A former Supreme Court judge who reshaped equality law, a world-leading transplant surgeon, and a leader in clean-energy innovation are among the 10 Queen’s community members recently named to the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest honours.
The Queen’s alumni, faculty, and supporters were part of the 80 new appointments to, and promotions within, the Order of Canada announced by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, LLD’94, on Dec. 31.
The national order was established in 1967 with the help of Queen’s alumnus and Member of Parliament John Matheson, Arts’40, LLD’80, who was a driving force in its development. He said the Tricolour Society at Queen’s served as a model.
Here is a closer look at members of the Queen’s community being honoured:
Companion
The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella, LLD’85 (Hon.)
The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2004, becoming the first Jewish woman and first refugee to serve on the Court. A global leader in equality and human-rights law, she introduced the concept of “employment equity” and now serves as the Samuel and Judith Pisar Visiting Professor of Law at Harvard Law School.
Dr. Shaf Keshavjee, DSc’14 (Hon.)
Shaf Keshavjee is a world-leading thoracic surgeon-scientist whose innovations have transformed lung transplantation worldwide. As Chief of Innovation at University Health Network and director of the Latner Thoracic Laboratories, he has advanced breakthroughs in lung preservation and regenerative medicine while shaping the future of health care.
Officer
Dr. Praveen Jain
Praveen Jain is a leading innovator in electrical energy processing whose work has improved how electricity is generated, transmitted, and used. A professor at Queen’s and founder of the Centre for Energy and Power Electronics Research, he has advanced the field through industry-shaping research while mentoring more than 100 trainees.
Dr. Curtis Nickel, Meds’78
J. Curtis Nickel is a world-leading urologist and professor emeritus at Queen’s whose research transformed the treatment of bladder and prostate pain and inflammatory diseases. A past president of the Canadian Urological Association, he has published over 625 articles and presented in more than 50 countries. His work, recognized with a CIHR Tier 1 Canada Research Chair, has improved quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.
Member
Jane Darville, MPA’93
Jane Darville is a health-care leader known for her compassionate approach and dedication to patients. She helped establish Toronto’s HIV/AIDS hospital Casey House and led Vancouver’s Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, shaping two organizations recognized around the world for their care.
Reesa Greenberg
Reesa Greenberg is an art historian, curator, and philanthropist recognized for advancing feminist and exhibition studies and promoting digital documentation of Canadian art. She has restored Canada’s Pavilion in Venice, supported major cultural institutions, and mentored generations of curators and researchers through her mentorship in Canada, the U.S., and abroad.
Ian Ihor Orest Ihnatowycz
Ian Ihnatowycz is a philanthropist whose generosity has had a lasting impact on education, health care, and the arts in Canada. Through the Ihnatowycz Family Foundation, he and his wife have supported institutions including Western University’s Ivey Business School, The Royal Conservatory of Music, and SickKids hospital.
Alfred Kwinter
Alfred Kwinter is a leading Canadian lawyer in personal injury, property loss and insurance law. A founding partner of Singer Kwinter, he has secured landmark jury awards that reshaped standards for liability and punitive damages, including Canada’s highest award for chronic pain.
Leonard Schein
Leonard Schein is a cultural leader and philanthropist who has shaped Canada’s film and arts sectors. He founded Festival Cinemas, Vancouver International Film Festival and Alliance Atlantis Cinemas, and served on the executive teams of the Toronto and Montreal film festivals. Through his Schein Foundation and volunteer work, he has supported arts, health care, and community initiatives nationwide.
Barry Truax, Artsci’69
Barry Truax is a leading authority in acoustic communication and electroacoustic music. A professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University and founding member of the World Soundscape Project, he has created innovative tools and compositions that have shaped the field of acoustic ecology and influenced generations of composers, researchers and sound artists.
Read the full list of new Order of Canada appointees and descriptions of their contributions.
