The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella, appointed a companion of the Order of Canada, was the first Jewish woman to serve on Canada’s Supreme Court. Known for her landmark constitutional law rulings, she helped shape equality and human rights law in Canada and internationally. She is now a professor at Harvard Law School.
The Honourable Michael James Moldaver, K.C., also appointed a companion of the Order of Canada, served on the Supreme Court of Canada, where he played a central role in shaping criminal law and Charter jurisprudence. He is widely respected as an educator and mentor, and contributed to legal scholarship and professional development over decades of service.
Kim Ruth Brooks, appointed a member of the Order of Canada, is a tax lawyer, professor and human rights advocate who has advanced equity, accessibility and freedom of gender expression in higher education. As president of Dalhousie University, she is a thoughtful voice for inclusive leadership, transformative education and research.
The Honourable Richard J. F. Chartier, also appointed a member, is known for his leadership on access to justice and language rights in Manitoba. As chief justice, he championed bilingual proceedings and institutional renewal, and his report on French-language services has had a lasting impact, as has his commitment to reconciliation and francophone community services.
Penny Dorothy Collenette, appointed a member, is a lawyer, educator and public commentator whose career spans business, academia and politics. A strong advocate for women’s leadership, she has worked to boost representation in government and corporate spheres.
Michelle Frances Good, appointed a member, is a member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation and is known for her work as a lawyer, activist and storyteller. A survivor of the Sixties Scoop, she has challenged laws that harm Indigenous communities and advocates for reconciliation, truth and respect.
James C. Hathaway, appointed a member, is one of the world’s leading scholars of public international law. A professor emeritus at the University of Michigan, he reshaped thinking on refugee protection and designed a global refugee regime based on collectivized responsibility.
Alfred Morris Kwinter, appointed a member, is a leading personal injury and insurance lawyer. Over his career, he has represented plaintiffs in landmark cases, served as director of the Advocates’ Society, and supported legal education initiatives with societies and associations. He also contributed his leadership to various boards, foundations and programs.
Established in 1967, the Order of Canada honours individuals who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to the nation. More than 8,250 individuals from all sectors of Canadian society have received the honour to date.
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