3 outstanding Concordians are honoured with the Order of Canada

“For her contributions to protecting victims of violence and for her advocacy of women’s rights”

After graduating from Loyola College, one of Concordia’s two founding institutions, Lynn Zimmer began her career as a reporter for the Peterborough Examiner.

In 1972, inspired by the need she saw in Toronto, Zimmer co-founded Interval House, Canada’s first shelter for abused women.

For 35 years, Zimmer then served as executive director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton — an organization that provides services for women and children who have experienced violence and abuse.

“For her contributions to sport in Canada as a decorated athlete, national team leader and ambassador for women's hockey”

One of the most accomplished hockey players in our nation’s history, former Team Canada captain Caroline Ouellette won four consecutive Olympic gold medals.

As a student, Ouellette suited up for the Stingers in 2001; she then returned to Concordia in 2012 to join the coaching staff of the women’s hockey team. Ouellette was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Concordia in 2019.

Now retired from national play, she continues to champion the sport in a number of ways — as a coach, as an advocate and as founder of “Girls Hockey Celebration,” an annual tournament for 850 young players.

“For her contributions to investigative journalism and news broadcasting, and for her mentorship of aspiring reporters”

One of Canada’s most recognized journalists, Hana Gartner is best known for her investigative reporting on The Fifth Estate.

Born in Prague and raised in Montreal, Gartner graduated cum laude from the Communication Studies program at Loyola College (now Concordia) before starting work at CJAD radio station in 1970.

Gartner went on to build a distinguished career with the CBC. Her work has earned many awards, including five Geminis and the Gordon Sinclair Award for excellence in broadcast journalism.