John Hirdes

Dr. John Hirdes, a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences, has been appointed a member of the Order of Canada for his “contributions to evidence-based health care practice and policy, notably through the research and development of standardized assessments and decision support tools.”

A fellow of the Royal Society of Canadaand theCanadian Academy of Health Sciences, Hirdes is known for his research in geriatric assessment, mental health, health care and service delivery and health information management. He is the senior Canadian Fellow and a board member of interRAI, an international consortium of researchers from more than 40 countries. He chairs interRAI's International Network in Mental Health, and he chaired the University’s Committee on Student Mental Health (CoSMH). In addition, he recently received a 2022 University Professor designation.

“It is wonderful and humbling to be recognized with this honour,” Hirdes said. “It has been a privilege to contribute to making things better in a country that welcomed my family and me many years ago.”

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced 78 new appointments to the Order of Canada, which has three levels: companion, officer and member. Officers of the Order of Canada are recognized specifically for service to Canada or to humanity at large, and members of the Order of Canada are honoured for distinguished service in or to a community, group or field of activity.

In the news:

Two scholars given top civilian honours after starting out as undergrads at the University of Waterloo (Waterloo Region Record)

Local research scientist appointed to order of Canada (Wellington Advertiser)

This new member of the Order of Canada is a 'freak of nurture' (CBC news)

University of Waterloo prof named to Order of Canada (Waterloo Region Record)