Seven Ottawans among 90 Order of Canada appointees

Seven Ottawa-area residents were among 90 new appointments to the Order of Canada, announced Monday by Governor General David Johnston.

Three Ottawans were among the 25 appointments of the Officer title, the honours second highest ranking, which recognizes a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large.

This includes Dr. Peter Tugwell for his contributions as an epidemiologist reducing global disparities in health care access.

Tugwell, director of the Centre for Global Health at the University of Ottawa, said he has developed a group which is focusing on solving inequities in health care as it relates to factors of wealth, in addition to location, race, occupation and employment status, gender, religion, education, socio-economic status, and social capital.

I worked in Nigeria for three years before I came to Canada in the early 1970s and it was quite dramatic differences between the illnesses that the rich and the poor had, said Tugwell, 69.

I guess my peers indicating some support is wonderful, but its more important that its in support of the activities that Im responsible for working for.

Other appointments to the Officer rank include medical researcher Dr. Michael Rudnicki, who was honoured for contributing to scientific breakthroughs in the area of muscle development, and for his leadership in stem cell research.

Stem cell research is really an area of strategic strength in Canada, said Rudnicki, a senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and the scientific director of the Stem Cell Network. The 54-year-old said the networks research has led to the discovery of a secreted protein, which could be used to treat diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Patrick Delamere Lafferty rounded out Ottawas Officer appointees for his contributions to the advancement of Canadas medical research infrastructure.

In total, the list of of appointees includes four new Companions, the highest title of the Order, and 61 new Members.

Continue reading here:
Seven Ottawans among 90 Order of Canada appointees