McMaster alumni, faculty and friends named to Order of Canada

BY Sara Laux

December 1, 2020

“Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam.”

In English, the motto of the Order of Canada means “They desire a better country.”

This year, seven individuals connected to McMaster are among 114 Canadian artists, scientists, business leaders and community advocates named to the Order of Canada by Governor General Julie Payette for their dedication to creating a better Canada.

Monique Bégin, a sociologist and former Member of Parliament, received an honorary Doctor of Laws from McMaster in 1993. She was promoted to a Companion within the Order. P. James Peebles, an astrophysicist and winner of the Nobel Prize in physics in 2019, was also named a Companion. McMaster awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science in 1989.

Ronald Barr, a professor of pediatrics in McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences, was named a Member for his work in pediatric oncology, especially his research into cancer in adolescents and young adults.

Engineer Hoda ElMaraghy completed a master’s and PhD in mechanical engineering at McMaster in 1972 and 1976, eventually becoming the dean of engineering at the University of Windsor. She was named a Member for her contributions in advancing manufacturing systems in Canada.

A consultant specializing in Indigenous health, education, self-governance and economic development, Harvey Andrew McCue (Waubageshig) is Anishinabe from the Georgina Island First Nation. He received an MA from McMaster, and was named a Member of the Order for his “contributions to the health and well-being of Indigenous youth in Canada and for his influential leadership in education.”

Dave Thomas is well known for his work on the television show SCTV, most notably as one half of the duo Bob and Doug McKenzie, as well as numerous roles in movies and on television. Thomas, who received a BA in English from McMaster, was appointed a Member in recognition of his long career and for his work as a mentor.

While sportscaster, author and hockey historian Brian McFarlane didn’t attend McMaster, he did donate his archive to the William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections starting in 2001. He was named a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to hockey over his long career.