal government on small business and export promotion.

Christine M. Morrissey, O.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Chris Morrissey’s courage opened the door to a new life for many 2SLGBTQI+ immigrants. In challenging the status quo, she won the right for individuals to sponsor a foreign-born, same-sex partner as a Canadian resident. For more than 25 years, she has supported refugees who faced discrimination in their home countries because of sexual orientation or gender identity, by facilitating their entry into Canada and their integration into the community. Still an active advocate, she educates caregivers and other professionals about the unique journey of aging for 2SLGBTQI+ seniors.

Edward J. Ratushny, O.C., O.Ont., K.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

Edward Ratushny has left an indelible mark on Canada’s administration of justice. The University of Ottawa law professor consistently extended academic research, writing and expertise beyond classrooms and journals to provide expert advice and guidance to a broad range of public institutions. He became a trusted advisor to public servants, administrative tribunals, cabinet ministers and chief justices across Canada. A prolific author, he has been frequently cited by our Supreme Court, and his scholarship has set the bar for teaching and shaping the education of future lawyers.

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John David Runnalls, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

David Runnalls has devoted his career to protecting and preserving the world’s natural environment. At the helm of important non-profit institutions, and as a trusted advisor to eminent figures in government, international organizations and research bodies, he has provided expert advice and solutions that have influenced global environmental and sustainability policies. Under his leadership, the International Institute for Sustainable Development became one of the foremost research organizations in the field. He remains active as board chair of the Pembina Institute and as an esteemed mentor to aspiring environmentalists.

Marcel Sabourin, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec

In a career spanning 70 years, Marcel Sabourin has distinguished himself as one of the great multidisciplinary artists of Quebec culture. He has made a remarkable contribution in varied fields as an actor, clown, author, screenwriter, director, producer and lyricist, notably writing for Robert Charlebois. Whether on stage, television or the silver screen, he has moved audiences with his performances in a multitude of roles. For many artists, he will forever be the National Theatre School of Canada mentor who inspired them to make their own mark.

D. R. Fraser Taylor, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

Fraser Taylor is a pioneer in the field of cartography. A Chancellor’s distinguished research professor at Carleton University, he is renowned for his leadership and innovation, and for his interdisciplinary work in the development of cybercartography. This new approach has provided the means to transform geospatial data into concrete practical applications used for learning, policy development and decision making. He is also celebrated for working closely with Indigenous communities that have used this tool to recount stories, share knowledge, and highlight the diversity of languages and cultures across Canada.

Bernard Zinman, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

The impact of Bernard Zinman’s groundbreaking research extends far beyond the millions of Canadians living with diabetes. In recent years, he has spearheaded the evaluation of new therapies for type 2 diabetes, which have significantly reduced rates of cardiovascular complications and deaths within this segment of the population. His discoveries have resulted in major changes to treatment management guidelines worldwide. In addition to being a prolific writer, he has played a crucial role in the global recognition of the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Mount Sinai Hospital as leaders in the field.

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Members

Harold Bassford, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Harold Bassford has influenced post-secondary education in Canada. A professor and dean at York University, he founded its nursing program and health studies curricula. As president of the University of the Fraser Valley, he led its transition from a college to a full university, and introduced Indigenous and Indo-Canadian programs to the subject roster. He is also acclaimed for creating the first Canadian academic campus in India. Complementing his distinguished career is his leadership in serving marginalized groups as past president of Casey House and the Surrey Place Centre in Toronto.

Francine Bois, C.M.
Laval, Quebec

Tireless leader Francine Bois has left an indelible mark on the Quebec literary scene. At the helm of the Salon du livre de Montréal for nearly three decades, she transformed the organization into a popular book fair that promotes freedom of expression, cultural diversity and the love of reading, particularly among youth. Establishing a model that has been emulated across the province and nation, she has raised the profile of countless Anglophone and Francophone authors, and has championed our country’s literature around the world.

The Honourable Sandra Chapnik, C.M., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario

Sandra Chapnik has been advancing social justice in Ontario for decades. Advocating for equality and human rights, this former judge of the Superior Court of Justice helped establish best practices in the field, with many of her decisions cited as precedents across Canada. As an executive member of the Ontario and Canadian bar associations, she was a role model for women in law and championed for their increased representation in leadership roles. A volunteer leader, she engages in community initiatives that promote education and multiculturalism.

Euclide Patrice Chiasson, C.M.
Dieppe, New Brunswick

A key figure in New Brunswick’s co-operative and community sectors, Euclide Chiasson is an outstanding Acadian leader. As founder of the magazine Ven’d’est and of the Parti Acadien, and as former director of the Fondation du Collège de Bathurst, he has helped shape the Acadian identity. Former president of the Société Nationale de l’Acadie, he brilliantly led the petition for the Crown to recognize the wrongs suffered by Acadians during the deportation. A natural at bringing people together, he is also the instigator and founding president of the Barque, a non-profit public education co-operative.

Ralph Chiodo, C.M., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario

Ralph Chiodo is a successful entrepreneur and seasoned philanthropist. Founder of Active Green + Ross Complete Tire & Auto Centre, he leverages his business achievements and contacts to inspire a wide network of giving. An active member of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke, the Trillium Health Partners Foundation and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, he has spearheaded numerous well-loved events to raise awareness, funds and spirits. He is also a generous supporter of Toronto’s COSTI Immigrant Services and the Italian-Canadian community.

Mitchell Cohen, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

A distinguished community builder, Mitchell Cohen is at the vanguard of real estate development. As president of Daniels Corporation since 1984, he has built residential and commercial properties with a view to bringing people together and driving communities forward. Noted for his work on the Regent Park Revitalization Project, he is esteemed for his deft ability to forge partnerships with residents, developers and governments to transform iconic landscapes. His business philosophy has been life-changing for whole populations and has inspired real estate developers to emulate his innovative building practices.

Jean Marc Dalpé, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Renowned playwright Jean Marc Dalpé has enriched the Canadian Francophonie. Co-founder of the Théâtre de la Vieille 17 and key contributor to the Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario, he has written numerous acclaimed plays, poetry anthologies, novels and literary translations, including Le Chien and Un vent se lève qui éparpille. Although he has been active on the Montréal scene for the past 30 years, his pen continues to convey the Franco-Ontarian experience and oral tradition, which he has shared both here and in Europe. He is also well known as an actor and nurtures emerging talent as an educator.

Ian Robert Dohoo, C.M.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Ian Robert Dohoo is recognized as a world-leading figure in veterinary epidemiology. His research and contributions have led to improved health protection for both animals and humans in Canada and abroad. Through his efforts, the Atlantic Veterinary College of the University of Prince Edward Island has become a globally renowned institution; as professor emeritus, he is highly regarded as an influential mentor to the next generation of specialists in the field.

Robert Eisenberg, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Robert Eisenberg has been breathing new life into old buildings for more than 40 years. A partner at York Heritage Properties, he is noted for his transformative work on Toronto’s Liberty Village. He also served on the mayor’s committee that inspired The Two Kings, transforming the outdated industrial zoning into a regeneration area. An advocate for Ontario’s environmental heritage, he successfully campaigned for provincial legislation to limit urban sprawl and protect Lake Simcoe. He also founded Sistema Toronto, which uses music to promote social change and academic excellence among children in underserved areas of the city.

John Estacio, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta

John Estacio has broken new ground on Canada’s operatic scene. One of the country’s foremost composers, he has showcased Canadian history through his original works, including the acclaimed Filumena and its story of bootlegging, crime and punishment in Alberta. In addition to being among the country’s most frequently broadcast and performed composers, he has put Canadian opera on the international stage with performances in high-profile venues around the world. His unique compositional style and the Canadian themes he explores make his work accessible to all audiences.

Wayne John Fairhead, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Wayne Fairhead has introduced the joy of the theatre to thousands of young Canadians. Executive director of the Sears Drama Festival for over a quarter century, he expanded its reach from Ontario to British Columbia and Atlantic Canada, and led its transformation into the National Theatre School Festival. A revered teacher and mentor, he nurtured budding actors, producers, designers, directors and playwrights. Under his guidance, they also learned self-expression, co-operation and acceptance of other views—skills that will last a lifetime, both in the arts and beyond.

Eleanor N. Fish, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Eleanor Fish is a pioneer in the development of treatments for viral infections. A professor of immunology at the University of Toronto, she discovered how interferon, a naturally occurring protein, can be used to treat a range of viral infections, including SARS, H1N1, avian flu, Ebola and SARS-CoV-2. She made groundbreaking strides in the management of Ebola outbreaks and trained numerous front-line health care practitioners throughout Africa. Her innovative research on SARS led to an interferon treatment protocol sanctioned by the World Health Organization, which has also proven effective in treating COVID-19.

Timothy Frick, C.M., O.B.C.
Pender Island, British Columbia

Tim Frick is a legend in Canadian Paralympic sport. A coach for more than four decades, he supported Terry Fox and Rick Hansen in their respective tours, directed the national track team at two Paralympic Games and led the Canadian women’s wheelchair basketball team to three Paralympic gold medals and four World Championship titles. By focusing on the growth of the individual—where self-confidence and self-respect are as important as technical skill—he has advocated for athletes at all levels and ages, and has inspired his fellow coaches.

Gerald Friesen, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Historian Gerald Friesen enriches our appreciation and understanding of Canada’s past. Distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba, he has written important works on the history of the Prairies and the role communications have played in shaping Canadian society. A past president of the Canadian Historical Association, he has also contributed to the professional development of teachers and the historical education of union members, and has guided the evolution of public history projects.

H. Roger Garland, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Roger Garland has helped numerous Canadian initiatives reach their full potential. Through his active involvement in governance, cultural and social organizations have benefited from his seasoned business acumen, namely the Greater Toronto YMCA, as well as the Pan American and Parapan American Games. A volunteer and philanthropist, he is well known for his engaged and generous patronage of numerous arts institutions, notably the Soulpepper theatre, the National Ballet of Canada and the Glenn Gould Foundation.

Marie Giguère, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Having led a remarkable career in law and business, Marie Giguère has also distinguished herself through her exemplary community involvement. An expert in commercial and corporate law, she has held senior management positions in several major corporations that are shaping the Canadian economy and contributing to its development. An inspiring mentor, she has paved the way for many young female lawyers and women in business. McGill University, the Douglas Mental Health University Institute and the Montréal Exchange have all benefited from her strong and unwavering leadership in governance.

Katherine Govier, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario and Canmore, Alberta

Katherine Govier’s contributions to the Canadian literary scene reach far beyond her carefully crafted stories and novels. Through brave historical and fictional characters, she explores our shared human story and sense of self. She is lauded for her leadership of such literary organizations as the Writers’ Trust and PEN Canada, and her efforts and initiatives inspire emerging authors. Through her unique writing and performance workshop The Shoe Project, she empowers refugee and immigrant women to tell the stories of their arrival in Canada.

Priscilla Edson Greenwood, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Priscilla Greenwood is a pioneer in the early development of mathematics and statistics in Canada. Professor emerita at the University of British Columbia, she is distinguished for several inventions, notably new stochastic processes used to understand neural dynamics. A beloved role model to women across the country, she was one of the first women scientists to advance the fields of probability and statistical theory. Her innovative approaches to probabilistic modelling have been applied across disciplines and have inspired the next generation of scientists.

Sarah Hall, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Sarah Hall’s architectural stained glass and solar installations adorn some of the world’s most illustrious structures. For more than 40 years, her large-scale projects have figured prominently on our national landscape and are acclaimed by international audiences. Her famous Sanctuary windows in Saskatoon have been compared to the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe and are equally admired for their ability to convert solar energy into electricity. At the vanguard of her art form, she has also developed a prototype for bird-friendly glass.

Lucille Harper, C.M.
Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Lucille Harper embodies compassion. A founding member and long-time executive director of the Antigonish Women’s Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association, she fuelled the expansion of its services and social advocacy work, addressing poverty, health, and sexual and gender-based violence. Through various partnerships, she advanced projects to improve the lives of women and girls. Sharing her expertise with provincial and national organizations and governments, she has supported local housing and transit initiatives, and is a main architect of the Syria-Antigonish Families Embrace.

Paul Earl Heinbecker, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Paul Heinbecker, a paragon of Canadian diplomacy, was a key architect of Canada’s human security agenda, which put people at the heart of international relations. As Canada’s ambassador to the UN, he led diplomatic efforts against the Iraq War of 2003, and counselled against Canadian participation. Earlier, he was Canada’s chief negotiator of the Kyoto Protocol to the International Climate Change Convention. In retirement, he co-founded the World Refugee and Migration Council to respond to the global refugee crisis.

Anthony Olmsted Hendrie, C.M.
Nottawa, Ontario

Lawyer Anthony Hendrie has used his success to support his community and Canada as a whole. A man of action, he has devoted time and resources to benefit individuals in need, always in the most discreet manner. For more than six decades, he has lent his talents to myriad organizations, such as the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Foundation. He is also a long-term supporter of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and was instrumental in the campaign to relocate its headquarters to its current picturesque location in Ottawa.

William Arthur Humber, C.M.
Bowmanville, Ontario

Bill Humber has knocked Canadian sports history out of the park. The first historian and researcher to be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, he has uncovered the origins of our country’s deep-rooted, yet largely forgotten, history with the game, which predates hockey by several decades. An enthusiastic educator, he founded and has taught the Baseball Spring Training for Fans course for more than 40 years. He has also authored numerous groundbreaking books on sports and is a sought-after speaker and media presenter throughout North America.

Moira Fleming Hutchinson, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Moira Hutchinson is a pioneer of investor engagement in environmental, social and governance issues. As the coordinator of the Taskforce on the Churches and Corporate Responsibility, a coalition of Canadian churches, she helped start an investment movement that challenged apartheid in South Africa and filed some of Canada’s first minority shareholder proposals to encourage equitable business practices. Over her many years of work with a variety of organizations, including Project Ploughshares, the Maquila Solidarity Network and the Canadian Alternative Investment Cooperative, she has championed global peace and a moral economy.

Olga Eliza Korper, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Olga Korper is a vibrant force on the visual arts scene in Canada. Owner and director of one of the leading contemporary art galleries in the country, this trailblazer has dedicated her illustrious career to the promotion and exhibition of Canadian and international contemporary art, both locally and globally. Her gallery is a dynamic cultural centre in the community, serving as both a venue for art education and as a platform for numerous aspiring and established visual artists.

Robert Krell, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Physician, international educator and advocate for Holocaust survivors, Robert Krell has made groundbreaking contributions to the memorialization of the Holocaust by recording survivor testimonies. Former director of child psychiatry at the University of British Columbia hospital, he has written extensively on understanding the psychology of survivors of massive trauma. Founder of the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, he helped establish Holocaust and genocide education programs to combat racism, prejudice and anti-Semitism, and to advocate for social justice and human rights. A quiet philanthropist, he supports numerous charities and scholarships.

Marc Labrèche, C.M.
Saint-Lambert, Quebec

Marc Labrèche is a key figure on Quebec’s cultural landscape. A talented actor, he has played both dramatic and comedic roles in film, on stage and on television, portraying iconic characters that have left their mark on generations of Quebecers. As host of satirical talk shows and the creative mind behind parodic television series, he has used his absurd yet thoughtful humour to provoke collective thought on a wide range of social issues. His biting wit formed the basis of several unforgettable sketches and impersonations, which cemented his status as an artist who defies classification.

Barbara Landau, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Barbara Landau is a leader in family mediation. She promotes alternative dispute resolution in family law, championing this affordable and less-adversarial option in the interest of children. A psychologist and lawyer by training, she spearheaded the establishment of training standards, including domestic abuse screening for family mediators and arbitrators, and has advocated for women’s equality and mental health reforms. She continues to lead numerous peacebuilding initiatives between Palestinian, Muslim and Jewish communities in Canada and abroad as a tireless advocate for human rights and interfaith co-operation.

Nona Macdonald Heaslip, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Nona Macdonald Heaslip is a champion of the arts in Canada. Following a long-standing career in public relations and communications, she co-founded with her late husband an eponymous foundation that has significantly donated to numerous arts, health care and academic institutions, as well as annual scholarships for students across the country. An engaged benefactor and volunteer, she is a highly respected consultant and board member of various arts and culture organizations, and is an ardent supporter of both emerging and established artists.

Keith MacPhail, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta

Keith MacPhail is an economic and philanthropic force in his province. An esteemed leader in the oil and gas sector, he led the growth of several companies into some of Canada’s most prominent energy producers. Leveraging his successes to the benefit of his community, he has made significant and long-standing contributions in support of health care, athletics and education. Notably, his transformative gift to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology will help pave the way for many aspiring students.

Elizabeth McGregor, C.M.
Douro-Dummer, Ontario

Elizabeth McGregor is a champion of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Recognized as a powerful proponent for gender mainstreaming, she has worked with the federal government to craft public policy on science, ethics and human rights, and her groundbreaking research on civil liberties has brought her to the United Nations in Asia and Europe. Her forays into politics and her commitment as an author, mentor and facilitator continue to inspire and empower women and youth to enter leadership roles in science, politics and public service.

Duff David Mostoway Roman, C.M.
Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario

Duff Roman has left his mark on broadcasting and Canada’s burgeoning music scene. A CHUM Radio personality and esteemed executive, he is also recognized as a trailblazer in the music industry. As a pioneering Canadian record producer and founder of Roman Records, he helped launch the careers of several iconic artists. Throughout his 60-year career, he advocated for Canadian musical talent and led the formation of FACTOR (the Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records), a non-profit funding organization and cornerstone of our country’s modern music industry.

Eva Olsson, C.M., O.Ont.
Bracebridge, Ontario

Eva Olsson has been inspiring us to rise against discrimination and bullying for more than 25 years. A Holocaust survivor, she channelled the pain she endured into an emboldened mission to eradicate hatred. From elementary schools to the United Nations, she has travelled across the country and beyond its borders to share her impactful message more than 3 800 times. In addition to being the focus of a biographical documentary, she has co-published three books about her life and philosophy—despite never having had the opportunity to attend school.

G. Ross Peters, C.M.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Ross Peters is a force in engineering education and regulation. Professor emeritus and former dean at Memorial University, he has helped raise the school’s international stature through his course design, research activities, faculty recruitment and partnership building. A specialist in ocean engineering, he helped establish regulatory frameworks as an original member of the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board, and led the accreditation of university programs across the country as part of the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board. With unwavering dedication, he has advanced the profession at the provincial, national and international levels.

Lloyd R. Posno, C.M.
Mississauga, Ontario

Lloyd Posno is esteemed for his business ethics and corporate social responsibility. A retired partner of Ernst & Young and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Ontario, he has complimented his distinguished career with prominent board and governance appointments with several non-profit organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross. He also forged transformational relationships with Indigenous communities, notably as an independent financial advisor to the National Indian Brotherhood Trust, and as a coordinator and then advisor to the CPA Martin Mentorship Program for Indigenous High School Students.

Linda Rabin, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Movement is at the core of Linda Rabin’s being. A pioneer of contemporary dance education, she has shaped and propelled the art form in Canada with her visionary approach. Over the last 50 years, through her teachings and choreographies, she has significantly contributed to the emergence of generations of dancers and creators across the country and beyond our borders. A co-founder and former co-director of l’École de danse contemporaine de Montréal, she continues to innovate, integrating movement, body and the essence of being into one.

Lorio Roy, C.M.
Moncton, New Brunswick

Lorio Roy has been devoted to the development and prosperity of northern New Brunswick for more than 40 years. A recognized leader, he has played significant roles in the growth and strengthening of regional organizations in the fields of communication, education, labour and the co-operative movement. He notably served with the Francophone community colleges of New Brunswick, the Co-op Atlantic movement   , and was at the head of L’Acadie Nouvelle, the province’s only French-language daily newspaper. His volunteer efforts have benefited the social, cultural and economic interests of New Brunswick’s Acadian community.

The Honourable Anne Helen Russell, C.M., K.C.
Victoria, British Columbia

Anne Russell is a champion of individual rights and freedoms. A retired Alberta judge who served on all three courts in the province and on the Courts of Appeal in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, she pioneered legislative reforms that forever changed the law books. Her precedent-setting judgment in Vriend v. Alberta wrote same-sex orientation into Alberta human rights legislation, which helped establish 2SLGBTQ2+ rights across Canada. A revered mentor, she is also recognized for drafting laws that have enhanced children’s rights and protections.

George M. Thomson, C.M.
Kingston, Ontario

George Thomson has made substantial contributions to our country’s legal and public-policy landscapes. An esteemed lawyer, judge and administrator, he established innovative judicial education programs, and led justice reform projects at home and abroad. As a provincial deputy minister and as deputy attorney general of Canada, he oversaw critical departmental initiatives at the provincial and national levels. He has been at the helm of various review bodies and commissions, and has volunteered his time and expertise as a board member of numerous community organizations.

Sheri-D Wilson, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia

Using words, beats and rhythm, award-winning poet and author Sheri-D Wilson connects individuals to their truths, their voices and each other. As the founding artistic director of both the Spoken Word Program at the Banff Centre and the Calgary Spoken Word Festival, she has promoted the vibrant artistry of poetry as a platform for expression in her community, across the country and beyond. Internationally revered for her empowering performance style, this artistic ambassador advocates for social change and shares messages on women’s rights and environmental awareness through a surrealist lens.