New Order of Canada appointees have UCalgary ties

The former head of the Glenbow Museum, a former adjunct professor, and an expert in microelectronics were among those newly named to the Order of Canada, with all three having ties to the University of Calgary.

Governor General Mary Simon named Drs. Robert Janes and Adel Sedra, as well as former UCalgary faculty member Maureen McTeer to the Order on June 30.

Established in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes people from all fields who have made exceptional contributions to their fields and demonstrated a lasting commitment to improving society.

Dr. Robert Janes, PhD’76, one of Canada’s leading museologists and a former CEO of the Glenbow Museum and Archives, was named a Member of the Order of Canada.

An ethnoarchaeologist, mentor and philanthropist, Janes has championed the role of museums in promoting societal well-being and has a Distinguished Alumni Bursary at UCalgary named in his honour. He played a key role in the largest voluntary restitution of sacred objects in Canadian history, helping return items to the Blackfoot Confederacy.

Maureen McTeer, a former assistant adjunct professor with UCalgary’s faculties of law, medicine and nursing, was named an Officer of the Order. 

A lawyer and author, McTeer has shaped public policy on gender equality, women’s health, environmental protection, fertility rights and end-of-life care.

Dr. Adel Sedra, PhD, Hon. LLD’15, an internationally recognized expert in microelectronics, was also named an Officer of the Order. 

Sedra’s work has influenced advances in medical technology and wireless communications and helped educate generations of engineers in Canada and abroad. Sedra held senior academic leadership roles at the universities of Toronto and Waterloo, helping elevate both institutions to global prominence in research and innovation.

Simon named a total of 83 outstanding Canadians to the order in the June announcement. An investiture ceremony will be held at a later date.