On June 30, 2025, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada. We are proud that nine of the most recent appointments have ties to UBC, as faculty members and alumni.
The Order of Canada is one of Canada’s highest civilian distinctions. It was created in 1967 to honour people whose service shapes our society, whose innovations ignite our imaginations, and whose compassion unites our communities. Its Companions, Officers and Members take to heart the motto of the Order: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”).
Read the full list of recipients here.
Officers of the Order of Canada (O.C.)
F. Stuart Foster, O.C. (Alum, UBC Faculty of Applied Science)
Stuart Foster is a global leader in medical ultrasound. Through innovative research and technology translation, this scientist, entrepreneur and University of Toronto professor has transformed high-resolution diagnostic ultrasound use in biomedical applications. He is also the founder of a leading biomedical company, Fujifilm VisualSonics Inc., and co-founder of Canada’s Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe).
Bonnie J. Fraser Henry, O.C., O.B.C. (Clinical Associate Professor, UBC School of Population and Public Health; Doctor of Science, honoris causa)
Bonnie Henry has been using her expertise in public health and preventive medicine to safeguard the health of people in Canada and globally for decades. Notably, as provincial health officer, she led British Columbia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is also an author, scholar and University of British Columbia clinical associate professor.
Theresa Tam, O.C. (Completed fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at UBC)
For decades, Theresa Tam has striven to advance global and national public health as a pediatric infectious disease specialist and public servant. Her tenure as Canada’s chief public health officer has been characterized by her commitment to health equity and highlighted by her leadership role in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Miriam Toews, O.C., O.M. (2015 Writer in Residence, UBC School of Creative Writing)
Miriam Toews is a pre-eminent writer whose novels explore human tragedy and comedy in one fell swoop. Her unique ability to portray very human stories of overcoming adversity and finding meaning is a gift to her readers, and a source of inspiration to her adoring students and fans.
Members of the Order of Canada (C.M.)
Brian Anthony Crane, C.M., K.C. (Alum, UBC Faculty of Arts and UBC Faculty of Law)
Brian Crane has significantly influenced the law and its development. A constitutional, administrative and Indigenous law specialist, he has championed important legal causes, including human and Indigenous rights, and environmental protection. His work on major land claim agreements contributed to the Government of Canada’s recognition of Indigenous treaty rights.
Susan Peterson d’Aquino, C.M. (Alum, UBC Faculty of Arts)
Susan Peterson d’Aquino is a retired senior public servant, arts patron and philanthropist. Numerous Canadian arts and cultural institutions have been enriched by her dedicated support, including the National Arts Centre, the National Gallery of Canada and the Banff Centre for the Arts. She is equally passionate about supporting heritage conservation.
Allison Audrey Eddy, C.M. (Former Head, UBC Department of Pediatrics)
Allison Eddy is a retired professor and clinician scientist at the forefront of pediatric nephrology. She is recognized internationally for her research into kidney fibrosis and the connection between inflammation and kidney scarring. She is also a passionate mentor who has helped train the next generation of pediatricians and kidney disease specialists.
Lorraine Greaves, C.M. (Clinical Professor, UBC School of Population and Public Health)
Lorraine Greaves is expert in sex and gender-based research specializing in women’s experiences with addiction, tobacco use and violence. She notably founded the British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health and co-founded the International Network of Women Against Tobacco. Her leading research and advocacy continue to influence health practices worldwide.
Ruth Louise James, C.M., M.S.C. (Alum, UBC Faculty of Education) and Donald Albert James, C.M.
British Columbians Don and Ruth James are passionate about helping others. They have championed many causes in need of support throughout the province through their self-funded, eponymous foundation. Notably, they have helped initiate and sustain significant advances in research, clinical care and patient services through transformative contributions to health care.
Please let us know if any current, former or UBC-affiliated faculty members, staff, or UBC alumni have been omitted from this listing.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.