Canada's top Covid doc awarded Order of Canada for 'commitment to health equity'

Dr. Theresa Tam and Dr. Bonnie Henry, two key public health figures during Canada’s Covid-19 response, have been named Officers of the Order of Canada.

Their appointments were part of a broader group of 83 honorees announced by Governor General Mary Simon on April 17, following recommendations from the advisory council for the Order.

Dr. Tam, who recently completed her tenure as Canada’s chief public health officer, is being recognized for what the citation described as her “commitment to health equity” and her leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Henry, the current Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia, was commended for decades of public health service and her role in leading B.C.’s response to the pandemic.

However, Tam’s tenure was marked by controversy. Early in the pandemic, she advised against the public use of masks—only to later reverse course and advocate for their widespread use, including guidance on wearing masks outdoors while jogging and even during sexual activity.

Critics also pointed to her support for more restrictive policies during Covid-19, with Tam publicly backing “stronger, stricter” measures as the pandemic unfolded.

In a 2023 interview, Tam focused on challenges posed by misinformation during the pandemic, demanding greater funding to counter “mis- and disinformation.” She described Covid-19 as “the pandemic that is occurring in [the] full-on social media age,” and said public health officials had to adapt rapidly to new challenges in information management.

Other appointees to the Order include Marc-André Blanchard, a former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations and incoming chief of staff to Prime Minister Mark Carney. Blanchard, who also served as an executive at Quebec’s Caisse de dépôt et placement, was appointed as a Member and praised for helping Canadian institutions “take their rightful place on the global stage.”

“The Order of Canada is about service and impact,” Blanchard said in a statement. “To be recognized for a life of public service is something I never expected, and I am deeply grateful.”

The Order of Canada is structured in three levels—Companion, Officer, and Member—and recognizes people for significant contributions to Canadian society. Since its creation in 1967, more than 8,200 people have been appointed.

Also named in this year’s group was former federal cabinet minister John Manley, promoted to Companion for his work bridging sectors and advancing public policy, diversity, and inclusion.

Dr. Henry said, “Having my name amongst this group of incredible Canadians is truly humbling. To be recognized by my country for my life’s work in health and public health is a tremendous honour and I am very grateful.”