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Original story appeared on DalNews: More Dal alumni join Order of Canada ranks

Canada’s newest Order of Canada inductees were recently named, honouring individuals who exemplify the Order’s Latin moto, desiderantes meliorem patriam, or, “they desire a better country.”  Considered one of Canada’s highest honours, the Order celebrates individuals across all sectors of society whose innovations have ignited imaginations and whose compassion has united communities.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, described the Order’s most recent honourees as “a group of individuals who, through dedication and ajuinnata —perseverance — make our communities and country better every day.”

Joining the ranks of the now 7,800 Order recipients are two graduates of the law school, Peter Showler (LLB'83) and James Igloliorte (LLB’85), as well as five other Dalhousie alumni: Joan H. Garson (BA’75), G. Lynn Jones (BA’76), Grant N. Pierce (MSc’79), Haissam Haddad (PGM’95) and Kathryn Moran (PhD’95).

Peter Showler (LLB’83)

For his leadership and mentorship in immigration and refugee law, Peter Showler was appointed Member of the Order of Canada. He has served as the University of Ottawa’s director of the Refugee Forum, which undertakes various research and law reform initiatives dealing with refugee law, is the former chairperson of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, and is the author of Refugee Sandwich: Stories of Exile and Asylum, a story exposing the dilemmas faced by participants in the refugee determination process.

The Honourable James Igloliorte (LLB’85)

The Honourable James Igloliorte was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions as a provincial court judge, and for his transformational leadership at the helm of prominent public inquiries. Throughout his career, he had made it his mission to ensure that the administration of justice is more responsive to Inuit culture and traditions. A recipient of the 1999 National Aboriginal Achievement Award in Law and Justice, he is also the first judge in Canada to apply the code of colour when a group of Innu who stood before his court were charged with trespassing on the grounds of a Canadian Armed Forces base.

The newest appointees will be invited to an investiture ceremony at a later date to receive their insignia. The Dalhousie community extends heartfelt congratulations to all recent inductees.

Learn more about Dalhousie's other five Order of Canada appointees.