Three Canadians of Jamaican heritage appointed to the Order of Ontario

TORONTO:

The beginning of the Chinese New Year on Tuesday was an auspicious moment for Donette Chin-Loy Chang as it was announced that she was among 30 Ontarians appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest civilian honour.

The Jamaica-born change-maker and two women of Jamaican heritage who were born in Canada, Claudette McGowan and Tracy Moore, are new appointees to the Order for 2025, announced by Edith Dumont, lieutenant governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario.

They will be invested by the lieutenant governor at a ceremony in Toronto later this year.

Chin-Loy Chang is a transformative Canadian philanthropist and a leader driving progress in education, health and social equity.

As Toronto Metropolitan University’s sixth chancellor, she champions opportunity through scholarships and well-being programmes. Her global impact includes building schools and homes across the Caribbean and funding thousands of scholarships, while advancing inclusion and cultural representation through influential boards and initiatives.

For her leadership, she was bestowed with honorary degrees from Toronto Metropolitan University and The University of the West Indies.

Chin-Loy Chang, who attended Immaculate Conception High School and migrated to Canada from Jamaica in 1971, finishing high school in Thornhill, Ontario, before attending the then Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU ), is grateful to be among the 30 chosen by the province for this recognition.

“To be honoured for what you love doing has got to be priceless, what I do is not a job,” she said, noting that what drives her is the belief that everybody should have the same chance at everything. “Education gives people that chance to move forward and to do better.”

Chin-Loy Chang noted that her volunteering started years ago, being the chancellor of TMU is an ambassador role for which she proudly volunteers and so have been all the positions she has served on the boards of charitable organizations, like Food For The Poor Canada.

“My aim has always been to equalise the playfield,” she said, noting that she and her late husband, G. Raymond Chang, who served as the third chancellor of TMU from 2006 to 2012, talked about education being one of the greatest equalisers.

Chin-Loy Chang is driven to make the world a better place. “This honour for me says I’m on the right track,” she said as she continues to work for a just and better society for everyone.

McGowan, who is of Jamaican parentage, is a trailblazer in cybersecurity, innovation and inclusion, who is driving Ontario’s digital security transformation.

“ As chief executive officer of Protexxa and a former global technology executive at two Canadian banks, she advanced human-centred security solutions and broke barriers by ensuring that technology solutions protect people, privacy and trust. Through initiatives empowering women, youths and small businesses, she is shaping digital resilience worldwide,” her citation reads.

McGowan was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2025.

Moore is a celebrated Canadian broadcaster and advocate, renowned for her powerful voice on equity and inclusion, notes her biography.

“As host and producer, she leverages her platforms to confront systemic racism, including co-creating Citytv’s award-winning special, ‘Ending Racism: What Will it Take?’ Her leadership extends to community initiatives, exemplifying courage and integrity while driving meaningful social change across Canada.” Her Jamaican parents are her inspiration.

Cameron Bailey, the chief executive officer of the Toronto International Film Festival, was the fourth person of Caribbean heritage included among the 30 appointees. He was born in the UK and moved to Barbados with his family as a child before migrating to Canada.

Bailey has elevated the organisation into a globally recognised cultural institution with an annual economic impact of $240 million, notes the citation.

“His vision champions diversity, inclusion and representation in film, earning international acclaim. A respected educator, writer and mentor, he advances pluralism in the arts, positioning Ontario as a leader in cultural innovation.

“The 2025 Order of Ontario appointees represent the very best of our province,” said Lt. Governor Edith Dumont.

“Through their exceptional dedication and achievements, they have made profound contributions that have touched lives across Ontario and beyond. May their remarkable examples continue to inspire us all to work together for the greater good.”

Graham McGregor, minister of citizenship and multiculturalism, extended his congratulations to all those appointed by saying, “These inspiring individuals have demonstrated dedication and leadership in a wide range of careers and pursuits, making a lasting difference in our communities and reflecting the very best of our province.”

The Order of Ontario recognises those whose distinguished service and extraordinary achievements have helped build a stronger Ontario and Canada. Members of the Order come from all walks of life and represent many fields, including public service, skilled trades, business, technology, mining, sports, the arts, health care, science, and many more, notes a news release.

Appointments to the Order are made on the recommendation of an independent advisory council based on the merit of accomplishments of nominees put forward by members of the public.

Since it was established in 1986, 933 exceptional individuals have been appointed.