Six alumni receive 2015 Order of Canada

Six Western alumni received Order of Canada appointments on Canada Day, announced by Governor General of Canada David Johnston.

Alumni honoured include:

John Cross, MESc’65
For his achievements as a pioneer in Saskatchewan’s biotechnology industry and for his extensive civic engagement.

Paul Hill, MBA’69, LLD’12
For his achievements as a business leader and for his generous contributions to community and education initiatives.

Christine Magee, HBA’82
For her entrepreneurial contributions to the Canadian economy and for her commitment to corporate citizenship.

Anthony Phillips, BA’66, MA’67, PhD’70
For his achievements in the field of neuroscience, notably for his research on addiction and mental health.

Bonnie Schmidt, BSc’86, PhD’93
For her leadership in fostering science literacy among primary and secondary school students across Canada, notably as the founder of Let’s Talk Science.

Prem Watsa, MBA’74, LLD’12
For his achievements as a business leader, and for his work as a volunteer and philanthropist.

Western faculty member Dr. Stewart Harris, a Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry professor and Canadian Diabetes Association Chair in Diabetes Management, was also appointed. His research focuses on developing and evaluating strategies to improve clinical outcomes for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

The Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievements as authors, medical researchers, social advocates, business leaders, or politicians for their dedication and service to the community and the nation.

The new appointees include two Companions, 11 Officers and 87 Members. These appointments were made on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. Over the last 45 years, more than 6,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.