Habs great Yvan Cournoyer among 8 Quebecers appointed to Order of Canada

Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh, former Habs captain Yvan Cournoyer and the Honourable Charlie Watt were appointed to the Order of Canada on June 26, 2026.

Montreal Canadiens great Yvan Cournoyer was among the eight Quebecers appointed to the Order of Canada on Friday.

The 82-year-old won 10 Stanley Cups over his 16-season career with the Habs from 1963-64 to 1978-79 during multiple Montreal dynasty teams.

He won the Conn Smythe for playoff MVP in 1973.

The Drummondville, Que. native was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982 and played for Team Canada during the Summit Series in 1972.

“The Roadrunner’s” no. 12 was retired in 2005.

In addition, the following men and women from Quebec were among the 61 appointed by Governor General Louise Arbour.

Michel Bouvier (Montreal)

An author and scientist, Michel Bouvier studied G-protein-coupled receptors through major methodological innovations in cellular signalling.

He worked in the biopharmaceutical industry and was involved in patented technologies to drive therapeutic innovation.

The Honourable Charlie Watt (Kuujjuaq)

Retired Inuit senator and leader Charlie Watt founded the Northern Quebec Inuit Association and the Makivvik Corporation.

He is heralded for his work negotiating the James Bay and Northern Quebec agreements.

Bishop Andrew Phillip Atagotaaluk (Inukjuak)

Bishop Andrew Phillip Atagotaaluk was the first Inuk diocesan bishop in the Anglican Communion and worked throughout Inuit communities in the Arctic.

He is known for his work in community healing, cultural strength, youth well-being, spiritual life and institutional resilience across Nunavut, Nunavik and the wider Arctic region.

Sister Annette Bellavance (Montreal)

Sister Annette Bellavance is a revered school administrator and educator.

As the head of Collège Regina Assumpta, she led its revitalization and modernization, transforming it into one of the most sought-after private educational institutions in the city.

Caroline Quach-Thanh (Montreal)

Microbiologist and infectious disease specialist Caroline Quach-Thanh is one of Canada’s leading public health figures.

A Université de Montréal (UdeM) professor and Sainte-Justine Hospital clinician, she has conducted research that has strengthened infection prevention and control in hospitals and the wider community.

She was a heavily used communicator during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She replaced Dr. Luc Boileau as Quebec’s public health director in 2025.

Jean-François Rivest (Mont-Saint-Hilaire)

Jean-François Rivest is a professor emeritus at Université de Montréal and well known in Quebec’s musical landscape.

This virtuoso violinist and conductor has performed in hundreds of concerts worldwide with some of Canada’s most prestigious ensembles, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (MSO).

Juanita Westmoreland‑Traoré (Montreal)

Juanita Westmoreland‑Traoré is Quebec’s first Black judge and Canada’s first Black law dean.

She also became the first Black woman to teach law at two major Quebec universities.

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

It is one of Canada’s highest civilian honours.