The end of 2011 brought with it the announcement of 66 new appointments to the Order of Canada. The new appointees included one officer and two members affiliated with the Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing: Drs. Seymour Schulich, Lawrence Bloomberg and Mary Ferguson-Paré.
The Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest civilian honours. Established in 1967 during Canada’s centennial year, it recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation in all sectors of Canadian society.
Dr. Schulich is a prominent supporter of post-secondary education nationwide and the benefactor behind our Seymour Schulich Awards in Nursing. His citation highlights his transformational philosophy in support of Canada’s education and healthcare institutions. An officer appointment recognizes a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree, especially in service to the country or humanity at large. Dr. Schulich was promoted within the Order from the member level.
A member appointment recognizes a lifetime of distinguished service in or to a particular community, group or field of activity. In 2007, the Faculty received a historic donation from Dr. Bloomberg, a financier and philanthropist, becoming the first named faculty of nursing in the country in honour of the visionary gift. His citation recognizes his social engagement and philanthropy, notably in the areas of health care and education.
Dr. Ferguson-Paré, BScN 6T7, was honoured for her contributions to improvements to patient care and to the nursing profession. Dr. Paré served as the vice-president, professional affairs and chief nurse executive at University Health Network prior to her retirement in 2010. Among her many honours and professional accomplishments include the former presidency of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario and Faculty of Nursing Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2003.
The new Order of Canada appointees will be invited to accept their insignia, presented by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, at a ceremony to be held later this year. The insignia of the Order is a stylized snowflake of six points, with a red annulus at its centre, which bears a stylized maple leaf circumscribed with the motto of the Order, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country), surmounted by St. Edward’s Crown.