Faces associated with UdeM are named to the Order of Canada

It’s been a tradition since 1967: the end of the year means new appointments to the Order of Canada, one of the most prestigious honors in the country. This year, six members of the Université de Montréal community are among the recipients.

Three ranks are awarded annually: journeyman, officer or member. The Order of Canada recognizes a person’s exceptional achievements, remarkable dedication to the community or extraordinary contribution to the nation.

Faculty

Stanley Nattel, professor at the Faculty of Medicine of UdeM, is appointed officer. He holds the Paul David Chair in Cardiovascular Electrophysiology and Director of the Electrophysiology Research Program at the Montreal Heart Institute, where he practices. An internationally renowned expert in the mechanisms and management of atrial fibrillation, he has advanced the treatment of this type of arrhythmia. As editor-in-chief of Canadian Journal of Cardiology, it has amplified the scope of Canadian research on cardiovascular diseases and supported new researchers.

Received officer, Christiane Rousseau is professor emeritus in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Montreal and recognized for her work on dynamic systems. She was the instigator of the International Year of Mathematics for Planet Earth 2013, intended to highlight the role of mathematics in confronting global challenges. She is also at the origin of the designation, by UNESCO, of March 14 as International Mathematics Day and encourages schools to celebrate it on this occasion. Throughout her career, she worked to popularize mathematics and took part in the training of future secondary school teachers.

Community

Pierre Boivin, founding president and chairman of the board of Mila – the Quebec Institute of Artificial Intelligence, resulting from a partnership between UdeM and McGill University – is promoted to the rank of companion. His role at Mila was instrumental in making it one of the main research centers in the world in responsible artificial intelligence, with Canada becoming a key player in this field of activity on the international scene. UdeM awarded him a doctorate for the sake of honor in 2009.

Graduates

Vincent Asselin is appointed a member of the Order of Canada. A graduate of the Faculty of Planning, he is a world reference in the field of landscape architecture. A founding member of WAA inc., he participated in the development of major projects both in Canada and abroad. He distinguished himself by creating the Yan’An Zhong Lu Park in Shanghai, for which he received the highest distinction given to foreigners who have contributed extraordinarily to the development of the city. He maintains his ties with his alma mater as a guest speaker.

Graduate of the Faculty of Music of UdeM, Isolde Lagacé becomes a member of the Order of Canada. She is known on the Quebec music scene for her efforts to promote and distribute music across the province and abroad. As general and artistic director of Arte Musica and the Salle Bourgie, she contributed to the development and reputation of this concert hall, which has become one of the most important in the country.

Guy Saint-Jacques was made a member of the Order of Canada. A graduate of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at UdeM, he dedicated his career to public service by occupying various positions in the federal government for nearly 40 years. Former Canadian ambassador to Beijing, he is considered one of the greatest experts on China. He has also been very active in the environmental field, serving among other things as chief negotiator and ambassador for climate change in Canada.