The Order of Canada recognizes people for their contributions to communities throughout Canada.

USask community members appointed to the Order of Canada

Several members of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community are set to receive one of the country’s highest civilian honours by being appointed to the Order of Canada.

By University Communications

Graduates, a professor emeritus and several members of the community with strong ties to USask have been named to the Order of Canada, a distinction for their outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to Canada.

Sen. Lillian Dyck (BA'66, BA'68, MSc'70, PhD'81) was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada “for her contributions to human rights and social justice, and for her powerful advocacy of First Nations and racial minorities in Canada.”

Deborah Chatsis (BSc'83, LLB'86, DL'15) was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada “for her leadership as the first member of a First Nation to serve as ambassador for Canada, and for her advocacy of human rights around the globe.”

Dr. Frederick (Ted) Leighton (DVM’79), a professor emeritus and graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) was recognized for his lifetime contributions to veterinary medicine as a clinical pathologist and as an internationally renowned scholar specializing in wildlife disease.

Ed Ratushny (BA’64, LLB’65), a nationally regarded legal scholar, author and certified NHL hockey agent, earned bachelor’s and law degrees at USask in the 1960s before embarking on an award-winning legal career. Ratushny was awarded an honorary degree during the 2021 USask Spring Convocation online celebration. 

Gregory P. Marchildon (JD’80), was recognized "for his contributions to health care policy in Canada, and for his mentorship of the next generation of policy-oriented researchers."

Max T. Eisen (LLD’20) was named as a member "for his contributions to Holocaust education, and for his promotion of transformational dialogue on human rights, tolerance and respect."

Gerald Friesen (BA’64) was inducted "for his contributions to Canadian historical discourse through his inclusive and comprehensive research on Indigenous and ethnic groups in western regions." 

Other appointees with strong community connections to USask include author Yann Martel, “for his contributions to literature and for his philanthropic commitment to the betterment of his region,” and Vaughan Wyant, “for his contributions as a business leader in the auto industry in Western Canada and for his community philanthropy.”

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon announced the 135 new appointees to the Order of Canada on Dec. 29. Appointees included two companions, 39 officers, one honorary member and 93 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 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the order.