Roderick Alexander Macdonald, O.C.

McGill University Law Professor Roderick A. Macdonald has been named an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours.

On December 30, Professor Macdonald, the F.R. Scott Professor of Constitutional and Public Law and former Dean of the Faculty of Law, was one of 33 Officers, two Companions and 56 new Members welcomed to the Order of Canada.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, honoured Macdonald “for his accomplishments as a legal scholar, notably his contributions to the advancement of law and policy in Canada and abroad.”

“It comes as no surprise that the Order of Canada has formally recognized our colleague Rod Macdonald for his multiple social and institutional commitments. Rod is an exceptionally active jurist in the community,” said Dean Daniel Jutras. “That said, McGill University’s Faculty of Law will likely also see this honour as an informal, implicit recognition of Rod’s impact on the world around him, particularly his extraordinary will to make a difference in matters both large and small.”

This appointment “recognizes a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large.” Professor Macdonald will be invited to accept his insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

The Order itself was established during Canada’s centennial year to recognize Canadians of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. Honorees are selected based upon the recommendations of an 11-member advisory council, presided by the Chief Justice of Canada.

For more information, see the Governor General of Canada’s December 30, 2012 news release, “Appointments to the Order of Canada.”