The 2020 Appointees to the Order of Ontario

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The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, announced 25 new appointments to the 2020 Order of Ontario, the province's highest honour.  

2020 Appointees 

Daniel Allen — LaSalle 

A devoted public servant, tenacious community advocate, and dedicated fundraiser, Daniel Allen is a celebrated champion of diversity. He has worked in all three levels of government. In these roles and as a consultant he has led the way for meaningful change initiatives. 

Joseph Raymond Buncic — Toronto 

Dr. Joseph Raymond Buncic's vision has overseen the transformation of the pediatric ophthalmology department at SickKids into an internationally distinguished clinic while he and his team have set standards for diagnosis and treatment worldwide. He has dedicated his 50-year career to educating medical students and fellows from around the world. 

Michael DeGasperis — Vaughan 

A well-respected philanthropist, business and community leader, Michael DeGasperis celebrates over 25 years as one of Ontario's premier Developers and Home Builders. A visionary for improved access to health care, his leadership has raised millions of dollars for numerous health institutions across the province. From his concept, to brokering approvals and land purchase on behalf of the City of Vaughan, Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital is in final stages of construction. 

Raymond Desjardins — Ottawa 

Renowned atmospheric scientist at the Central Experimental Farm, Raymond Desjardins worked with researchers, producers and consumers for over 55 years, to help minimize the impact of the agricultural sector on the environment. He has been a long-standing contributor to the Commission of Agricultural Meteorology of the World Meteorological Organization and to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 

Ernest Eves — Caledon 

Ernest Eves, or Ernie to his constituents, was Ontario's 23rd premier. Elected as MPP six times in Parry Sound and twice in Caledon, he served the government in key posts, including Minister of Finance. His volunteerism includes supporting students with learning disabilities through the Justin Eves Foundation, named in honour of his late son and serving on the board of Special Olympics Canada. 

Hershell Ezrin — Toronto 

Hershell Ezrin has had a remarkable career spanning politics, corporate leadership and community advocacy. Having advised governments, served as Canadian Consul in several key U.S. cities, and devoted to his Canadian-Jewish community, he has worked with great care and perseverance for a civil society by identifying shared values and bridging divides. 

Carlo Fidani — Toronto 

Carlo Fidani, a prominent figure in Ontario's real estate community, believes in the transformative power of philanthropy. Carlo directs his giving to health-related causes making landmark and often anonymous donations that have had significant impact on the Province's leading science and medical facilities. Areas such as access to radiation treatment, education of doctors and breakthroughs in cancer treatments have benefited from his generosity. 

Karen Goldenberg — Toronto 

Karen Goldenberg is a champion of the underprivileged and disadvantaged. Educated as a physical and occupational therapist, her professional pursuits have led to innovations to in-home rehabilitation programs while her volunteerism has improved autism education, addiction research, and career and employment services. Her work as special advisor to the Ontario Minister of Health ultimately led to Bill 173, the Long-Term Care Act. 

Michael D. Harris — Toronto 

Michael D. Harris, known to the province as Mike Harris, served as Ontario's 22nd premier, from 1995 to 2002, and is noted for his "Common Sense Revolution," which set out to reduce taxes, create jobs, and boost recovery from an economic recession. He was Nipissing's most longstanding MPP, serving from 1981 to 2002, and continues to serve his community as a major fundraiser for education and health. 

Ellis Jacob — Toronto 

As a passionate promoter of Canadian film and CEO of Cineplex Entertainment, Ellis Jacob has innovated Canada's film exhibition business and continues to push the entertainment sector forward as a major supporter of accessibility and employer of individuals with disabilities. He has also built cinemas in several Ontario hospitals for patients to enjoy during their treatment. Ellis is focused on philanthropy to help Ontarians achieve a better life. 

Jing Jiang — London 

An international expert on instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants, Dr. Jing Jiang's innovative research work has contributed to nuclear industries in Ontario and internationally. As a research chair professor at Western University, he has also trained the next generation of Ontario's leaders in safe utilization of nuclear energy for power generation. 

Shana Kelley — Toronto 

Dr. Shana Kelley is founder and director of the University of Toronto's PRiME initiative to advance drug discovery and diagnostics for diseases, including COVID-19. With 37 patents to her name, her research has led to new technologies that are transforming medicine, including a medical device that can detect major illness within 20 minutes. 

André Lapierre — Ottawa 

Professor of linguistics and Canadian Studies, Dr. André Lapierre is an inspirational supporter of Franco-Ontarians and other linguistically marginalized cultures. His book provided the province's first comprehensive history of French place names. His expertise on the bilingual treatment of geographical names is an important component of Ontario's French Language Services Act.