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Six alumni appointed to Order of Canada

The Canada Day announcement of new inductees to the Order of Canada recognized the exceptional achievements of ±«Óătv alumni in academia, law, medicine, and public health. Dal Professor Emeritus, Dr. Ford Doolittle was named a Companion, the Order’s highest distinction.

Posted: July 3, 2025

A collage of head shots of six notable alumni.

The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System. Presented by the governor general, it recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

Six Dal alumni were amongst the 83 new appointments being celebrated on Canada Day 2025 (pictured top left then clockwise).

  • Dr. Elizabeth Rollins Epperly (MA’74) is the past president of the University of Prince Edward Island renowned for her scholarship on the beloved works of fellow Dal alum Lucy Maud Montgomery. 

  • The Honourable J. Michael MacDonald (LLB’79) is former Chief Justice of Nova Scotia and Chair of the Mass Casualty Commission, which investigated the April 2020 mass casualty in Nova Scotia.

  • Dr. Earl Bogoch (PGM’74), is an orthopaedic surgeon who developed the Fracture Screening and Prevention Program, a model of care that has been implemented in hospitals across Canada.

  • Dr. Bonnie Henry (MD’90, LLD’22), is a leader and scholar in public health and preventative medicine. This notable alum was at the forefront of British Columbia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as provincial health officer.

  • Maureen McTeer (LLM’93), is a lawyer and author whose work has shaped policy in women’s health and equality, pollution, the international rule of law, fertility rights, and individual autonomy in end-of-life care.

  • Dr. Timothy Whelan (PGM’81), is a radiation oncologist whose research has redefined radiation therapy’s use in the treatment of breast cancer, improving survival rates and limiting side effects.

Additionally, evolutionary biologist Dr. Ford Doolittle (pictured), professor emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at ±«Óătv, has been named a Companion of the Order of Canada — the highest honour in the Order. He was recognized for his scholarly career that has upended our understanding of the natural world and helped made Canada a global leader in genome evolution.

Dr. Doolittle’s appointment was particularly noteworthy as he was one of two individuals announced as a Companion — the highest honour within the Order. He becomes only the seventh Nova Scotian ever to be awarded the status of Companion.

“It is very nice to join the Order of Canada and be recognized in this particularly Canadian way,” Dr. Doolittle told Dal News.

“When I first joined the Faculty of Medicine, more than a half-century ago, it felt like coming home. It feels that way even more so now.”

Since its creation in 1967 — Canada’s centennial year — more than 7,600 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. Their grit and passion inspire us, teach us and show us the way forward. According to the , they exemplify the Order’s motto: Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam (“They desire a better country”).

Notable alumni

Notable alumni from ±«Óătv University have achieved significant accomplishments and are well-known, or even famous, for their achievements, leadership and contributions to society.
Browse notable alumni