A "wonderful surprise"

Law Professor Wayne MacKay is the latest in a long line of people connected to Dalhousie to be inducted into the Order of Canada. He was inducted February 17 at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

MacKay says he is delighted to be among those recognized. "It is a great honour to join this prestigious group with known names like Diana Krall and Shania Twain and less known names like Nobel Prize-winning physicists, music directors, business people, playwrights, lawyers, volunteers and many other amazing Canadians," he says.

Professor MacKay was honoured for his work in human rights and on social justice issues. He says he is particularly thankful for those who nominated and supported his application. The Order of Canada nomination process is often not known to the nominee, and this award came as a wonderful surprise to him.

"I was happy to share this great occasion with family and friends who gave me the support and confidence needed to achieve what I have been able to achieve in life so far," he says. "I am indebted to them all. In particular, I thank my wife, JoAnn for her love and support."

He goes on to say, "Both Dalhousie University and Mount Allison University prepared me well as a student, and provided me with  supportive stages upon which to pursue  greater social justice and equality for those who are on the margins of society. In particular I am indebted to my students who inspire me and help to keep me young and humble. At the risk of being clichéd, it was a humbling experience and a celebration of
lives well lived."