Queen’s professor and researcher Heather Stuart has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in recognition of her “commitment to advancing the mental health conversation in Canada.”

Governor General Julie Payette announced 103 new appointments – two Companions, 15 Officers, and 86 Members – to the Order of Canada on Thursday, Dec. 27.

A professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences, Dr. Stuart was appointed the inaugural Bell Mental Health and Anti-Stigma Chair, the world’s first anti-stigma research chair, in 2012. She was reappointed in January 2017.

“It is a surprise and a deep honour to be acknowledged for my work in stigma research and advocacy,” Dr. Stuart says. “I hope this acknowledgement provides reinforcement for all of those working in the mental health field, in particular, the people who have worked so closely with me to develop and implement evidence informed practice in this area.”

All recipients will receive their insignia at a ceremony in Rideau Hall at a later date.

“The Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement and dedication to the community and to Canada,” says Tom Harris, Interim Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic). “Dr. Stuart is a leader in her field and has contributed greatly to the reduction of stigma around mental illness in Canada and around the world. On behalf of Queen’s, I congratulate Dr. Stuart on this well-deserved recognition.”

Created in 1967, the Order of Canada, is one of the country’s highest civilian honours, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

Among those appointed Members of the Order of Canada are six alumni and honorary degree recipients, along with several others with Queen’s connections:

• Brent Belzberg (Com’72), Senior Managing Partner, Torquest Holdings Inc. Management Services
• Lyse Doucet (Artsci’80, LLD’15), Presenter and Chief International Correspondent, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
• Ross D. Feldman (Artsci’73), Medical Director, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
• Gordon Gray (Com’50) former president and chairman of Royal LePage – Established Gordon and Patricia Gray Chair in Particle Astrophysics,
• Barbara Jackman, President, University of Ottawa, former adjunct lecturer at Queen’s Faculty of Law
• Alexandra F. Johnston (LLD'84), former lecturer in the Faculty of Arts and Science
• Marshall Pynkoski, Advisory board member for the Dan School of Drama and Music
• Pekka Sinervo, former chair of the SNOLAB Institute Board of Management
• Gregory Zeschuk (MBA’04), Co-founder of video game developer BioWare