The province has announced 25 new appointments to the Order of Ontario for 2023 and three of them are based in London.
The Order of Ontario recognizes people across the province who have made extraordinary contributions to society. Members of the Order come from all walks of life, representing all types of people and professions.
"As Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, it is my privilege to congratulate the Order's appointees for 2023. These Ontarians have demonstrated the highest levels of merit, excellence and dedication in their respective disciplines, and they have made significant impacts here at home and around the world," said Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont.
"Our province gratefully acknowledges their remarkable contributions, which inspire us all to be leaders and change-makers," Dumont added.
Dr. Claire Crooks is one of the Londoners being honoured in 2023.
She's a clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in violence prevention among young people. She co-developed the "Fourth R", a relationship-based approach to reducing dating violence and delinquency among youth. The program is now used in thousands of schools throughout Canada and around the world.
Crooks has trained thousands of social workers, mental health professionals, and judges and inspired a national movement to address youth mental health.
Dr. Joy MacDermid has been appointed for her research and dedication to putting patients first.
MacDermid's research in the 1990s and subsequent global workshops brought patient-reported outcomes into the decision-making process for the first time. This brought about a huge paradigm shift in the field of rehabilitation and chronic pain.
She's a founding member of the Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research and has attracted a new generation of surgeons and scientists. MacDermid is also responsible for elevating the voices of women in fields where they had long been absent.
Dr. Fred Possmayer is the third Londoner on the list of appointees.
Possmayer's laboratory is responsible for the development of Bovine Lung Extract Surfactant (BLES). The breakthrough treatment is now standard around the world and has saved the lives of thousands of premature babies. BLES is considered one of the top five discoveries in Ontario, alongside insulin.
The other Ontarians being appointed to the Order for 2023 include:
Jay Aspin
John M. Beck
Jo-Anne Clarke
Hon. David Collenette
Julie Di Lorenzo
John English
Lee Errett
Gervan Fearon
Patrick Foran
Blake C. Goldring
Herbert Ho Ping Kong
Blake Hutcheson
Michael Latner
Bernard Leduc
Dwayne Morgan
Florence Ngenzebuhoro
Hazelle Palmer
Peter Simon
Gary Slaight
George Trusler
Raquel Urtasun
Bhavana Varma
Michael Ford, the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism called the appointees leaders and trailblazers.
"Their achievements, dedication and leadership have contributed to building a stronger Ontario and a better world for all. On behalf of a grateful province, congratulations to all the appointees being recognized," he said.
Since it was established in 1986, 874 people have been appointed to the Order of Ontario.
Appointments are made by the recommendation of an advisory council, with names initially put forward by the public.
Nominations for deserving individuals for this year can be made until March 31, 2024.
