Alumni Digest / U of T / Ideas /
Order of Canada recognizes university community
The June 2026 appointments honoured U of T alumni, faculty and supporters for work in research, public policy and patient care.
Order of Canada medals; the June 2026 appointments included members of U of T's community.Photo: MCpl Anis Assari
The context
Where the work begins
The June 26, 2026 Order of Canada appointments included U of T alumni, faculty and supporters. Philanthropist Donald K. Johnson and molecular researcher Lewis Kay were promoted to Companion. Sociologist Cecilia Benoit, classicist Alison Keith, anesthesiology researcher Beverley Orser and statistician Mary Thompson were named Officers.
The takeaway
What follows
Those appointed Members included gynecological oncologist Allan Covens and rural nursing researcher Martha L. P. MacLeod. Kona Kristen Chant Williams, Canada's first First Nations forensic pathologist, was recognized for her work and leadership in culturally informed practice. The appointments also honoured addictions researcher Harvey Skinner and human rights advocate John William Foster, who died in April.
Source reporting
Order of Canada recognizes university community
Original summary by Alumni Digest, based on public source reporting. This independent publication is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Toronto. Source image retained for editorial review; rights clearance is still required before any broader reuse.
