Well-known Jews appointed to the Order of Canada

The medals of the Order of Canada. DOWEW/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS PHOTO

There was no shortage of well-known Jewish-Canadians named to the Order of Canada late last month.

Governor General Julie Payette announced 125 new appointments to the order, including four companions, 35 officers and 86 members.

Named as officers were Dr. May Cohen of Toronto “for her exemplary leadership in the establishment and growth of the field of women’s health in Canada”; William Shatner for his “iconic contributions to popular culture spanning theater, television and film, and for his philanthropic support of causes related to health care, the environment and the well-being of children”; and Toronto’s Molly Shoichet “for her cutting-edge research in biomedical engineering and her efforts to promote women in science and to advance scientific literacy;” and University of Toronto professor Michael Sefton*

Named as members were comedian and Yuk Yuk’s co-founder Mark Breslin; Helen Burstyn of Toronto for her work in arts, culture, literacy, health and the environment; Lynn Factor of Toronto for her social work with vulnerable children; Toronto businessman and philanthropist Saul Feldberg; Montreal sports journalist Saul (Red) Fisher; lawyer Dale Lastman of Toronto for his volunteer work in health initiatives and LGBTQ communities; builders and philanthropists Joseph and Wolf Lebovic; Toronto human rights advocate Karen Mock; Barry Sherman, the late generic drug manufacturer and philanthropist;  and Toronto broadcasting executive Jay Switzer.

 

*Sefton was not mentioned when this story first went up on Jan. 8.