Champions of Public Health Inducted into the Order of Canada
HONOURING PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERSHIP
Three of Canada’s most respected public health leaders—Drs. Bonnie Henry, David Jones, and Theresa Tam—have been appointed Officers of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. Their appointments, announced by the Governor General ahead of Canada Day, recognize decades of service dedicated to protecting and advancing the health of people in Canada and around the world.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer since 2018, is known nationally for her calm, compassionate presence and unwavering commitment to science-based public health. In addition to her work on COVID-19, she has contributed to global health initiatives with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, responding to outbreaks such as polio and Ebola, and helped lead emergency preparedness efforts for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Dr. David Jones, Canada’s first Chief Public Health Officer and the founding leader of the Public Health Agency of Canada (and former President of CPHA), helped shape the country’s modern public health infrastructure. Appointed in 2004, he played a foundational role in building national public health capacity, improving coordination across jurisdictions, and embedding population health principles into federal policy.
Dr. Theresa Tam recently completed her tenure as Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, a role she held since 2017. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding the country through the COVID-19 pandemic and other major health threats, including mpox, SARS, H1N1, and Ebola. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for health equity, evidence-informed policy, and antimicrobial stewardship.
It is noted that Drs. Henry and Jones are both recipients of the R.D. Defries Medal, CPHA’s highest honour.
The appointment of these three leaders to the Order of Canada signals the vital importance of public health to Canada’s well-being. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of thoughtful, courageous, and collaborative leadership during times of crisis and calm alike.