Fourteen York University alumni have been named among 135 new appointments to the Order of Canada, announced on Dec. 29 by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.
Among the York alumni most recently named to the Order are Evelyn L. Forget, O.C. (BA ’78), a leading health economics researcher known for advancing anti-poverty initiatives in Canada and around the world, and Robert Small, C.M. (BEd ’14), an artist, author and educator recognized for his long-standing commitment to highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of Black people in all sectors of Canadian society.
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest civilian honours. It recognizes individuals whose outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation have helped us build a better Canada.
The full list of York alumni appointed to the Order of Canada in 2021 includes:
COMPANIONS
The Honourable Murray Sinclair, C.C., M.S.C. (LLD ’15)
For his commitment to the representation of Indigenous legal issues, and for his dedication to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
OFFICERS
Neil Devindra Bissoondath, O.C., C.Q. (BA ’77, DLITT ’99)
For his contributions to Canadian literature through his groundbreaking examinations of multiculturalism and diversity.
Evelyn L. Forget, O.C. (BA ’78)
For advancing anti-poverty initiatives in Canada and around the world as a leading health economics researcher.
Victoria Grant, O.C. (BSW ’77)
For bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous culture, business and communities through her facilitation and mediation.
Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, O.C. (LLB ’85, LLD ’13)
For her ongoing commitment to improving the child welfare system and supports for Indigenous people in British Columbia.
MEMBERS
Ann Buller, C.M. (BA ’95)
For her lifelong dedication and commitment to post-secondary education and to improving the lives of others through learning.
The Honourable Sandra Chapnik, C.M., O.Ont. (LLB ’76)
For her leadership in the community and in the legal sector, where she has promoted the advancement of women and encouraged best practices in the field.
Janice R. Fukakusa, C.M. (MBA ’79, LLD ’16)
For her leadership and mentorship in banking, and for her boundless community engagement, notably in education and health care.
William Arthur Humber, C.M. (MES ’75)
For his contributions as Canada’s premier baseball historian, and for highlighting the key ways in which the sport’s history is linked to our nation.
Barbara Landau, C.M. (LLM ’82)
For her contributions to dispute resolution and family law reform as both a psychologist and lawyer, and for her advocacy of interfaith initiatives.
Robin Poitras, C.M. (BFA ’82)
For her creative contributions to contemporary dance in Canada, and for her leadership as artistic director of New Dance Horizons.
Lynn Posluns, C.M. (LLD ’19)
For her contributions to research on women’s cognitive health and aging through the founding of Women’s Brain Health Initiative.
Robert Small, C.M. (BEd ’14)
For his long-standing commitment to highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of Black people in all sectors of Canadian society.
Janet Walker, C.M., C.D. (BA ’79, MA ’82, JD ’93)
For her expert legal authority in commercial arbitration and conflict of laws, and for advancing legal procedural standards in Canada.