Five members of the York University community are among the 61 new appointments to the Order of Canada, announced Dec. 30, 2020 by Governor General of Canada Julie Payette.
The new member list includes one Companion (C.C.), 13 Officers (O.C.) and 47 Members (C.M.). Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a future date.
Five York University community members were invested to the Order of Canada
Officers of the Order of Canada
John Borrows, O.C., alumnus, honourary alumnus and donor
John Borrows was appointed for his scholarly work on Indigenous rights and legal traditions, which has had a significant impact across Canada and abroad.
Lynn Smith, O.C., Q.C., donor
Lynn Smith was appointed for her extensive and pioneering contributions to the Canadian legal system as a lawyer, academic and judge.
Members of the Order of Canada
Mary S. Aitken, C.M., donor
Mary Aitken was appointed for her leading entrepreneurship in the financial sector and for her dedication to reducing gender disparity in Canadian business.
Rita Davies, C.M., alumna and donor
Rita Davies was appointed for her leadership at the helm of several cultural organizations and for her steadfast devotion to the arts.
Sally Horsfall Eaton, C.M., C.D., donor
Sally Horsfall Eaton was appointed for her leadership and philanthropy, notably in the health care and education sectors, and for her advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.
About the Order of Canada
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest honours. Presented by the governor general, the Order honours people whose service shapes our society; whose innovations ignite our imaginations; and whose compassion unites our communities.
More than 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order of Canada. Appointments are made by the governor general on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. For more information about the Order of Canada program, visit www.gg.ca/en/honours/canadian-honours/order-canada.