Jewish Canadians featured amongst those newly appointed to the Order of Canada

At least five Jewish Canadians were among the 61 people appointed to the Order of Canada and announced by Governor General Louise Arbour on June 26. Included amongst those honoured is a molecular biophysicist — whose father is also a member of the Order of Canada — and an expert in gynecological oncology.

Since its founding in 1967, close to 8,800 people have been appointed or promoted within the Order. The award “recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to our nation.”

Dr. Lewis Kay, a University of Toronto professor and SickKids senior scientist, was first appointed to the Order in 2016. With the most recent round of appointments, he was promoted to the title of “Companion,” the highest level within the Order of Canada. To date, roughly 500 Canadians have been awarded this title.

Kay’s father, Cyril Kay, was also appointed to the Order of Canada in 1995. “To be able to have that commonality with somebody who had a big impact on you is a real joy,” says Kay. “There is no doubt that winning awards in isolation is not nearly as much fun as being able to share them with other people.” Not only are both father and son members of the Order of Canada, but they also share a professional field, as Cyril Kay is a biochemist.

Passing on a passion for biochemistry to younger generations is important to Kay, who occasionally shows high school students on school trips around his lab to discuss his field of study. “When I get up in front of a crowd of kids and I’m able to excite them, I’ll ask ‘When you come to university, would you like to take a course with me?’” he says. “When they put up their hands and say ‘Yeah,’ that’s the best feeling.”

“We all like to get patted on the backs, but I think that just doing what I do and getting satisfaction from it is important,” Kay told The CJN. “When I see a nice result or an experiment that worked, that’s very meaningful.”

Dr. Allan Covens has also been appointed as a Member to the Order of Canada. As a gynecologic oncologist at the University of Toronto and the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Covens’ work has advanced the standard of care for cervical cancer. Covens also serves as the chief examiner for the International Gynecological Cancer Society.

“I feel honoured, and at the same time a little humbled by the distinction,” says Covens. “This just represents a nice recognition for what I would call a career-long dedication to management of cervical cancer, along with fertility preserving procedures.”

International work has been a major component of Covens’ career, as he has been travelling to Kenya annually since 2012 to provide training to surgical fellows. “The international work really magnifies everything. If I can train 10 or 20 fellows who go out into practice and each treat 100,000 women over their careers, you can see the pyramidal effect,” says Covens. “I hope my mentorship will have a concrete impact on women’s health, potentially even across the globe.”

Covens reflects on how his ancestors, who immigrated to Canada from Europe, would react to his appointment to the Order of Canada. “If my grandparents realized that the government of Canada was handing this type of distinction to their grandson, I think they would be very proud.”

Dr. Trevor Hurwitz, based in Vancouver, has also been appointed as a Member to the Order of Canada. Hurwitz, who is considered the founder of neuropsychiatry in British Columbia, is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia. He created the first neuropsychiatric programs in his province, and his work has advanced the treatment of complex brain disorders.

“Receiving the Order of Canada is an immense honour and a source of great pride,” Hurwitz told The CJN via email. “At the same time, it fills me with a profound sense of gratitude, knowing that such recognition could only have come through the extraordinary support and confidence of the community with whom I have had the privilege of working over many years.”

Award-winning film producer Niv Fichman, Toronto-based founder of Rhombus Media, was named as an Officer to the Order of Canada. Fichman has “shaped Canadian cinema for nearly five decades,” a news release from the Governor General’s office stated. He has produced acclaimed films like The Red Violin and Enemy. His film BlackBerry, broke records after being nominated for 17 Canadian Screen Awards, winning 14, including best motion picture.  

Lorne Segal, a Vancouver-based businessman and philanthropist, has also been named as a Member to the Order of Canada. In addition to his work in real estate development, Segal promotes awareness of mental health, helping to raise over $15 million for the Coast Mental Health Foundation. “His combined impact reflects a lifelong legacy of principled enterprise and meaningful civic contribution,” reads his contribution description.