Five Alumni, One Professor Named To The Order Of Canada

In 1978, Queen’s quarterback Jim Rutka, Meds’81, led the Gaels to an undefeated season and a national championship. Now he leads a group of five alumni and one Queen’s professor who are among the 100 people who were invested into the Order of Canada.

1978 Gael's quarterback Jim Rutka, Meds'81The Order honours Canadians for outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. 

“These six members of the broader Queen’s community exemplify our university’s long-standing commitment to public service.” says Principal Daniel Woolf. “I thank them for their tireless dedication to our country and congratulate them on receiving this well-deserved recognition of their contributions to Canada.”

Dr. Rutka, a neurosurgeon at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, was made an officer to the Order for his contributions to the treatment for pediatric brain tumours and international leadership in neurosurgery.

Also being invested as an officer was University of Guelph professor Paul Hebert, Sc’69, for his achievements as an evolutionary biologist (notably as a pioneer of DNA barcoding.)

Being named as a member of the Order of Canada are:

  • Ida Albo, MA’83 – The owner of the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg is honoured for her contributions to the city as a respected business and civic leader.
  • James Dinning, Com’74, MPA’77 – The former Alberta Minister of Finance and provincial treasurer is honoured for his public service.
  • Jack Mintz, MA’75 – The director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary has been a sought-after advisor on fiscal and tax policy at the national and international levels.  
  • Ruth Wilson – The Queen’s School of Medicine professor is a leader in family medicine and dedicated to improving primary care in Ontario.

“I am very honoured to be receiving the Order of Canada,” says Dr. Wilson. “I love the motto of the Order of Canada: ‘They desire a better country.’ I do the work that I do because of my desire for a better country. This award is also significant because it extends beyond the world of medicine.”

For more information about the Order of Canada, visit the .  

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