Healthcare leaders given Order of Canada

OTTAWA – Mary Simon (pictured), Governor General of Canada, announced 99 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including two Companions, 32 Officers and 65 Members. Fifteen of the new appointees are persons in the healthcare community who have made an outstanding contribution to patient care, technology and education. The announcement was made at the end of December.

“What a beautiful way to end the year, honouring Order of Canada appointees and learning about the depth and range of their accomplishments. Celebrated trailblazers in their respective fields, they are inspiring, educating and mentoring future generations, creating a foundation of excellence in our country that is respected throughout the world,” said Ms. Simon.

The appointees from the healthcare sector include:

Paula Beth Gordon, O.C., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia
For advancing ultrasound imaging and technology in the early detection of breast cancer, as a prominent radiologist and researcher.

Eva Grunfeld, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
For her influential research in cancer prevention and survivorship care, particularly within a primary care setting.

Michael Douglas Hill, O.C.
Calgary, Alberta
For his major contributions to the advancement of acute stroke care and treatment at the provincial, national and international levels.

Bernard Joseph Lapointe, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec
For his career dedicated to the teaching and development of palliative care in Canada.

Andreas Laupacis, O.C.
Arthur, Ontario
For his ongoing contributions to the field of medicine and to a broad range of healthcare initiatives in Canada and around the world.

Ivar Mendez, O.C.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
For his pioneering work in the use of remote telemedicine and robotics to revolutionize the delivery of health and patient care in Canada and worldwide.

John J. M. Bergeron, C.M., C.Q.
Pointe-Claire, Quebec
For his contributions to scientific excellence in the field of proteomics.

Timothy Allen Caulfield, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta
For his contributions to health law, policy and ethics, and for his efforts to counter misinformation.

Angela Ella Cooper Brathwaite, C.M., O.Ont.
Whitby, Ontario
For her extensive contributions to the field of nursing through her leadership, public policy advocacy, education and research.

Carolyn R. Freeman, C.M.
Westmount, Quebec
For her leadership in the field of pediatric radiation oncology and for her sustained efforts to improve the quality of cancer care in Quebec and across Canada.

Patricia Garel, C.M.
Outremont, Quebec
For her contributions to child and adolescent psychiatry, and for creating a unique program focusing on art and the creative process.

Allan Edward Gross, C.M., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario
For his significant advancements in bone and cartilage transplantation as a renowned orthopaedic surgeon, educator and researcher.

Conor Gerard Maguire, C.M.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
For his contributions to nuclear medicine and radiology, and to improving health care for patients in Alberta and in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Stanley Vollant, C.M., C.Q., M.S.C.
Montréal, Quebec
For his exemplary career as the first Indigenous surgeon in Quebec and for inspiring First Nations youth.

Richard D. Weisel, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
For his leadership as an academic cardiovascular surgeon and for his scientific contributions to the field.

Since its creation in 1967, the Order of Canada has honoured more than 7,600 people whose service has shaped our society, whose innovations have ignited our imaginations, and whose compassion has united our communities. Find the list of appointees and a description of their contributions.