Exceptional Canadians honoured at convocation

Louise Mailhot, former justice of the Supreme Court of Quebec, is a pioneer in the legal world. She became the first female judge of the Appeal Court of Quebec, and has been a role model for young people pursuing law and an example for women wishing to work in a predominantly male field.

Daniel Langlois, pioneer and innovator of art and technology, has transformed the cinematic landscape worldwide. He began his career at the National Film Board of Canada. He inaugurated an avant-garde, state-of-the-art multi-theatre and production facility in Montreal to support independent creators and producers.

Sheila Watt-Cloutier has been a tireless crusader for the human impact of climate change. As an Inuit activist, she has challenged power, promoted dialogue and changed policies to the benefit of Arctic peoples and the entire planet. She was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and is respected by environmentalists worldwide.

Ivan Fellegi, chief statistician of Canada for 22 years, transformed what was a simple data collection agency into an organization that illuminates Canada’s most pressing social issues. Holder of numerous awards and honourary doctorates, his work has helped shape public policy and business strategy throughout Canada.

Graham Fraser has been an esteemed author and journalist for more than three decades. As Commissioner of Official Languages, he extends a deep understanding of and sensitivity to Canada’s linguistic duality. His books have stimulated public discussion of language policy in Canada.

Maureen O’Neil, president of the International Development Research Centre, has been instrumental in promoting the ideals of justice, equality, empowerment and prosperity. Her focus on empowering others, especially women, with the knowledge to redress injustices, has gone a long way to correct inequality, and her pragmatic approach has influenced solutions to problems in developing countries.

Dominic D’Alessandro, president and CEO of Manulife since 1994, has had an extensive background in the financial services industry. He is one of Canada’s most successful executives, representing a commitment to solid corporate values that set standards worldwide. He exemplifies vision, a commitment to social responsibility and an international orientation. 

Maria Klawe is the president of Harvey Mudd College. A renowned scholar and educator, she has made a practice of harnessing technology to enhance learning and motivation, and to open doors of opportunities for others. A renowned computer scientist, she is a tireless advocate for women and minorities pursuing careers in engineering, science and mathematics.     

Cathy Crowe has been a “street nurse” to Toronto’s homeless for nearly 20 years. She co-founded the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee in 1998 and her devotion to homelessness in Canada inspired filmmaker Shelley Saywell to produce a documentary about her work. She also wrote a book about first-hand experiences with homelessness.

Maria Campbell has used her unique storytelling gifts as author, playwright, filmmaker and Metis Elder to engage, challenge and transform the perceptions of audiences around the world. She has inspired and mentored artists, and promoted the unique Metis culture. Her groundbreaking stage work, Flight, became the first all-Aboriginal theatre production in modern Canada.