Celebrating Canada's Finest: The Order of Canada's Newest Luminaries

The announcement of 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada has shone a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of several high-achieving Quebecers. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made remarkable impacts on Canadian society, and the latest list includes a diverse array of trailblazers, from finance leaders to cultural ambassadors.

Luminaries Honored for Their Exceptional Achievements

A Titan of Canadian Finance Elevated to the Highest Rank

Monique Leroux, a former executive at Desjardins Group, has been appointed as a Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest level of the prestigious honor. Leroux's 12-year tenure at the helm of the financial institution was marked by her pivotal role in its national and international growth, cementing her status as a leading figure in Canadian finance. Her appointment recognizes her unwavering commitment to the success and expansion of one of the country's most influential financial institutions.

Decades of Musical Excellence Celebrated

Daniel Lavoie, a celebrated singer and songwriter, has been appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada. Hailing from Dunrea, Manitoba, Lavoie's illustrious career has spanned several decades, with his chart-topping hit "Ils s'aiment" and his acclaimed role as a cast member of the Notre-Dame de Paris musical. This latest honor solidifies Lavoie's status as a prominent ambassador for French-Canadian culture, further bolstered by his recent induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

An Honorary Nod to a Maestro of the Arts

Conductor Kent Nagano, who spent 16 years at the helm of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, has been appointed as an Honorary Officer of the Order of Canada. This prestigious designation, reserved for non-Canadian citizens, recognizes Nagano's exceptional contributions to the cultural landscape of the country. His departure from the OSM in 2020 was met with a desire to maintain a relationship, and he was subsequently named the orchestra's Conductor Emeritus, further cementing his enduring legacy.

A Champion of Equity and Inclusion

Myrna Lashley, an associate professor of psychiatry at McGill University, has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada. Lashley's work as a consultant on issues of equity and inclusivity for all levels of government has earned her international recognition as an authority on cultural psychology and mental health. Her unwavering commitment to racial justice has helped improve the experiences and outcomes for marginalized groups across Canada, making her a true champion of social progress.

A Diverse Array of Honorees

The list of appointees with ties to the province of Quebec extends beyond the aforementioned luminaries. Among the other notable individuals recognized are:Officers:- Charles M. Morin, a Université Laval professor whose groundbreaking research on psychological and behavioral interventions for insomnia has had a profound impact.Members:- Daniel Georges Bichet, a Université de Montréal professor and internationally renowned nephrologist.- Pierre Chastenay, a professor at Université du Québec à Montréal who specializes in science communication.- Marcelle Dubois, a Quebec playwright and theatre director who co-founded the Festival du Jamais Lu, providing a platform for countless playwrights.- Arnie Gelbart, the founder, executive producer, and CEO of Galafilm Productions Inc., whose work has spanned documentaries, television series, and feature films.- Pierre Legault, the co-founder of Moisson Montréal and Renaissance.- Mother Pierre Anne Rosaria Mandato, the Quebec provincial superior of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Mary and the founder of the Hope of Life – Children of the World Association.- Robert Panet-Raymond, a philanthropist and administrator who helped spark the growth of Université de Montréal's physical education and sports centre.- Dan Poenaru, a McGill University professor and pediatric surgeon who has helped found three medical schools in Africa.The diverse array of honorees from Quebec underscores the profound impact these individuals have had on their respective fields, from finance and the arts to academia and social welfare. Their recognition by the Order of Canada serves as a testament to the remarkable contributions of Quebecers to the fabric of Canadian society.