Canada recognizes a broad tapestry of achievement with 80 new Order of Canada appointments
Ontario, Canada — The Governor General’s office announced a diverse slate of 80 new appointments to the Order of Canada, underscoring the country’s commitment to honoring excellence across fields and communities. The list includes internationally known athletes, celebrated journalists, Indigenous leaders, and dedicated healthcare professionals, reflecting a broad view of impact and public service.
High honors conferred on the nation’s most accomplished contributors
Six new Companions, the highest level of the Order of Canada, were named in this year’s cohort. Companions represent individuals whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on Canadians and beyond. The announcement also includes several Officers and Members, recognizing a wide range of contributions—from sport and media to community leadership and medicine. The shift toward a more expansive, intersectional pool of honorees mirrors ongoing efforts to highlight diverse paths to national service.
Notable honorees include Olympic athletes and cultural commentators
Among the newcomers are prominent figures from sport and culture who have carried Canadian values onto international stages. Olympic sprint champion Andre De Grasse is among the new appointees, celebrated for athletic excellence and role-model leadership that extends beyond the track. Canadian broadcaster and music journalist Nardwuar also joins the ranks of honorees, recognized for his long-standing influence in Canadian arts and media. These appointments illustrate how the Order of Canada celebrates both on-field achievement and cultural impact.
Indigenous leaders and medical professionals added to the roster
The list highlights Indigenous leadership, with several appointees whose work centers on reconciliation, community empowerment, and cultural preservation. Alongside these leaders, a number of physicians, researchers, and healthcare workers are being recognized for advancing public health, caring for vulnerable populations, and driving innovation in medical practice. The inclusion of Indigenous and medical honorees demonstrates the Order’s breadth and its role in elevating those who strengthen communities through service and expertise.
What the new appointments say about Canada’s values
The Order of Canada serves as a barometer of national values, celebrating courage, service, and a spirit of collaboration. This year’s list reinforces a few key themes: the importance of athletic excellence paired with leadership, the enduring influence of journalists in shaping a well-informed public, and the central role of Indigenous voices in Canada’s past, present, and future. Health care workers’ recognition likewise reflects gratitude for the front-line work that sustains communities. Taken together, the 80 new appointees illustrate a country that values achievement across disciplines and geographies, and that seeks to lift up those who contribute to the common good.
What to expect next and how appointments are determined
Appointments to the Order of Canada are made after a confidential nomination and review process designed to identify individuals who have made a remarkable contribution to their field or to Canadian society. The newest honorees will be recognized in public ceremonies and in official communications. The process emphasizes inclusivity and the broad spectrum of service—from inspirational athletes and influential broadcasters to Indigenous leaders and healthcare innovators.
A look at what this means for the honorees and Canada
For the new companions, officers, and members, the recognition offers a formal acknowledgment of their impact and a platform to inspire others. Beyond individual distinction, the 80 appointments illuminate Canada’s ongoing commitment to honoring those who turn ambition into action, foster community resilience, and bridge cultural and professional divides for the country’s collective good.
