McMaster community figures prominently in new appointments to the Order of Canada

Just in time for Canada Day, seven distinguished Canadians with strong connections to McMaster – including two faculty members – have been announced today as new or newly promoted members of the Order of Canada.

In addition to the two senior health scientists, the group includes two recipients of honorary McMaster degrees, an author who donated his archives to the University Library, a philanthropist whose foundation supported the creation of a McMaster lab, and a graduate who went on to a distinguished academic career.

Dr. Mark Levine is professor and chair of the Department of Oncology for the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. He was cited for his contributions as an oncologist, researcher and clinician, and particularly for his development of a number of new treatments that have become the Canadian standard in clinical practice.

Dr. Harriet MacMillan is a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, and Pediatrics at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. She is a psychiatrist and pediatrician who is being honoured for her leading research in the prevention of, and response to, family violence.

Roberta Jamieson received an honorary doctorate in 1991. A member of the Six Nations of the Grand River, she is a lawyer and First Nations activist who has been promoted within the Order of Canada to become an Officer.

Science fiction writer Robert Sawyer, the author of more than 20 novels and winner of several writing awards, donated his papers to McMaster in 2013.

Philanthropist John McCall MacBain has been named an Officer of the Order of Canada. He is the founder of the McCall MacBain Foundation whose gift supported the creation of McCall MacBain Foundation Neurophysiology Lab.

Patricia Demers earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at McMaster and in 2005 became the first woman president of the Royal Society of Canada. She is now a professor of English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta.

The seven appointees are among 113 Canadians appointed June 30 to one of Canada’s highest civilian honours. Members of the Order of Canada are noted for their outstanding contributions at the local or regional level or in a special field of activity.

“I am thrilled to receive this important honour. I have been very fortunate in my career. I was given so many opportunities at a young age, and I’ve had so much fun over the last 35 years,” said Levine.

He credits Hamilton and McMaster as contributing to his success, adding, “I was encouraged and given opportunities by the giants of innovation at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine – Jack Hirsh, David Sackett and Mike Gent. Coming to Hamilton and McMaster made a real difference for my career.”

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be appointed as a member of the Order of Canada,” said MacMillan. “I am indebted to my colleagues – both research and clinical – whose dedication and talent have made this work possible, and to my family, especially my husband Tom, whose support has sustained me throughout my career.

“It has been such a privilege to work in an academic environment that recognizes family violence as a major public health problem deserving of evidence-based solutions.”

Dr. John Kelton, dean and vice-president of McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences said both professors are highly deserving of the honour.

“Dr. Levine is an outstanding clinician, an innovative researcher and an exceptional educator. This honour is very appropriate,” he said.

“Dr. MacMillan’s research has had a profound effect on the emotional and physical health of disadvantaged children, and her leadership has been instrumental in developing the next generation of passionate, devoted physicians.”

The awards ceremony will be held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa later in the year.