Ottawa Hospital’s Dr. John Bell, restaurateur Stephen Beckta appointed to Order of Canada

The Order of Canada medals are displayed during an investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Wednesday, September 23, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Renowned Ottawa cancer researcher Dr. John Bell has been appointed to the Order of Canada, alongside 10 other residents from the national capital region, including a well-known restaurateur.

Governor General Mary Simon made 80 new appointments to the Order of Canada on Wednesday, including six Companions, 15 Officers and 59 Members. Bell is among the 15 people appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada, which recognizes achievement and merit of a high degree, especially service to Canada or to humanity at large.

“John Bell has helped develop oncolytic virotherapy treatments that harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer,” says a description on the Governor General’s website. “As an entrepreneur, principal investigator, national research network lead and professor at the University of Ottawa, he has built Canada’s foundation in the field, while driving research that shapes international progress.”

Bell said, in a statement provided by the Ottawa Hospital, that he is deeply humbled by the honour.

“This recognition is a testament not only to the power of scientific collaboration, but also to the resilience and hope of people with cancer and their families. I share this honour with the dedicated teams, trainees, and partners who have worked tirelessly to advance cancer research and improve lives across our country,” he said.

The Ottawa Hospital says Bell played a critical role in establishing The Ottawa Hospital’s Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre, led the creation of Canada’s first cancer immunotherapy network, BioCanRx, and collaborated with Dr. Natasha Kekre and others to develop the first made-in-Canada CAR-T therapy, which the hospital describes as a cutting-edge treatment that genetically engineers a patient’s own immune cells to target their cancer.

“This innovation has provided new hope for patients who previously had no options and has established a national platform for advancing cellular immunotherapy,” the Ottawa Hospital said.

“Dr. Bell is not only a brilliant and creative researcher — he is also passionately dedicated to ensuring that promising therapies find their way to the Canadian patients who need them. His transformative vision continues to revolutionize how we translate innovative biotherapies to the clinic in this country and around the world,” said Dr. Rebecca Auer, Executive Vice-President of Research and Innovation at The Ottawa Hospital and CEO and Scientific Director of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

A former Supreme Court of Canada justice, a two-time clerk of the Privy Council, and a well-known local restaurateur are also among the list of Ottawa residents appointed to the Order of Canada.

Companions:

A Companion of the Order of Canada is recognized for outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large.

Michael Moldaver was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2011 and served for 11 years.

“A respected educator and mentor, he contributed to legal scholarship and professional development, strengthening Canada’s justice system through decades of leadership, insight, and unwavering dedication,” Rideau Hall says.

Officers:

Janice Charette is a long-time public servant who was clerk of the Privy Council between 2014 and 2016 and again from 2021 to 2023.

“Her nearly 40-year career is marked by in-depth government expertise, non-partisan leadership, and a steadfast commitment to serving Canadians with integrity and dedication,” the Governor General says.

Roseann Runte was vice chancellor and president of Carleton University from 2008 to 2017. She later became president and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

“As president of Carleton University, she expanded its infrastructure and elevated its national and international reputation. She later strengthened Canada’s research capacity as head of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, ensuring its competitiveness on the global stage,” the Governor General said.

Runte is being promoted within the Order.

Members:

Members of the Order of Canada are recognized for distinguished service in or to a particular community, group or field of activity.

Stephen Beckta is a renowned restaurateur in Ottawa, whose businesses include the eponymous Beckta, as well as Gezellig and Play Food and Wine, which will be closing its doors on Jan. 10.

“He is also admired for his community service as a long-time board member and former chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, and for his engagement with organizations whose programs positively impact the lives of Canadians,” Rideau Hall says.

Penny Collennette is a lawyer, adjunct professor and public figure in the capital.

“A champion of women’s leadership, she has worked to boost representation in government and corporate spheres. Her expertise in public policy makes her a respected speaker and influential voice in Canada,” the Governor General says.

Reesa Greenberg is being recognized for her contributions to art history and museology.

“A trailblazer in feminist and exhibition studies, she has advanced digital documentation of Canadian art and supported key cultural institutions. Her transformative philanthropy includes restoring Canada’s Pavilion in Venice, ensuring its legacy for future generations,” the Governor General says.

Brenda Okorogba is receiving an honorary appointment for contributions to equitable access to education and workforce opportunities for diverse communities.

“As a learning facilitator, she helps individuals from varied socio-cultural backgrounds develop personal and professional skills. She has successfully secured millions in scholarships and grants, and is globally sought after for her expertise in equity-centred program design, resource mobilization and system change,” Rideau Hall says.

Carleton University professor emerita Susan Phillips is recognized for founding Canada’s only graduate program in philanthropy.

“A leading scholar with 40 years of impact, she has shaped non-profit research, mentored hundreds, and influenced public policy. Her award-winning work and editorial leadership have positioned Carleton as a global leader in non-profit and philanthropic studies,” says Rideau Hall.

Della Wilkinson is a former RCMP research scientist, who revolutionized fingerprint detection, the Governor General says.

“Her innovations and refined protocols enhanced safety and effectiveness at challenging crime scenes. As a mentor and a role model, she inspired a generation of forensic professionals with her dedication and contributions.”

Kathleen Fox, of Gatineau, Que., was the chair of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada from 2014 to 2024, following a career in aviation.

“As chair of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, she championed the development of policies and changes to regulations that reduced risks for all travellers. A trailblazing mentor, she has empowered women to pursue leadership roles in the field,” the Governor General says.

Other notable appointments named Wednesday include songwriter and entertainer Raffi Cavoukian, who is being promoted to a Companion of the Order of Canada, Olympian Andre De Grasse, appointed as a Member of the Order, and pop culture journalist and musician Nardwuar the Human Serviette, who is also appointed as a Member.

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