John McGarry, a professor in the Department of Political Studies at Queen’s, was named today as an Officer of the Order of Canada, for his efforts to promote peace and stability in some of the world’s most dangerous and conflicted regions.

"I first discovered that something pleasant might be in the offing when I received a voicemail, asking me to call the Chancellery of Honours in the Governor General's Office,” says Dr. McGarry. “I was floored when, upon calling, I was informed that I had been appointed to the Order of Canada. It’s an incredible honour for me to be recognized by my country.”

Over the past 30 years, Dr. McGarry has been a leading expert in the study of how political systems are ordered in countries or regions facing deep divisions along racial, ethnic, or religious lines. He has been sought as an adviser or expert by governments and agencies around the globe. Most recently, he has served as lead adviser on power-sharing and governance in the UN-backed negotiations in Cyprus that aim to reunify the island.

“The Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement and dedication to the community and to Canada,” says Principal Daniel Woolf. “As a leader in the study of power-sharing and governance, Dr. McGarry’s  research has contributed to peace in some of the world’s most divided countries and his expertise has been called upon by the United Nations to help solve ethnic and sectarian disputes around the world. On behalf of the Queen’s community, I congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition. ”

Dr. McGarry, who was born in Northern Ireland, says that receiving an appointment to the Order is a particular honour for him, as an adopted citizen of Canada.

“We are all very lucky to be Canadians,” says Dr. McGarry. “This is the best country in the world."

Dr. McGarry and his fellow appointees will be formally presented with the Order of Canada insignia by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston (Law’66), Governor General of Canada, at a ceremony to be held at a later date. Other members of the Queen's community appointed to the Order of Canada in today's announcement include TIFF director Piers Handling, Arts’71, Hon. Warren Winkler, LLD’13, (Honorary), Isabel Bassett, Arts’60, Harriet MacMillan, Meds’82, Michel Picher, Law’72, Deborah Poff, Artsci’77, and Glenda Yeates, Artsci’80, MPA’81

For more information about the Order of Canada, please visit the website.