Novelist Miriam Toews was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada on June 30. Toews’s appointment was one of 83 announced this week by Governor General Mary Simon. 

The Order of Canada recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to the country.

Toews, the author of nine novels and a forthcoming memoir this fall, was among a number of writers and artists appointed in 2025.

Prolific Montreal-based children’s book authors and illustrators Élise Gravel and Marianne Dubuc, whose works have been published in many languages, were named as members of the Order of Canada. Dubuc is the creator of more than 25 books and Gravel is the author-illustrator of almost 50 books exploring such topics as diversity, gender equality, and social justice.

Former Parliamentary Poet Laureate Sky Dancer Louise Bernice Halfe from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta was also appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, as were Toronto social documentary photographer Vincenzo Pietropaolo, whose work has been collected in several books, and Montreal cartoonist Michel Rabagliati, best known for his books based on the character Paul.

Lorraine Greaves, director general of the B.C. Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, the author of books on women’s health, and museologist and editor Robert R. Janes, the author of books on museology, were also named members of the order.