The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario has announced 23 new appointments to the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour.
It is extremely a proud news that two South Asians among the 23 new appointments.
They are:
Shashi Kant, Toronto – professor of forest resource economics
The only Canadian to win the Queen’s Award for Forestry, he has an international reputation as an expert in the intersection of forest management and human rights, and is a leader in his field for considering sustainability and social aspects of forest management. He is the founding director of the University of Toronto’s ground-breaking Master of Science in Sustainability Management program.
Dr. Dilkhush Panjwani, Toronto – psychiatrist
As a community psychiatrist for over 30 years, Dr. Panjwani has vigorously promoted dignity for those suffering from mental-health issues and workplace injuries, dedicated his career to helping patients without access to care, and advocated to end the social stigma of mental illness. He has also promoted pluralism by connecting diverse community organizations and initiating interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
The Order of Ontario recognizes individuals whose exceptional achievement in their field have left a lasting legacy in the province, in Canada and beyond. Order members come from all walks of life, represent diverse professions and have played an important role in shaping our province.
The Lieutenant Governor will bestow the honour to the newest appointees during an investiture ceremony at Queen’s Park on February 27, 2018. Appointments to the Order of Ontario are made on the recommendation of an independent advisory council based on public nominations.
