Toronto Raptors president Masai Michael Ujiri and Schitt’s Creek star Daniel Levy have been appointed to the Order of Canada, along with a long list of advocates, academics and artists.
Governor-General Mary Simon announced the latest inductees on Friday, honouring the achievements and contributions of 85 Canadians.
Mr. Ujiri has been invested as an officer of the order for his work on the basketball court and efforts to increase access to the sport in Africa, while Mr. Levy has been named a member of the order for advancing Canadian television and advocating for 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
The Order of Canada has three levels of recognition, with companion at the top, followed by officer and then member. The first two levels celebrate achievement and merit to Canada at large, while a member is celebrated for their service to a particular group or field.
Among those honoured with the highest level are former United Steelworkers union worker and president Leo Gerard, for his work in labour advocacy, and former Supreme Court of Canada justice Clément Gascon, for his contributions to law and destigmatizing mental illness.
Health researcher Alan Bernstein was also invested as a companion, a promotion for him from officer, for his work in cancer research, gene therapy and other fields of health.
Cree artist Kent Monkman was made an officer for his role as “one of Canada’s most dynamic contemporary artists.”
Other inductees come from a range of fields, including physical and mental-health research, art, music and literature, advocacy, philanthropy and academia. Some people were recognized for their contribution to cancer research, including kinesiologist Kerry S. Courneya of Edmonton for his work in exercise oncology, Joseph L. Pater of Kingston for his contributions to cancer clinical research, and neuroscientist Samuel Weiss of Calgary for research that has led to experimental methods of treating brain cancer.
“Today, we recognize individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to our society. A group of individuals who, through dedication and ajuinnata – perseverance – make our communities and our country better every day,” Ms. Simon said in a statement.
Former Inuk judge James Igloliorte was made an officer for his work in Newfoundland and Labrador, including leading numerous public inquiries, such as one into the efficacy of the province’s search-and-rescue protocols for missing people. Former adviser to then-president Barack Obama, Kathryn Moran, was also made an officer for her contributions to oceans research and climate policy.
Inducted musicians included Thomas Cunningham Wilson of Hamilton, Andy Kim of Toronto and Barbara Assiginaak of Sucker Lake, Ont. Others were recognized for their contribution to the arts, such as Terry Hunter and Savannah Tennessee Elaine Walling for working with residents to bring theatre and art to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Jayanne English for making astronomy accessible through photography, and master carver and Haida artist Chief 7IDANsuu James Hart for his mentorship and advocacy.
More than 7,800 people have been inducted into the Order of Canada since its creation in 1967.
