Nine members of the �첥��Ƶ community have been honoured with the Order of Canada. The announcement was made on December 31, 2025 by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of  Canada.

Recognized as one of the country’s highest honours, the Order of Canada acknowledges Canadians whose contributions, service and dedication has made a meaningful difference to the nation.

Order of Canada appointees  

COMPANIONS &�Բ�����;

The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella (LL.D ’91), honorary degree recipient 

Rosalie Silberman Abella is best known for becoming Canada’s youngest judge at the age of 29 with her appointment to the Ontario Family Court and the first Jewish woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. During her tenure, she’s made significant contributions to Canadian law, including developing the concept of “employment equity” and shaping the first decision made under the 1989 Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

OFFICERS 

Roseann Runte, former faculty member 

Roseann Runte is an author, former university professor and former president and vice-chancellor. She was the first woman to be named president of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. Roseann is recognized for her leadership in strengthening Canada’s research capacity as Head of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. She also served as Glendon College’s principal from 1989 – 1994 where she led the implementation of several progressive programs.  

MEMBERS 

Kim Ruth Brooks (LL.M ’00), alumni 

Kim Ruth Brooks is a tax lawyer, professor, human rights advocate and president of Dalhousie University. She’s recognized for advancing equity, accessibility and freedom of gender expression in higher education. As a leading voice for inclusive leadership, transformative education and research, Kim is inspiring change across the country. 

Rosanna Caira (BA ’80), alumni 

Rosanna Caira is a journalist, podcast host and mentor who has played pivotal role in empowering women to take on leadership roles in male-dominated sectors. As editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality and Hotelier magazines, Rosanna directs the editorial and graphic content and is responsible for the editorial vision of the magazines, its five websites and varied tertiary products. A trailblazer in the hospitality and culinary industry, Rosanna also co-founded the Women in Tourism & Hospitality Summit to address the gender leadership gap and support women through networking, mentoring, training, education and financing.  

Jane Laurine Darville (BAS ’89), alumni 

Jane Laurine Darville is a health care administrator and community health specialist who has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable populations through compassionate leadership. She was the founding board member and executive director of Toronto’s Casey House HIV/AIDS hospital, Canada’s only stand-alone HIV/AIDS specialty hospital with outpatient programming.  Jane also served as the executive director of Vancouver’s Canuk Place Children’s Hospice, one of the world’s leading pediatric palliative care organizations.  

Reesa Greenberg, former adjunct professor 

Reesa Greenberg is an independent scholar and art historian recognized for her innovations in art history and museology. Her research focuses on exhibitions and display, and her work focuses on national, gendered, and ethnic identities; the contemporary artworld and war; and the production of historical consciousness in current museum practices. Reesa has also been central to advancing digital documentation of Canadian art and restoring Canada’s Pavilion in Venice.  

James C. Hathaway (LL.B ’79), alumni, former faculty member  

James C. Hathway is an internationally recognized scholar, author and former professor with a focus on international human rights law, international queer rights and international refugee law. Through his research, teaching and advocacy, he has helped transform global refugee protection and has had a lasting impact on refugee law. He is also a professor emeritus at the University of Michigan Law School and a former professor of law at Osgoode Hall Law School. 

Charles A. Hopkins, UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education Towards Sustainability 

Charles A. Hopkins is an internationally recognized leader in Education for Sustainable Development. His work has contributed significantly to placing sustainability as a core principle of education. In 1999, Charles assumed the role of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair at York where he collaborated with UNESCO, United Nations University, higher education institutions, various ministries of education in Asia, Europe and the Americas in the fields of education and sustainability. As Chair, Charles has also led efforts to integrate sustainable practices into both the curricula and operations of �첥��Ƶ. 

John Mark Willinsky (LL.D ’89), honorary degree recipient 

John Mark Willinsky is an educator, researcher and activist who transformed equitable access to research. While he was a professor, he founded the Public Knowledge Project to increase access to scholarly research. The initiative is now the world’s most widely deployed scholarly publishing platform to publish freely accessible research. In 1989, John received an honorary degree from York for his contributions as a critical education scholar, for public engagement in educational and social issues, for original scholarship and for his passion for the intellectual life.   

For more information about the Order of Canada program and to view the full list of appointments, visit .  &�Բ�����;

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Three distinguished members of the �첥��Ƶ community have been honoured with the Order of Canada. The announcement was made on June 30 by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.  &�Բ�����;

Recognized as one of the country’s highest honours, the Order of Canada acknowledges Canadians whose contributions, dedication and leadership have shaped the nation and inspired change across the country.  

Order of Canada appointees  

COMPANIONS 

The Honourable John Paul Manley (LL.D ’16), honorary degree recipient  

John Paul Manley is an esteemed political and business leader who was a federal minister for more than 10 years. He served as former deputy prime minister, minister of finance and minister of foreign affairs. He was also the board chair of three major Canadian public companies and head of a national business association. He is recognized for promoting diversity and inclusiveness in leadership while engaging on matters of public policy.  

OFFICERS  

David Alexander Jones (LL.D ’07), honorary degree recipient  

David Alexander Jones is a Canadian physician who served as Canada’s first chief public health officer. He has held leadership roles in national, provincial and regional health organizations and led the establishment of Canada’s public health agency. David has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting community health and has contributed to academia as an educator and researcher.  

David Weisstub, former faculty member
David Weisstub, is a legal scholar who served for 19 years on the faculty of Osgoode Hall Law School at �첥��Ƶ, where he taught law and mental health. He was appointed as an Officer in recognition of his leadership in the field, which has included serving as the founder and honourary life president of the International Academy of Law and Mental Health. He has also been a sought-after consultant in human rights, bioethics and mental competency for more than five decades.

For more information about the Order of Canada program and to view the full list of appointments, visit . &�Բ�����;

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Five outstanding Canadians and members of the �첥��Ƶ community have been appointed to the Order of Canada. The announcement was made on December 18 by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.  

Recognized as one of the country’s highest honours, the Order of Canada acknowledges outstanding individuals whose contributions, achievements, and impact have brought meaningful change to communities across the country.  

Order of Canada appointees  

OFFICERS 

Sylvia Beth Bashevkin (PhD ’81), alumna  

Sylvia Bashevkin is a Canadian academic recognized for her research in gender and politics. As one of the first to study the obstacles faced by women, her work examines the consequences of women’s political participation. She’s also strived to increase opportunities for diverse people to engage in politics. 

MEMBERS 

Carol Ann Cowan-Levine (BA ’67), alumna  

Carol Ann Cowan-Levine is a social worker and registered psychotherapist who is recognized for her service to women and youth. Her volunteer work has shaped government, health care institutions and the non-profit sector in Ontario. She has also played a leadership role in the establishment of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.  

Donald A. Dippo, professor emeritus  

Donald Dippo is an educator, former professor in York’s Faculty of Education and co-founder of the Borderless Higher Education for Refugees program. As a dedicated advocate for education equity, Donald has increased the access to education for children in Toronto, eastern Africa, and South and Central America. 

Richard Rose (BFA ’78), alumnus  

Richard Rose is an artistic director and producer recognized for his theatrical productions in Canada. His legacy has helped shaped careers, and his leadership has inspired writers and directors around the world. In 2011, he received the Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts, which recognizes the highest level of artistic excellence and distinguished career achievement by Canadian artists. 

Ajay K. Virmani, former member of the Board of Governors 

Ajay Virmani is an entrepreneur and the founding president and chair of Cargojet Airways. He is recognized for his transformation of Cargojet Airways into the largest and most-awarded air cargo airline. In addition to his work in the e-commerce logistics and supply chain industry, he is an advocate for health care and social justice initiatives across Canada.  

For more information about the Order of Canada program and to view the full list of appointments, visit . 

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Six �첥��Ƶ community members are among the 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada announced on June 27 by the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

The Order of Canada is one of the country's highest honours. It recognizes exceptional individuals whose extraordinary contributions, achievements and innovations have made a positive impact on communities throughout Canada. 

Order of Canada appointees 

OFFICERS

Vaira Vike-Freiberga (LLD ’08), honorary degree recipient

Vaira Vike-Freiberga was the sixth president of Latvia and the first woman to serve as president of the country. She was instrumental in Latria’s entry to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and European Union. She was also appointed Special Envoy on United Nations reform in 2005 and an official candidate for the post of UN Secretary General in 2006. She continues to advocate for human rights, protecting democracy and empowering female leaders around the world. 

MEMBERS

Bruce A. Lourie (MES ’87, PhD ’19), alumnus

Bruce A. Lourie is an entrepreneur, president of the Ivey Foundation and an influential leader in climate change and sustainability. Throughout his career, he has founded several organizations dedicated to climate change and environmental health. He also initiated the campaign to shutdown coal-fired power plants in Ontario, which was considered the largest climate action in North America. In 2015, Lourie received a �첥��Ƶ Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement.

E. Michael Perley (BA ’70), alumnus

Michael Perley has dedicated the last 40 years to addressing environmental and health challenges. As director for the Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco, he advocated for legislation that would limit second-hand smoke and support the decrease of tobacco use. He was also a driving force behind significant legislative changes in Canada and the United States thanks to his leadership in coalitions on acid rain and air pollution.

The Reverend Michael Creal, professor emeritus 

The Reverend Michael Creal is an educator, activist, and faith leader. In 1965, he was appointed a professor of Humanities at �첥��Ƶ and has played a crucial role in the development of the University and its programs, including the Centre for Refugee Studies. He is also a founder and leader of the Sanctuary movement in Canada and has contributed to several journals and newspapers. His dedication to supporting historically marginalized people and refugees is evident through the various initiatives he has participated in throughout his career.

The Honourable Susan Elizabeth Lang (LLB ’74), alumna 

Susan Lang is the first woman to become president of the Canadian Superior Courts Judges Association and is the co-founder of an all-woman law firm. She has served as a judge in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice from 1989 - 2004 and Court of Appeal from 2004 - 2013. As the leader of the Motherisk Hair Analysis Independent Review, she has influenced how scientific evidence is handled and inspired the Ontario Forensic Laboratories Act, the first legislation of its kind in Canada.

Wiliam James Gordon Kirby, former visiting professor

William James Gordon Kirby is the founder and executive director of the Centre for Contemporary Canadian Art. He is also recognized for developing the Canadian Art database and for his archival work, which has contributed to the recognition of contemporary Canadian art and artists. 

For more information about the Order of Canada program, visit .

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Seven members of the �첥��Ƶ community are among the recently-announced Order of Canada and Order of Ontario recipients. The announcements were made on Dec. 28 and Jan. 1, respectively, by the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario. 

The Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario recognize the exceptional achievements and contributions of individuals that have left a lasting legacy in the province and country. These individuals come from all walks of life and have played an important role in shaping our country.

Order of Canada appointees 

OFFICER

Wenona Giles, faculty/professor emerita 

Wenona Giles, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, was appointed for her significant contributions to refugee and migration studies and for her efforts to increase access to higher education among those living in refugee camps. 

MEMBERS

Patricia Sybil Pritchard Fraser, (BA ‘75, MA ’12), alumna

Patricia Sybil Pritchard Fraser, a retired artistic director of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre (now the Dance Arts Institute) was appointed for her lasting contributions to Canadian contemporary dance as an artist, dancer, educator and artistic director. 

Flavio Volpe (MBA ‘99), alumnus

Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association was appointed for advancing Canada’s automotive and technology industries on an international scale as a leading policy expert in national trade and industry competition. 

Sara Joy Angel, affiliated faculty 

Sara Joy Angel, a former journalist and now executive director and publisher at the Art Canada Institute, was appointed for her significant contributions to Canadian art history as a visual arts journalist and founder of the Art Canada Institute, which makes Canadian art history accessible online. 

Order of Ontario Appointees &�Բ�����;

The Honourable David Collenette (BA ‘69, MA ‘04), alumnus, faculty, donor  

The Honourable David Collenette is the current Chair of the NATO Association of Canada. He has served as a Member of Parliament and cabinet minister under three prime ministers. Among his many achievements, he helped bring former Warsaw Pact nations into NATO, changed federal policy toward racial equality and diversity and led Canada’s security response to 9/11. He has also contributed countless hours to numerous not-for-profit projects, including the arts and as chair of the NATO Association of Canada. Collenette has also served on several Glendon Campus committees and has been a �첥��Ƶ Alumni Award recipient. 

Michael Latner (BA ‘76), alumnus  

Michael Latner is the CEO of Shiplake Properties, one of the province’s most successful family-owned companies. He is recognized for his significant contributions to Ontario’s social and economic prosperity through business and philanthropy. As CEO, he has made transformational investments in local business, innovation and job creation.  

Dwayne Morgan (BA ‘97), alumnus 

Dwayne Morgan is a poet, spoken word artist, motivational speaker and founder of production company Up From The Roots which creates opportunities for other racialized artists. He lobbied the League of Canadian Poets to include performance poets, produced North America’s two largest spoken-word events and has performed globally. 

Gervan Fearon, former faculty, donor 

Gervan Fearon is currently president of George Brown College and previously served as the president and vice-chancellor at Brock University and Brandon University. He is a veteran educator who has a vision for equity, inclusion and community empowerment.  

For more information about the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario program, visit  and .

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