Nine lawyers were appointed to the Order of Canada this week including a former mayor of Toronto and former privacy commissioner of Canada.
Among them, four lawyers were named Officers of the Order of Canada with another five named Members.
Governor General David Johnston made the announcement of 69 new appointments Dec. 30.
Brian M. Levitt was named an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to the legal and business communities. The vice-chairman of Osler Hoskin and Harcourt LLP is known as one of the leading corporate governance and M&A advisers in Canada. Levitt is a supporter of the arts and serves as chairman of the board of trustees of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. He was also appointed as chancellor of the Bishop’s University in 2013.
Richard McLaren was also named an Officer and is known for his contributions to legal education in Canada. He is a professor of law with the University of Western Ontario. He is an expert in sports law and arbitration and alternate dispute resolution.
Former Chief Justice of Manitoba Richard Scott is now an Officer of the Order of Canada for his numerous contributions to the legal community. He is also a former bencher and president of the Law Society of Manitoba.
Jennifer Stoddart was also named an Officer of the Order. The sixth Privacy Commissioner of Canada has also worked tirelessly to remove barriers to employment based on gender and cultural differences.
Joseph Z. Daigle is honoured as a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions as a jurist and lawyer including his hand in increasing access to justice. Richard Tingley, a retired lawyer who — during his career — has practised before all courts of New Brunswick and the Supreme Court of Canada says Daigle's contribution is truly appreciated by the province and the francophone community in particular. Daigle is a former politician and Chief Justice of New Brunswick. He has served as a provincial court judge for seven years and is a parent to four children.
Recently retired chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights commission Barbara Hall is recognized as a Member for her contributions as a Canadian lawyer, public servant, and former politician. Most notably she is the 61st mayor of Toronto serving the city between the years of 1994 and 1997.
Scholar and litigator Kent Roach is now a Member of the Order of Canada. Roach is a professor and Prichard Wilson Chair in law and public policy at the University of Toronto.
Canadian lawyer Morris Rosenberg is also now a Member. In 2010, Rosenberg was appointed as deputy minister of foreign affairs and is currently president and CEO of the Trudeau Foundation.
Fiona Amaryllis Sampson is recognized for her commitment to human rights. Sampson is executive director of The Equality Effect, a non-profit organization that uses human rights law to transform the lives of women and girls in Africa.
Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.
