Professor Peter Hogg (left), former dean of York’s Osgoode Hall Law School, has been named companion of the Order of Canada by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. But Hogg, who stepped down from the Osgoode post on June 30, is not the only person connected to York to be honoured by the governor general in her latest Order of Canada list.
Marc Garneau (below, left), president of the Canadian Space Agency and recipient of an honorary doctor of science degree from York in 2002, was also named companion of the order; and Anne Golden (below, right), president and CEO of the Conference Board of Canada and recipient of an honorary doctor of laws degree from York in 2000, has been named member of the order.
Only a maximum of 15 companions are named each year, and there can only be 165 living companions at any given time.
While delighted with the latest honour, Hogg is no stranger to being accorded them. The latest award came as a “promotion” for Hogg, who was made an officer of the order in 1991. Named a Queen’s Counsel in 1980, Hogg also received the title of University Professor of York University in 1986, was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1988 and received the Law Society Medal from the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1996. That same year, Hogg received a Teaching Excellence Award, bestowed by students at Osgoode Hall Law School.
More recently, Hogg was presented with an honorary doctor of laws (LLD) degree by the Law Society of Upper Canada during Call to the Bar ceremonies on July 15 at Roy Thomson Hall. Honorary LLDs are presented to individuals who have shown themselves to be role models because of their high standards, dedication and outstanding contributions to society.
Left: Peter Hogg
As the country’s leading constitutional law scholar, Hogg is the person most often consulted when a definitive answer on constitutional issues is needed. It is no wonder that his views have frequently been adopted by the Supreme Court of Canada. In fact, his work is recognized and referred to internationally.
Hogg began his long law career when he earned a bachelor of laws from the University of New Zealand in 1962, a master of laws from Harvard University a year later and then a doctorate from Melbourne’s Monash University in 1970.
Called to the bar of Ontario in 1973, Hogg is one of Canada’s top legal scholars. A teacher of Canadian constitutional law, trusts and income tax law, he is author of Constitutional Law of Canada, Liability of the Crown and co-author of Principles of Canadian Income Tax Law.
Between 1990 and 1992, and in 1997-1998, Hogg was Scholar in Residence at the law firm of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP of Toronto. Currently on leave from York in the year before his retirement, he is now Scholar-in-Residence at the same firm.
Right: Companion of the Order of Canada award
The Order of Canada recognizes people who have made a difference to our country. From local citizens to national and international personalities, all Canadians are eligible for the Order of Canada – our country’s highest honour for lifetime achievement. Three different levels of membership honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope: Member, Officer and Companion.