Elaine Carty, founding Director of UBC’s Midwifery Program and Jan Christilaw, Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and President, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre are among 100 newly appointed members to the Order of Canada. His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada announced 100 new appointments to the Order of Canada as Canada turns 150. The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is the second highest honour for merit in the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada. The Order of Canada recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society, representing the arts, sciences, sports, philanthropic and business communities.
Elaine Carty
Dr. Elaine Carty is a nurse, midwife and one of Canada’s leading pioneers on several women’s health issues. She helped introduce midwifery into the Canadian health care system and was the founding director of UBC’s Midwifery Program. Dr. Carty has received an array of awards including the Distinguished Alumnae Award from the Yale University School of Nursing, the Award of Excellence in Nursing from the Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia, the Award for the Promotion of Research Based Practice from the Canadian Nursing Research Group, UBC’s Killam Teaching Prize, and the BC Health Association’s Legacy Award. She is an honorary life member of the Midwives Association of British Columbia and holds the first honorary registration with the College of Midwives of British Columbia.
Janice Christilaw
Dr. Jan Christilaw is a powerhouse for advancing women’s health in BC and a global leader in maternal care. Her work in preventative health care, combating maternal and newborn mortality and promoting human rights exemplify her passion for helping others. Her more than 25 years of accomplishments include being President, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada; Expert Advisor, Canadian Institute for Health Information for Maternity; and Founding Chair, Aboriginal Maternity Committee – all while delivering thousands of babies in BC. She has positioned Vancouver as a global leader in maternal and newborn health care. She has saved countless lives and has trained and mentored hundreds of health professionals globally, including establishing emergency obstetrical training in Uganda. Women and families everywhere benefit from her influence, excellence and generosity.