Montreal, May 17 2023 - Mayor of Montréal Valérie Plante has awarded the city’s highest honorary distinction to a group of outstanding individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the impact, influence and reputation of our metropolis.

“It is with great pleasure and pride that we honour today, on the 381st anniversary of the Montréal’s founding, these 2023 recipients of the Ordre of Montréal, who have contributed to the development and renown of our city. This is a unique opportunity to celebrate the exceptional contribution of people who, each in their own way, leave their mark on the lives of their fellow citizens, shape our identity as a city, and contribute to its influence, both here and elsewhere. The strength of our city lies in the involvement, determination and innovation of people who, like these 17 recipients of the Ordre of Montréal, work every day to enrich the common good.  I warmly congratulate each 2023 recipient of the Ordre of Montréal and salute their commitment to our beautiful city,” said Montréal Mayor Valérie Plante.

The 2023 recipients of the Ordre de Montréal

Here are the recipients who were honoured, along with their respective ranks. 

The title of Commander, highest rank of the order, was awarded to Farah Alibay, Louise Arbour, and Kim Yaroshevskaya. The title of Officer was granted to Madeleine Careau, Mandeep Roshi Chadha, Claude Gagnon, Linda Gauthier, Danièle Sauvageau, and Roland Smith. Lastly, the title of Knight was awarded to Carl-Éric Aubin, Bertrand Cesvet, René Dallaire, Jean Pierre Desrosiers, Marie-Josée Hébert, Marie Houzeau, Sophie Labrecque, and Jeannot Painchaud.

Find out more about the recipients.

The Ordre of Montréal was also presented to two 2022 recipients who were unable to attend last year’s ceremony: Aïcha Guendafa, Knight, and Frantz Voltaire, Knight.

About the Ordre de Montréal 

The city’s highest honour, the Ordre de Montréal was created to mark Montréal’s 375th anniversary, as a complement to the municipal symbols of the coat of arms (adopted in 1833) and the flag (adopted in 1938). This honorary distinction recognizes the merits of Montrealers who have distinguished themselves by:

• The eminence of their contribution to the city’s development
• The renown of their contribution to its local and international influence
• The exemplary nature of their commitment to serving their fellow citizens
• The remarkable quality of their professional achievements.

The Ordre de Montréal’s advisory council 

A public call for nominations to the order was held from September 1 to October 31, 2022. All submissions received were rigorously examined by the members of the order’s advisory council based on the scope, originality, and impact on community life of each applicant’s achievements. 

The order’s advisory council is composed of the co-chairs, Isabelle Hudon and Bernard Voyer, and members working in various fields: Bernard Descôteaux, Cadleen Désir, Steve Foster, Monika Ille, Emilie Nicolas, Jan-Fryderyk Pleszczynski, and Louise Roy.

Change in Nomination Period

In addition, Montréal is announcing that as of May 2023, applications for the Order of Montréal will be accepted year-round, rather than between fixed dates. The deadline for applications will remain October 31 for the following year’s awards.