Here is a list of the newest recipients of the Order of Canada, along with their citations.
Companions of the order
James Francis Cameron, Saskatoon and Manhattan Beach, Calif. Writer, producer and director.
Raymond A. J. Chretien, Montreal. For his promotion of Canadian ideals and public diplomacy, and for his unwavering commitment to the transmission of knowledge. (This is a promotion within the order.)
George A. Cohon, Toronto and Moscow. For his philanthropic commitment to children’s health and well-being in Canada and abroad. (This is a promotion within the order.)
Stephen Joseph Harper, Calgary. For his long-standing career in politics and for his service to the nation as the 22nd prime minister of Canada.
Donna Theo Strickland, Waterloo, Ont. For her contributions to optical physics and for her innovative developments in ultra-fast optical science.
Officers of the order
John Amagoalik, Iqaluit. For his leadership in Canada’s North, notably for his integral role in the creation of Nunavut.
Annette av Paul, Montreal and Stratford, Ont. For her contributions to ballet and for her mentorship as a dancer, teacher and director.
Raymond Bachand, Montreal. For his contributions to business and politics, and for his ongoing commitment to public governance in several sectors.
David Osborn Braley, Hamilton, Ont. For his contributions to the Canadian Football League, and for his entrepreneurial and philanthropic leadership in his community.
Eddy Carmack, Saanichton, B.C. For his contributions to climate oceanography and for expanding our understanding of the Arctic Ocean and its role as an exemplar for climate change.
John J. Clague, Vancouver. For his contributions to environmental earth sciences and for his impact on the study of natural hazards.
Slava Corn, Toronto. For her contributions to the discipline of gymnastics as a judge, administrator and volunteer who has helped advance the sport in Canada and abroad.
Jean-Charles Coutu, Rouyn-Noranda, Que. For his contributions to the legal profession in the area of Indigenous justice and for his community involvement.
Donald Bruce Dingwell, Corner Brook, N.L. and Munich, Germany. For his contributions to the study of volcanology and for his leadership in promoting science and research in international public policy formation.
Michael Donovan, Halifax. For his contributions to Canadian film and television and for his commitment to the professional development of the next generation.
Alain-G. Gagnon, Montreal. For his contributions to social sciences, notably for his research in federalism, francophone-anglophone relations, and national identities.
Daniel Hays, Calgary and Ottawa. For his contributions to the province of Alberta and for his distinguished public service, notably as Speaker of the Senate.
Mark Henkelman, Toronto. For his pioneering work on magnetic resonance imaging and for his ongoing commitment to the development of medical imaging in Canada.
Joan May Hollobon, Toronto. For her career in journalism focused on increasing the public’s understanding of scientific concepts related to health and medical advances.
Daniel Jutras, Montreal. For his contributions to the development of pluralist law internationally and for his contributions as a lawyer, professor and university administrator.
Shoo Kim Lee, Toronto. For his contributions to the field of neonatal medicine in Canada, which have helped improve outcomes for ailing infants and their families.
Thomas E. H. Lee, Victoria and Ottawa. For his contributions as a public servant and for his conservation of Canada’s natural resources.
Noni MacDonald, Halifax. For her contributions to the enhancement of clinical practices in maternal and child health, in Canada and around the world.
Robie W. Macdonald, Victoria. For having identified the effects contaminants have on northern marine ecosystems and on nearby Indigenous communities.
Robin McLeod, Toronto. For her contributions to surgical oncology and for her innovations in clinical epidemiology and biostatistics.
Andre Menard, Montreal. For his contributions to Montreal’s events scene, notably as artistic director of the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal.
Karen Messing, Montreal. For her pioneering research into ergonomic work conditions, particularly as they affect women’s health.
Christine M. Morrissey, Vancouver. For her advocacy on behalf of 2SLGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees.
Sister Sue M. Mosteller, Toronto. For her dedication to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, and for her decades of work as a leader of l’Arche.
Donald Kenneth Newman, Ottawa. For his lifelong contributions to journalism and for his advocacy of freedom of the press. (This is a promotion in the order.)
Caroline Ouellette, Montreal. For her contributions to sport in Canada as a decorated athlete, national team leader and ambassador for women’s hockey.
Francois Paulette, Denendeh (Fort Smith), N.W.T. and Fitzgerald, Alta. For his contributions to Indigenous treaty rights and for his advocacy of circumpolar health research.
Debra Pepler, Toronto. For her innovative, community-based research on social issues involving children and youth, which changed the way psychologists study bullying.
Heather Maxine Reisman, Toronto. For her contributions to Canadian book publishing and children’s literacy, and for her transformational philanthropy. (This is a promotion in the order.)
Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg, Winnipeg. For her contributions as an academic clinician and physician in the field of genetics, notably in the treatment of genetic disorders over-represented in unique populations.
Marcel Sabourin, Montreal. For his artistic career filled with memorable roles in theatre, on television and in film.
James V. Scott, Ottawa and Toronto. For his leadership in advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada and for his advocacy of restorative justice.
Alain Simard, Montreal. For his leading role in positioning Montreal as a festival city and for his leadership as the head of L’Equipe Spectra.
Gilles Ste-Croix, Montreal and Mexico City. For his creativity and imagination as co-founder and artistic director of Cirque du Soleil.
Joseph Svoboda, Toronto and Baker Lake, Nunavut. For his pioneering research on tundra ecosystems and for his lifelong mentorship of scientists studying the Arctic.
Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams, Victoria. For her contributions to Indigenous education and for her advocacy of Indigenous language revitalization programs.
James V. Zidek, Vancouver. For his contributions to mathematical statistics and for his leadership in expanding the field in academia and government.
Bernard Zinman, Toronto. For his contributions to diabetes research and for his development of advanced preventative therapies. (This is a promotion in the order.)
Members of the order
Pita Aatami, Kuujjuaq, Que. For his contributions to the economic, social and political development of Nunavik.
Brian Ahern, Halifax and Nashville, Tenn. For his contributions as a producer supporting countless Canadian and international recording artists, and for his innovative work in sound engineering.
Mathew Baldwin, Edmonton. For his philanthropy and entrepreneurship and for his prowess as a champion curling skip.
T. Robert Beamish, Mississauga, Ont. For his leadership of and contributions to industry, and for his philanthropic support for causes related to education and health care.
Ronald Duncan Besse, Toronto. For his leadership in business as founder and administrator of book publishing companies, mainly in the academic and educational fields.
Paul Born, Waterloo, Ont. For his contributions to his community and for his large-scale initiatives to reduce poverty.
Maurice Brisson, Montreal. For his recognized expertise in designing electrification plans and for his philanthropic contributions to promoting electrical engineering education.
Omer Chouinard, Moncton. For his efforts to protect ecosystems in the Maritimes as a professor of environmental studies.
Diane Clement, Vancouver. For her contributions to sport and recreation as an advocate for athletic excellence, fitness and healthy living among all Canadians.
Mitchell Cohen, Toronto. For his contributions to urban development and for his commitment to community building.
John Collins, Hamilton, Ont. For his transformative research in reproductive endocrinology and for promoting evidence-based medicine in women’s health care.
James Cowan, Halifax and Ottawa. For his civic engagement as a parliamentarian and for championing human rights related to medically assisted dying, genetic discrimination and mental health.
Phillip Crawley, Toronto. For his contributions to journalism and for his innovative leadership in the news publishing industry.
Valerie Lynn Creighton, Regina and Toronto. For her contributions to the growth and development of the entertainment and production industries in her province and across the country.
Anne Innis Dagg, Waterloo, Ont. and Hoedspruit, South Africa. For her contributions to the modern scientific understanding of the giraffe, through which she has helped enhance the field of animal behaviour science.
Mary Eberle Deacon, Toronto, Ont. For her leadership in the field of mental health and for enhancing the conversation on mental health matters in Canada.
Cheri DiNovo, Toronto. For her contributions to provincial politics and for her lifelong advocacy of social justice.
Xavier Dolan, Montreal. For his acclaimed work as an internationally renowned actor, screen writer and director.
Hugo Eppich, Vancouver. For his forward-thinking leadership in business and for supporting multiculturalism, architecture and the arts.
Wayne John Fairhead, Toronto. For his leadership of the Sears Drama Festival and for inspiring youth to delve into theatre arts.
Ronald Charles Fellows, Toronto. For the excellence of his multidisciplinary career in motor racing.
Thomas J. Foran, St. John’s. For his contributions to entrepreneurship, and for his enduring service in support of his province’s arts and culture scene.
Eric D. Friesen, Toronto and Ottawa. For contributing to the public appreciation of classical music as a radio broadcaster, writer and speaker.
Berna Valencia Garron and Myron Austin Garron, Toronto. For their ongoing philanthropy in pediatric health care in Canada and the Caribbean.
Hana Gartner, Toronto. For her contributions to investigative journalism and news broadcasting, and for her mentorship of aspiring reporters.
Marie Giguere, Montreal. For her leadership in commercial and corporate law, for her commitment to increasing the role of women in business, and for her dedication to the community.
Katherine Govier, Toronto and Canmore, Alta. For contributing to Canada’s literary scene as an acclaimed author, and for supporting refugee and immigrant women.
Retired brigadier-general John James Grant, Halifax. For his contributions to the people of Nova Scotia as an entrepreneur, community leader and lieutenant-governor.
Ken Greenberg, Toronto. For leading large-scale projects in various cities across Canada as an urban designer, teacher, writer and environmental advocate.
Roger D. Grimes, St. John’s. For his contributions as a parliamentarian and former premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and for his achievements in public governance.
Arshavir Gundjian, Montreal. For his contributions to recognizing and promoting Armenian culture in Canada and abroad.
Sarah Hall, Toronto. For her contributions as an architectural glass artist and for her innovations in glass production.
Pavel Hamet, Montreal. For his contributions to genetic medicine and to the development of new clinical treatments for hypertension and diabetes.
Peter Harrison, Ottawa. For his dedication to Canada’s stewardship of the Arctic Ocean and to the enhancement of its role in Arctic and northern issues.
Joyce Louise Hisey, Toronto. For her contributions to figure skating as a judge, referee and mentor to both competitors and other officials.
Gordon J. Hoffman, Calgary. For his community engagement, leadership and philanthropy in support of charities and community organizations throughout Alberta.
Steve E. Hrudey, Edmonton. For his contributions to environmental health sciences and for his advocacy of safe drinking water.
John S. Hunkin, Toronto. For his active governance and philanthropic commitment to education, health and mental health.
Johnny Nurraq Seotaituq Issaluk, Igluligaarjuk and Iqaluit, Nunavut. For his contributions as an athlete, actor, educator and Arctic ambassador who has increased the visibility of northern and Inuit culture.
Peter Kendall, Woodbridge, Ont. For his steadfast commitment to conserving and protecting Canada’s biodiversity for future generations.
Hal Philip Klepak, Ottawa. For his contributions to the humanities as a professor of history and strategy at the Royal Military College of Canada.
Alcides lanza, Montreal. For his decades-long contributions to the contemporary music scene and for championing Canadian music here and abroad.
Cathy Levy, Ottawa. For her contributions to the performing arts as a producer and dance advocate.
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, Vancouver. For her entrepreneurial and philanthropic leadership in British Columbia, notably in the autism community.
Derek Lister, Chalk River, Ont. and Fredericton. For his contributions to nuclear energy research and improvements to occupational safety.
Julie Macfarlane, Windsor, Ont. For her contributions as a lawyer and mediator, and for her advocacy of self-represented litigants.
Isabelle Marcoux, Montreal. For her role in promoting diversity within Quebec’s economic community and for her involvement in numerous fundraising campaigns.
R. Mohan Mathur, London, Ont. For his leadership in the field of electrical engineering in academia and industry, as well as for his efforts to enhance and expand the profession in Canada.
Donald S. Mavinic, Vancouver. For his contributions to environmental engineering science and technology in Canada, notably in the areas of liquid wastewater and residuals management.
Denyse McCann, Montreal. For her contributions to the growth of the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, the Francofolies de Montreal and Montreal en Lumiere.
Sean McCann, Ottawa and St. John’s. For his achievements as a singer-songwriter, and for his advocacy on behalf of those living with mental health and addiction issues.
Brian Theodore McGeer, Vancouver and Bingen, Wash. For his contributions to aeronautical engineering and for his innovative designs for unmanned aerial systems.
Stuart M. McGill, Waterloo, Ont. For his contributions to understanding the biomechanics of the spinal column and to the development of rehabilitation programs.
Anthony Bernard Miller, Toronto. For his contributions to the field of cancer epidemiology and for his work to advance cancer control policies and practices in Canada.
Nadir H. Mohamed, Toronto. For his leadership in the telecommunications industry, and for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Canada.
Susan Helena Mortimer, Toronto. For her sustained philanthropic commitment to the arts and culture in Canada.
M. Lee Myers, London, Ont. For her leadership and volunteerism as a board member of the Stratford Festival and the London Community Foundation.
Paul Nicklen, Victoria and Kimmirut, Nunavut. For his contributions as a leading nature photojournalist who has raised awareness of environmental issues in Canada and worldwide.
Donald H. Oliver, Halifax and Ottawa. For his untiring efforts as a senator, educator and civic-minded community member who promotes inclusion and diversity in Canada.
Brian Stuart Osborne, Kingston, Ont. For his contributions to historical geography and for his distinguished research on Kingston’s geographic heritage.
Louis-Frederic Paquin, Saint-Boniface, Man. For his contributions to the Canadian Francophonie through the creation of Franco-Manitoban television products and documentaries.
Ralph Pentland, Ottawa. For his enduring commitment to conserving and protecting freshwater resources in Canada and around the globe.
Michael U. Potter, Ottawa. For his vision as the head of Cognos Inc., for his contributions to preserving Canada’s aviation heritage and for his philanthropy.
Robert Dick Richmond, Toronto and Montreal. For his innovative designs as an aeronautical engineer and for his contributions to the aviation industry.
Larry Rosen, Toronto. For leading and expanding the family’s high-end fashion company, which became one of Canada’s most valuable retail brands.
Janice Sanderson, Winnipeg. For her leadership within Manitoba’s public service by promoting improved quality of life and health for children.
Kourken Sarkissian, Toronto. For his involvement with the Armenian community as a businessman, philanthropist and educational leader.
Duncan Gordon Sinclair, Kingston, Ont. For his contributions to the Canadian health care system as a teacher, university administrator and adviser, and for his leadership in health care reform in Ontario.
Harry Sheldon Swain, Ottawa. For his years of public service and leadership, notably relating to Indigenous land claims and the environment.
Beverly Thomson, Toronto. For her contributions to Canada’s broadcasting industry, and for her dedicated volunteerism and support for health care organizations.
Darren Dennis Throop, Halifax and Toronto. For his innovative leadership in the entertainment and film industry.
Jennifer Tory, Toronto. For her commitment to advancing women and minorities in the banking industry and for her extensive community work.
Gordon W. Walker, Toronto. For his civil service as a parliamentarian and for his commitment to protecting transboundary waters between Canada and the United States.
Mel Watkins, Toronto. For his contributions as a political economist and for his advocacy of social justice.
Sheri-D Wilson, Calgary and Vancouver. For her contributions as a spoken-word artist and for her leadership in the community.
Lynn Margaret Zimmer, Peterborough, Ont. For her contributions to protecting victims of violence and for her advocacy of women’s rights.
TORONTO – Will Taylor Swift bring chaos or do we all need to calm down?
It’s a question many Torontonians are asking this week as the city braces for the arrival of Swifties, the massive fan base of one of the world’s biggest pop stars.
Hundreds of thousands are expected to descend on the downtown core for the singer’s six concerts which kick off Thursday at the Rogers Centre and run until Nov. 23.
And while their arrival will be a boon to tourism dollars — the city estimates more than $282 million in economic impact — some worry it could worsen Toronto’s gridlock by clogging streets that already come to a standstill during rush hour.
Swift’s shows are set to collide with sports events at the nearby Scotiabank Arena, including a Raptors game on Friday and a Leafs game on Saturday.
Some residents and local businesses have already adjusted their plans to avoid the area and its planned road closures.
Aahil Dayani says he and some friends intended to throw a birthday bash for one of their pals until they realized it would overlap with the concerts.
“Something as simple as getting together and having dinner is now thrown out the window,” he said.
Dayani says the group rescheduled the gathering for after Swift leaves town. In the meantime, he plans to hunker down at his Toronto residence.
“Her coming into town has kind of changed up my social life,” he added.
“We’re pretty much just not doing anything.”
Max Sinclair, chief executive and founder of A.I. technology firm Ecomtent, suggested his employees avoid the company’s downtown offices on concert days, saying he doesn’t see the point in forcing people to endure potential traffic jams.
“It’s going to be less productive for us, and it’s going to be just a pain for everyone, so it’s easier to avoid it,” Sinclair said.
“We’re a hybrid company, so we can be flexible. It just makes sense.”
Swift’s concerts are the latest pop culture moment to draw attention to Toronto’s notoriously disastrous daily commute.
In June, One Direction singer Niall Horan uploaded a social media video of himself walking through traffic to reach the venue for his concert.
“Traffic’s too bad in Toronto, so we’re walking to the venue,” he wrote in the post.
Toronto Transit Commission spokesperson Stuart Green says the public agency has been working for more than a year on plans to ease the pressure of so many Swifties in one confined area.
“We are preparing for something that would be akin to maybe the Beatles coming in the ‘60s,” he said.
Dozens of buses and streetcars have been added to transit routes around the stadium, and the TTC has consulted the city on potential emergency scenarios.
Green will be part of a command centre operated by the City of Toronto and staffed by Toronto police leaders, emergency services and others who have handled massive gatherings including the Raptors’ NBA championship parade in 2019.
“There may be some who will say we’re over-preparing, and that’s fair,” Green said.
“But we know based on what’s happened in other places, better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.”
Metrolinx, the agency for Ontario’s GO Transit system, has also added extra trips and extended hours in some regions to accommodate fans looking to travel home.
A day before Swift’s first performance, the city began clearing out tents belonging to homeless people near the venue. The city said two people were offered space in a shelter.
“As the area around Rogers Centre is expected to receive a high volume of foot traffic in the coming days, this area has been prioritized for outreach work to ensure the safety of individuals in encampments, other residents, businesses and visitors — as is standard for large-scale events,” city spokesperson Russell Baker said in a statement.
Homeless advocate Diana Chan McNally questioned whether money and optics were behind the measure.
“People (in the area) are already in close proximity to concerts, sports games, and other events that generate massive amounts of traffic — that’s nothing new,” she said in a statement.
“If people were offered and willingly accepted a shelter space, free of coercion, I support that fully — that’s how it should happen.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2024.
TORONTO – Hundreds of Taylor Swift fans lined up outside the gates of Toronto’s Rogers Centre Wednesday, with hopes of snagging some of the pop star’s merchandise on the eve of the first of her six sold-out shows in the city.
Swift is slated to perform at the venue from Thursday to Saturday, and the following week from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23, with concert merchandise available for sale on some non-show days.
Swifties were all smiles as they left the merch shop, their arms full of sweaters and posters bearing pictures of the star and her Eras Tour logo.
Among them was Zoe Haronitis, 22, who said she waited in line for about two hours to get $300 worth of merchandise, including some apparel for her friends.
Haronitis endured the autumn cold and the hefty price tag even though she hasn’t secured a concert ticket. She said she’s hunting down a resale ticket and plans to spend up to $600.
“I haven’t really budgeted anything,” Haronitis said. “I don’t care how much money I spent. That was kind of my mindset.”
The megastar’s merchandise costs up to $115 for a sweater, and $30 for tote bags and other accessories.
Rachel Renwick, 28, also waited a couple of hours in line for merchandise, but only spent about $70 after learning that a coveted blue sweater and a crewneck had been snatched up by other eager fans before she got to the shop. She had been prepared to spend much more, she said.
“The two prized items sold out. I think a lot more damage would have been done,” Renwick said, adding she’s still determined to buy a sweater at a later date.
Renwick estimated she’s spent about $500 in total on “all-things Eras Tour,” including her concert outfit and merchandise.
The long queue for Swift merch is just a snapshot of what the city will see in the coming days. It’s estimated that up to 500,000 visitors from outside Toronto will be in town during the concert period.
Tens of thousands more are also expected to attend Taylgate’24, an unofficial Swiftie fan event scheduled to be held at the nearby Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Meanwhile, Destination Toronto has said it anticipates the economic impact of the Eras Tour could grow to $282 million as the money continues to circulate.
But for fans like Haronitis, the experience in Toronto comes down to the Swiftie community. Knowing that Swift is going to be in the city for six shows and seeing hundreds gather just for merchandise is “awesome,” she said.
Even though Haronitis hasn’t officially bought her ticket yet, she said she’s excited to see the megastar.
“It’s literally incredible.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2024.
OTTAWA – Via Rail is asking for a judicial review on the reasons why Canadian National Railway Co. has imposed speed restrictions on its new passenger trains.
The Crown corporation says it is seeking the review from the Federal Court after many attempts at dialogue with the company did not yield valid reasoning for the change.
It says the restrictions imposed last month are causing daily delays on Via Rail’s Québec City-Windsor corridor, affecting thousands of passengers and damaging Via Rail’s reputation with travellers.
CN says in a statement that it imposed the restrictions at rail crossings given the industry’s experience and known risks associated with similar trains.
The company says Via has asked the courts to weigh in even though Via has agreed to buy the equipment needed to permanently fix the issues.
Via said in October that no incidents at level crossings have been reported in the two years since it put 16 Siemens Venture trains into operation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2024.
