Six Faculty and Supporters Named to Order of Canada

“I am delighted to recognize these new recipients of the Order of Canada in this milestone year,” said Canadian Governor General, the Right Honourable David Johnston. “Besides marking Canada’s 150th anniversary, 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Order. So let’s be inspired by the examples set by these remarkable Canadians and use this occasion to build a smarter and more caring country in which every individual can succeed to the greatest extent possible.”

Professor Charles Tator of the Department of Surgery and the University Health Network was promoted to an officer of the order for “his advocacy as a world-renowned authority on concussions and for promoting increased safety in sports.” University Professor Donald Stuss, a neuropsychologist and senior scientist at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health Sciences, was named an Officer of the Order for “his contributions as an internationally respected neuropsychologist who has expanded scientific understanding of brain function, injury and rehabilitation.” Biochemist Lewis Kay was named Officer of the Order for “his pioneering research in biochemistry and medical imaging science which explores the structure and behaviour of proteins.”

Professor Michael Tymianski was named a Member of the Order for his work in neuroscience, “particularly through his leadership in investigating new mechanisms to protect the brain following a stroke.” New Members also include Ash Prakash, who established an international surgery fellowship at U of T, and alumnus Dr. Michael Dan (MD ’84).

Dan and alumna Amira Dan have donated $2 million to establish the U of T Brain Tumour Bank, which helps researchers in U of T’s health sciences network make more rapid progress towards treating people with brain cancer. And they have donated $10 million to create the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health at U of T's Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

Dan's citation recognizes “his contributions as a philanthropist, notably for his partnerships with Indigenous people”.

This year’s appointments join the nearly 7,000 other people who have been invested in the Order of Canada since it was established 1967.