Members of the USask community, including an award-winning neuroscientist, a legal trailblazer, and an advocate for human rights, have been named to the Order of Canada, a distinction for their outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to Canada.
Dr. Ivar Mendez (MD, PhD), provincial head of surgery and a clinical neurosurgeon with USask and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada “for his pioneering work in the use of remote telemedicine and robotics to revolutionize the delivery of health and patient care in Canada and worldwide.” Read more on his work as one of the world’s leading experts in neuroscience and robotics, neuromodulation, and remote medicine.
The Honourable Gerald M. Morin (JD’87) was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada “for his groundbreaking contributions to the Cree Court Circuit, and for his mentorship of the next generation of lawyers and judges.” Morin was honoured in 2018 with a USask Alumni Achievement Award.
Meanwhile, USask alumnus Donald Arnold Kossick (BA’68) was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada “for his promotion of human rights and social justice, and for his leadership in international development.”
The Honourable Maria E. Chaput-Arbez (Cert, Health Care Admin, '84) was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada "for being a tireless champion of the Franco-Manitoban community and for her work on official languages during her tenure as senator."
And USask alum Douglas A. Dunsmore (BMus'72) was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada "for his leadership as a choral conductor and music educator, and for his significant contributions to prominent provincial and national music organizations."
Governor General Mary Simon announced the 99 new appointees to the Order of Canada on Dec. 29, 2022. Appointees included two companions, 32 officers, and 65 members.
Established in 1967, the Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System and recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society for their contributions to communities throughout Canada. More than 7,600 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the order.