Two distinguished Trent alumni have been appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian honours, recognizing their exceptional achievements and dedication to advancing justice, equality, and knowledge in Canada and around the world.

“On behalf of the Trent University community, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Justice Abella and Professor Retallack,” said Naomi Handley, director of Alumni Engagement & Services. “Their extraordinary journeys - from shaping equality and human rights on a global scale to redefining our understanding of history - reflect the very spirit of Trent. They remind us what is possible when passion, perseverance, and purpose come together, and they inspire every member of our community to make a meaningful impact.”

The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella ’04 (hon), former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and one of the most influential jurists in Canadian history, has been appointed Companion of the Order of Canada for her transformative impact on constitutional law, equality rights, and human rights worldwide. Born in a displaced persons camp to Holocaust survivors, Justice Abella became the first Jewish woman appointed to Canada’s Supreme Court, where her landmark rulings shaped the interpretation of equality under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Justice Abella’s distinguished career includes serving as sole commissioner of the Royal Commission on Equality in Employment, where she introduced the concept of “employment equity,” now adopted internationally. She has written over 90 articles, authored or co-edited four books, and delivered lectures at leading institutions including Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and Princeton. Her contributions have earned her 39 honorary degrees - including a Doctor of Laws from Trent University in 2004 - and numerous awards, such as the Knight Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit from Germany and election to the Royal Society of Canada, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society.

James Retallack ’74 (Champlain College), who earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History from Trent, is a university Professor emeritus at the University of Toronto and an internationally renowned historian of modern Germany. He has been appointed Member of the Order of Canada for his groundbreaking research and leadership in the field of German and European history.

Professor Retallack’s prolific scholarship has transformed understanding of Imperial Germany and democratic movements in Europe. He has conducted extensive archival research in Germany, Austria, Great Britain, and the United States, accessing previously untapped sources to illuminate the complexities of German political culture. Prof. Retallack’s contributions have earned him numerous honours, including fellowships from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In 2019, Prof. Retallack was honoured with Trent University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his exceptional scholarly achievements and contributions to historical research.

The appointments were announced by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., O.Q., C.D., Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada and Trent chancellor emeritus. All Order of Canada appointees will be invited to an upcoming investiture ceremony to receive their insignia.  

View the full list of Order of Canada appointees.