Two of CAMH’s Own Appointed to the Order of Canada

Dr. Mary Seeman, a member of CAMH’s Schizophrenia Program, and Dr. Donald Meeks, a former educator at the Addiction Research Foundation, have both been appointed to the Order of Canada by Governor-General Michaëlle Jean, the Globe and Mail announced today.

The Order of Canada is the country’s highest civilian honour, recognizing people from all sectors of Canadian society who have maintained a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Though recipients’ contributions are varied, they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to the country.

“This is a wonderful honour for these two outstanding individuals and richly deserved. On behalf of CAMH, I want to congratulate them both. We are very proud to be associated with these two very accomplished and dedicated professionals,” says Dr. Paul Garfinkel, CAMH’s CEO and President.

Dr. Seeman is a pioneer in women's mental health and is well-known for her work on schizophrenia in women. The first woman to occupy the Tapscott Chair of Schizophrenia Studies at the University of Toronto, Dr. Seeman was the head of the schizophrenia clinic at the former Clarke Institute.

The author of many scientific articles and books for mental health professionals, Dr. Seeman has been awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal, named as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and granted an honorary Doctorate of Science degree from the University of Toronto. Today she sees clients as part of the Schizophrenia Program at CAMH and has a special interest in women who suffer from psychotic illness.

Dr. Seeman was appointed to the Order of Canada as an Officer. This distinction recognizes the recipient for a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large.

Dr. Donald Meeks has had a long-standing relationship with CAMH, beginning in 1965 at the Addiction Research Foundation with his cross-appointment to the School of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Throughout his years at the ARF he was able to contribute to addiction treatment, education and training, notably in developing countries.

Dr. Meeks was appointed to the Order of Canada as a Member. This recognizes the recipient for a lifetime of distinguished service in or to a particular community group or field of activity.

Though he is now retired, Dr. Meeks remains involved in a number of projects and is a Professor Emeritus with the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto.

“On behalf of the Board and Staff of CAMH, I will be extending our warmest congratulations to both of these extraordinary people,” Dr. Garfinkel added. “This is a proud day for CAMH.”