A Trent professor and three honorary degree recipients were recently named to the Order of Canada – the country’s highest honour – for outstanding achievements and extraordinary contributions to the nation. 

Professor William Fox – one of Canada’s foremost authorities on archaeology -– and longtime social justice advocate Dr. Rosemary Ganley ’22 (hon) joined the Order as members. Dr. Martha Friendly ’15 (hon) – a leading figure in Canada’s childcare movement -– and renowned economist Dr. Stephen Poloz ’17 (hon) have been named officers.   

“Congratulations to the new appointees and thank you to the nominators who cast a spotlight on their achievement, purpose and exceptional talent,” said Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Trent’s seventh Chancellor (1995 to 1999, 2002). 

Professor William Fox, C.M. 

Professor Bill Fox is a Trent University research fellow and adjunct professor who is also a retired public servant and long-standing leader of the Ontario Archaeological Society. He has devoted his career to advancing knowledge of Canada’s archaeological past. Prof. Fox was among the first to advocate for the participation of Indigenous communities in preserving their material heritage, broadening our collective understanding of Canadian history. 

Dr. Rosemary Ganley, C.M. ’22 (hon) 

Dr. Rosemary Ganley was awarded an honorary degree from Trent University in 2022 in recognition of her outstanding advocacy for human rights, gender equity and social justice. In 1980, she co-founded Jamaican Self Help to support community-chosen initiatives in Jamaica and drive interest in international development among young service-trip volunteers from Canada. A prolific columnist, she was a Canadian delegate to the United Nations World Conference on Women and served on the Gender Equality Advisory Council of the G7. 

Dr. Martha Friendly O.C. ’15 (hon) 

Dr. Martha Friendly was awarded an honorary degree from Trent University in 2015 in recognition of her tireless advocacy for an accessible and publicly funded early childhood education and care system, believing it crucial for women's equality nationwide. As executive director and founder of the non-profit Childcare Resource and Research Unit, she has been influential in shaping social policies impacting children, families and women. 

Dr. Stephen Poloz, O.C. ’17 (hon) 

Dr. Stephen Poloz was awarded an honorary degree from Trent University in 2017 in recognition of his outstanding leadership in shaping Canada’s economic wellbeing. For more than three decades, Dr. Poloz has served the Canadian public as president and CEO of Export Development Canada, and then as governor of the Bank of Canada. He has helped facilitate Canada’s international trade and promote the country’s economy. A frequent speaker, visiting scholar and author, he continues to share his significant expertise at home and abroad. 

The Order of Canada appointees will be invited to an investiture ceremony at a later date to receive their insignia.