iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Two Indian-origin individuals were appointed to the Order of Ontario for 2024. The appointments were made by Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario.
According to official documents, 29 distinguished individuals were given the honor.
Among the two Indian-origin appointees were Vivek Goel, a world-renowned public health researcher and Poonam Puri, a world-leading expert in corporate governance and securities regulation.
Goel is also an expert in health-services evaluation. According to the citation, he champions the use of research evidence in health policymaking.
Goel was a founding scientist of the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and founding President of Public Health Ontario, providing scientific and technical advice to protect and promote health.
As a community leader, Goel has shaped the public health workforce, influencing education over many decades. He is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences and currently serves as the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo.
Puri is an award-winning Research Chair at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. She co-founded Canada’s first Investor Protection Clinic, transforming access to justice in Ontario.
Her highly influential scholarship has guided significant policy reforms and shaped governance best practices globally. A distinguished board director, Puri has demonstrated exemplary leadership, stewarding numerous public and private institutions, including as past chair at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.
A trusted governance advisor, she is sought by boards of public and private companies, Crown corporations and not-for-profits to navigate complex governance challenges.
Since its creation in 1986, the Order of Ontario has recognized over 903 individuals with the province’s highest civilian honor for their extraordinary contributions.
“The 2024 appointees to the Order of Ontario have enriched the lives of countless people in our province and well beyond,” said Dumont. “Together, they have attained the highest level of excellence in many fields, and may we all be inspired by their remarkable contributions.”
Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, said, “On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I extend my congratulations to all appointees being honored. These remarkably dedicated individuals exemplify the spirit and achievements that make Ontario a great place to live. We commend their invaluable contributions and express our gratitude for everything they do to help build a stronger, more vibrant Ontario.”
(Poonam Puri (left) and Vivek Goel. Photo courtesy: uwaterloo.ca (Goel), www.osgoode.yorku.ca (Puri).)