Three members of the York University community are among 30 individuals appointed to the Order of Ontario on Feb. 17 by Edith Dumont, lieutenant-governor of Ontario.
Appointments recognize innovators and leaders from diverse fields whose work has played a role in building a stronger province, country and world.
This year’s appointees join 15 York community members over the last five years who have received the Order of Ontario for contributions spanning law, public policy, arts and culture, academic leadership and health – reflecting the breadth of fields in which York graduates, faculty and partners are shaping the province.
Order of Ontario appointees
Jacques Frémont (LLM ’78), alum, Osgoode Hall Law School
Frémont is a constitutional law scholar and academic leader who served as president and vice‑chancellor of the University of Ottawa from 2016-25, guiding one of Canada’s largest research universities through nearly a decade of growth. Before that, he held major academic roles at the University of Montreal, including dean of law and provost.
As a scholar, he has built a distinguished reputation in constitutional and public law, publishing widely on rights, governance and democratic systems. He has applied this expertise in high‑impact leadership roles, including chairing the Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission and directing international human rights and judicial capacity initiatives through the Open Society Foundations.
Frémont has also been an advocate of academic bilingualism. As president of the University of Ottawa, he expanded French‑language programs in science and engineering and oversaw the launch of Ontario’s first French‑language pharmaceutical sciences program, reinforcing the university’s bilingual mandate. His contributions have earned him recognitions such as the Chevalier of the Ordre des Palmes académiques, awarded by the French government to individuals who advance the influence of French language and culture in education.
Jamaica Cass, member of Connected Minds
A professor at Queen’s University and member of the York U-Queen's collaborative Connected Minds research program, Cass is regarded as a national leader in Indigenous health and medical education.
She has lead efforts to redesign medical education to confront systemic barriers and embed Indigenous knowledge, governance principles and community priorities. Her work contributes to national standards and policy reform advancing Truth and Reconciliation, strengthening Indigenous representation in health professions and improving health outcomes across Canada.
Within Connected Minds, Cass draws on this expertise to contribute an Indigenous health lens to interdisciplinary research focused on equity, systemic risk mitigation and ensuring emerging technologies benefit communities that have historically been underserved.
At Queen’s, Cass is driving change by strengthening Indigenous curriculum and fostering more inclusive learning environments – work recognized with the Principal’s Indigenous Education Award. Her impact has also been recognized with with the Queen's Principal’s Indigenous Education Award, and on a national scale with the Indigenous Health Advocacy Emerging Leader Award.
She is also the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn both a doctor of medicine and a doctor of philosophy, a milestone that has helped increase opportunities for Indigenous representation within academic medicine.
Cameron Bailey, former student
As chief executive officer (CEO) of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Bailey is a leading figure in Canada’s cultural sector. In his role, he directs the vision, strategy and year‑round operations of one of the world’s largest public film festivals, guiding an organization that engages audiences nationally through screenings, public programming and industry initiatives.
Since joining TIFF in 1990 as a seasonal programmer, Bailey has risen steadily through key leadership roles, serving as artistic director, co‑head, executive director and now CEO. His impact on the festival includes shaping its programming identity, strengthening its international industry presence and expanding TIFF’s year‑round footprint at the TIFF Lightbox.
Beyond programming, Bailey has contributed to the broader film landscape as a critic, educator and advocate for inclusive storytelling. He is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a recipient of Chevalier of France’s Order of Arts and Letters and has been named one of Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People multiple times – recognitions that reflect his sustained impact on Canadian and international cinema.
To view the full list of appointees visit the Government of Ontario website.