Our Bureau
Ontario
The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, has announced the names of two Indian-Canadian, Vivek Goel and Professor Poonam Puri to honor both with the Order of Ontario for 2024. This announcement is part of the 29 new appointments to the Order of Ontario for 2024.
The Order of Ontario is reserved for exceptional individuals who have made a lasting impact in the province, country and the world. Vivek Goel and Professor Poonam Puri are such distinguished people who have made a valuable contribution to the Ontario province with their incredible contributions in public health research and corporate governance.
Vivek Goel, CM – Waterloo
A world-renowned public health researcher and expert in health-services evaluation. He champions the use of research evidence in health policymaking. He was a founding scientist of the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and founding President of Public Health Ontario, providing scientific and technical advice to protect and promote health. As a community leader, Dr. Goel has shaped the public health workforce, influencing education over many decades. He is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences and currently serves as the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo.
Professor Poonam Puri – Toronto
A world-leading expert in corporate governance and securities regulation. Award-winning Research Chair at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Poonam co-founded Canada’s first Investor Protection Clinic, transforming access to justice in Ontario. Her highly influential scholarship has guided significant policy reforms and shaped governance best practices globally. A distinguished board director, Poonam has demonstrated exemplary leadership, stewarding numerous public and private institutions, including as past chair at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. A trusted governance advisor, she is sought by boards of public and private companies, Crown corporations and not-for-profits to navigate complex governance challenges.
“The 2024 appointees to the Order of Ontario have enriched the lives of countless people in our province and well beyond,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, said “These remarkably dedicated individuals exemplify the spirit and achievements that make Ontario a great place to live.”
The 2024 Order of Ontario appointees will be invested at a ceremony in Toronto in 2025. Since its creation in 1986, over 903 individuals have been recognized with the province’s highest civilian honour for their extraordinary contributions.
