Key Takeaways
- Former UVic sociologist Cecilia Benoit is appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for her influential research on sex work, maternal care, health equity, midwifery recognition, and youth cannabis‑use guidelines.
- UVic reconciliation librarian Ry Moran receives the honour as a Member of the Order of Canada for his leadership in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, his work preserving residential‑school testimonies, and his ongoing efforts to embed Indigenous knowledge in university libraries and broader campus life.
- The Order of Canada, established in 1967, has three levels (Member, Officer, Companion) and has recognized over 8,300 Canadians for distinguished service.
- Other 2024 honorees include actor‑advocate Michael J. Fox, soccer star Christine Sinclair, and philanthropist Roger Damon Price.
Background on the Order of Canada
The Order of Canada stands as one of the nation’s highest civilian honours, created in 1967 to celebrate outstanding achievement, dedication to community, and service to the country. It is awarded in three grades: Member (recognizing distinguished service in a particular community or field), Officer (honouring national‑level contributions), and Companion (the highest level, reserved for lifelong, extraordinary merit). Since its inception, more than 8,300 individuals have been inducted, reflecting the diversity of Canadian excellence across arts, sciences, public service, and activism. Recipients are presented with the insignia by the Governor General during formal investiture ceremonies.
Cecilia Benoit’s Scholarly Contributions
Cecilia Benoit, a longtime sociologist at the University of Victoria, has been named an Officer of the Order of Canada for research that has shaped public policy on sex work, maternal care, and health equity. Over decades, Benoit has devoted her career to illuminating the lived experiences of people involved in the sex industry. Her flagship “Understanding Sex Work” project involved conducting in‑depth interviews with more than 700 individuals across Canada who work in, or are associated with, the sex trade. This extensive data set has informed debates about decriminalization, harm reduction, and the social determinants of health affecting sex workers.
Beyond sex‑work research, Benoit’s doctoral and post‑doctoral studies played a pivotal role in the recognition of midwifery as a legitimate component of the Canadian health‑care system. Her evidence‑based advocacy helped shift policy toward integrating midwives into maternal care teams, improving outcomes for mothers and infants. Currently, Benoit continues her scholarship through the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at UVic, where she co‑authored the Cannabis Use Guidelines for Youth following the legalization of cannabis in 2018, providing evidence‑based recommendations to educators, clinicians, and policymakers.
Community Collaboration and Impact
A hallmark of Benoit’s approach is her partnership with grassroots organizations. She has worked closely with Peers Victoria, a Victoria‑based collective run by and for sex workers, ensuring that research agendas are shaped by the communities they study. This collaborative model not only enriches the validity of her findings but also empowers participants by giving them a voice in the knowledge‑production process. Benoit’s work exemplifies how academic rigor combined with community engagement can drive meaningful social change, influencing legislation, public health strategies, and societal attitudes toward marginalized groups.
Ry Moran’s Role in Truth and Reconciliation
Ry Moran, currently on leave from his position as the inaugural Associate University Librarian for Reconciliation at the University of Victoria, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his steadfast efforts to elevate Indigenous voices. Moran’s career highlights include serving as the former director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) at the University of Manitoba, where he oversaw the collection of nearly 7,000 video and audio‑recorded statements from former residential school students, alongside millions of pages of archival documents. This monumental undertaking preserved testimonies that are essential for historical truth‑telling, education, and healing.
Leadership Beyond the NCTR
After his tenure at the NCTR, Moran assumed the role of acting chief executive of the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria, steering the institution through a transitional period until the appointment of Allison Bond in spring 2024. In this capacity, he championed initiatives that integrated Indigenous perspectives into museum exhibitions, collections, and programming, reinforcing the importance of decolonizing cultural spaces. His work at the museum demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that Indigenous histories are represented accurately and respectfully within public institutions.
Reconciliation Librarianship at UVic
At the University of Victoria, Moran’s role as Associate University Librarian for Reconciliation involves embedding Indigenous approaches, knowledge systems, and pedagogies into the everyday operations of the libraries and across the wider campus community. This includes developing culturally appropriate metadata practices, supporting Indigenous scholars, facilitating access to Indigenous‑authored resources, and fostering dialogue between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous members of the university. By institutionalizing reconciliation within library services, Moran helps create an environment where Indigenous knowledge is valued as an integral part of academic inquiry and societal progress.
Broader 2024 Honorees and the Order’s Significance
The 2024 Order of Canada announcement also celebrated other notable Canadians: actor and Parkinson’s disease advocate Michael J. Fox, recognized for his philanthropy and advocacy; soccer captain Christine Sinclair, honoured for her record‑breaking athletic achievements and leadership; and philanthropist Roger Damon Price, acknowledged for his contributions to arts and culture. Together with Benoit and Moran, these inductees illustrate the breadth of Canadian excellence—spanning health research, social justice, sports, and the arts. Their recognition underscores the Order’s mandate to honour those whose service has left a lasting, positive impact on Canada and its people.
Conclusion
The appointment of Cecilia Benoit and Ry Moran to the Order of Canada highlights the vital role of scholarship and community‑driven advocacy in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society. Benoit’s rigorous research on sex work, maternal health, midwifery, and youth cannabis use has informed policy and improved lives, while Moran’s dedication to preserving residential‑school testimonies and embedding Indigenous knowledge in academic and cultural institutions advances the nation’s reconciliation journey. Their honours, alongside those of fellow laureates, reflect Canada’s commitment to celebrating individuals who contribute profoundly to the public good.