January 7, 2026
Four Waterloo leaders appointed to the Order of Canada
Alumni and honorary alumni recognized for shaping Canada’s health, policy, justice and financial sectors
Two alumni and two honorary alumni are among those being appointed to the Order of Canada this year.
The latest appointees include Janice J. Eng (PhD ’94), Susan Phillips (MA ’79), Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella (LLD ’90) and Particia O’Malley (LLD ’16). Their achievements span health research, public policy, accounting standards and human rights law, reflecting Waterloo’s impact across disciplines and sectors.
"The University of Waterloo community is full of exceptional individuals that are focused on making a difference," says Nenone Donaldson, vice-president, Advancement and External Relations at the University. “The achievements of these newest Order of Canada appointees are inspiring, and we are proud to join all Canadians in celebrating their remarkable contributions.”
The Order of Canada announces new appointees twice annually, on Canada Day and at the end of the calendar year. To date, more than 8,000 individuals have been appointed to the Order.
Patricia O'Malley was recognized for her contributions to the Canadian accounting sector by Waterloo in 2016 when she received an honorary degree. Among her many accomplishments, she led the development of international financial reporting standards. O’Malley was appointed as a community-at-large member of the University’s Board of Governors last September where she chairs the Audit and Risk Committee.
Dr. Janice Eng completed her doctorate in kinesiology at Waterloo. A leading health researcher, she is recognized for her impact on the field of stroke rehabilitation. Eng is a University Killam Professor and Canada Research Chair in Neurological Rehabilitation at the University of British Columbia where she is the co-director of the Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health.
Dr. Susan Phillips completed her master’s in geography from Waterloo. A professor emerita at Carleton University, her research focused on the relationship between government and civil society in policy development, service delivery and promotion of citizenship. At Carleton, Phillips was a professor and program director of the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership School of Public Policy and Administration.
Waterloo honorary degree recipient Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella is also being appointed to the Order of Canada this year. As the first Jewish woman and first refugee appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, Justice Silberman Abella has been a trailblazer for human rights and equity.
Philanthropic leader Ian Ihnatowycz, a steadfast supporter of the University of Waterloo, is recognized for his commitment to strengthening communities across Canada. Through the Ihnatowycz Family Foundation, Ian and his family have generously supported the School of Optometry and Vision Science and the Waterloo Eye Institute, playing an important role in advancing vision care, education and research.
Waterloo’s connections to this year’s list of Order of Canada appointees highlight how the University’s students, faculty and alumni are advancing knowledge, shaping policy and driving meaningful change across disciplines to transform societies, health, economies, technologies and the environment.
New members and officers will be invested into the Order and receive their insignia at a ceremony hosted by the Governor General. The date of the next investiture ceremony has yet to be announced.
