Four Carleton University alumni have been named to the Order of Canada for their positive impacts and contributions to Canadian society and humanity at large.
These distinguished individuals are a source of pride as they exemplify the Carleton community’s shared vision for purposeful change.
Order of Canada insignia
Irwin Elman, alumnus (Bachelor of Arts Honours, 1983), was named an Officer of the Order of Canada for “his consummate advocacy of children and youth, and for his transformational listening tours that give voice to society’s most vulnerable.”
Elman is a life-long child and youth advocate and a Senior Fellow with the Laidlaw Foundation – a foundation that supports young people impacted by the justice, education and child-welfare systems. Over the years, he has been involved in a number advocacy groups and programs, and has held positions with Until the Last Child, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and Central Toronto Youth Services.
Holly Susan McNally, alumna (Bachelor of Arts, 1970), and Paul McNally, alumnus (Bachelor of Arts Honours, 1970 and Master of Arts, 1972), were named Members of the Order of Canada for “advancing Canada’s literary scene through community-based programming in support of local, regional and national independent writers and publishers.”
Holly and Paul McNally founded the McNally-Robinson Booksellers in 1981. They ran the company for 35 years, retiring in 2015. With bookstores in Winnipeg and Saskatoon, the McNally’s created central hubs for book-lovers to gather to enjoy literary programs and events. As part of their impact, they established the McNally Robinson Manitoba Book of the Year Award in 1988.
Peter Showler, alumnus (Bachelor of Arts, 1966), was named a Member of the Order of Canada for “his leadership in immigration and refugee law, and for his mentorship of the next generation of refugee lawyers.”
Showler is the director of the Refugee Forum at the University of Ottawa, where he also teaches on immigration and refugee law. The Refugee Forum undertakes various research and law reform initiatives dealing with refugee law. Prior to this position, Showler was the chair of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. He is also the author of Refugee Sandwich: Stories of Exile and Asylum.
Canada’s 30th Governor General Mary Simon
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon announced the 85 new appointments to the Order of Canada on June 30, 2023. Recipients will be invested at a ceremony to be held at a later date.
About the Order of Canada
Established in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth, the Order of Canada is the pillar of the Canadian honours system. Becoming a member recognizes outstanding contributions at the local or regional level or in a special field of activity. The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honours with three levels of appointment: companion, officer and member.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 in Campus News
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