The city presents insignia to the 2024 recipients of the Ordre de Montréal
Montreal, May 16 2024 - Mayor of Montréal Valérie Plante today awarded the insignia of the Ordre de Montréal to 17 individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the development, importance and renown of the metropolis. Montréal's highest honour, the Ordre de Montréal pays tribute to Montrealers from wide-ranging backgrounds and origins whose commitment and achievements in a variety of fields improves and enriches our community.
“Today, on the eve of the anniversary of Montréal’s founding, we are proud to honour the 17 recipients of the Ordre de Montréal for 2024. These 17 Montrealers are committed to building a better, more united and more inclusive world. Their convictions and dedication have a positive impact on our society. They shape our city's identity and contribute to its renown. Montréal's strength is the sum of all these actions, faces and creativity. My sincere congratulations to each 2024 recipient of the Ordre de Montréal. You are a source of pride and inspiration,” said Montréal Mayor Valérie Plante.
The 2024 recipients
The title of Commander, the highest rank in the order, has been awarded to:
- Denis Claude Roy, haematologist in cell and gene therapy and full professor at Université de Montréal;
- Anik Shooner, architect, co-founder and president of Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes;
- Monique Simard, cultural executive, board chair of the Partenariat du Quartier des Spectacles.
The title of Officer has been awarded to:
- Line Chamberland, sociologist, professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal and founder of the Research Chair on Homophobia;
- Marguerite Mendell, co-founder of the Karl Polanyi Institute and the Montréal Community Loan Association, professor emerita at Concordia University;
- Luc Provost, creator of personality Mado Lamotte, a colourful pillar of the Montréal scene;
- Norman Steinberg, philanthropist, vice- Chair of BFL Canada;
- J. Sebastian van Berkom, philanthropist, founder and partner, chairman and CEO of Van Berkom Global Asset Management;
- Dorothy Williams, historian, specialist in Black history in Canada, author of The Road to Now: A History of Blacks in Montréal.
Finally, the title of Knight has been awarded to:
- Louise Bessette, concert pianist and teacher at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal;
- Isabelle Boissé, executive director of the Institut Pacifique;
- Mario Fortin, former executive director of the Beaubien, du Parc and du Musée cinemas;
- Véronique Lacroix, conductor and founder of the Ensemble contemporain de Montréal;
- Anne-Marie Mes-Masson, researcher and full professor, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal;
- Menka Nagrani, choreographer, director and multidisciplinary artist, founding director of Les Productions des pieds des mains;
- Nancy Neamtan, co-founder and former CEO of the Chantier de l'économie sociale;
- Gabor Szilasi, photographer of Montréal life, mentor and professor.
The Ordre de Montréal's Advisory Council
The Advisory Council of the Ordre de Montréal reviews the nominations received, makes recommendations for admission to the Order, and awards a rank (Commander, Officer, Knight) to each selected profile, based on the scope, originality and collective impact of his or her achievements.
The order's advisory council is composed of the two co-chairs, Isabelle Hudon and Frantz Saintellemy, along with members working in various fields: Cadleen Désir, Steve Foster, Monika Ille, Emilie Nicolas, Jan-Fryderyk Pleszczynski and Louise Roy.
About the Ordre de Montréal
Created to mark the 375th anniversary of Montréal’s founding, the Ordre de Montréal is the city's highest honour. For more information on the Ordre de Montréal, or to nominate an inspiring individual at any time, visit ville.montreal.qc.ca/ordre.
