In June 2025, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, made 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada including Ruth Louise James C.M., M.S.C. BEd’71 MEd’85. As one of the country’s highest honours, it recognizes individuals whose outstanding achievement, dedication to community, and service to the nation have made a lasting impact on Canadian society.
Through her self-funded, eponymous foundation, Ruth has championed numerous causes throughout British Columbia which allowed her to be recognized for her extraordinary commitment to community well-being. Her philanthropic leadership has helped catalyze major advancements in research, clinical care, and patient services, particularly in the health care sector. Therefore, this high recognition of achievement is fitting for its recipient. Ruth shares this honour with her spouse, Donald Albert James, with whom she has made transformative contributions that have had a lasting impact on countless lives.
Learn more about Order of Canada: Order of Canada 2025
Congratulations Ruth!
