How Canada hoped to bring Indian yaks to Far North

Honour granted to drugmaker before his death

OTTAWA • The Canadian pharmaceutical giant whose sudden death earlier this month is shrouded in mystery is among the latest inductees into the Order of Canada.

Gov. Gen. Julie Payette released the latest round of appointments Friday, including 121 people new to the order and three who are being promoted within it.

It a list heavy on Canadians with accomplishments in science and medicine, including Bernard “Barry” Sherman, whose generic drug company, Apotex, made him and his wife, Honey, among the wealthiest people in Canada.

Both Barry and Honey were found dead in their Toronto home on Dec. 15, and their deaths have been deemed “suspicious.”

Sherman was nominated for his entrepreneurship in the pharmaceutical industry as well as his philanthropic support of education and other charities.

The Order of Canada cannot be awarded to someone after their death, but Sherman was nominated more than six months ago and Payette signed the appointment prior to his death.

Rideau Hall publishes lists of new inductees to the Order of Canada twice a year. One of the country’s highest civilian honours, it was established in 1967 to coincide with Canada’s centennial.

Among the well-known Canadians on the list: William Shatner, famous for his role as Captain Kirk on Star Trek, and Academy Awardnominated Quebec film director Denis Villeneuve were both named as officers of the order Friday, while singersongwriter Jann Arden was made a member.

In a written statement, Arden said she was “completely shocked” after she was told the news.

“The Order of Canada is an honour indeed,” she said. “I am a very proud Canadian and this is truly one of those moments where I am just in total disbelief and incredibly grateful to have been considered for this award.”

The list also features 14 Indigenous recipients including chiefs, community leaders and artists. Among them, Frederick Sasakamoose, who was the first Indigenous player in the NHL, and Chief Robert Joseph, who has been at the forefront of combating racism and intolerance toward Indigenous Peoples in Canada and is currently helping lead efforts at reconciliation.

“I am so honoured,” said Joseph. “I never dreamt in all my life this would happen.”

Former Supreme Court justices Louis LeBel and Thomas Cromwell are being inducted as companions of the order, the highest of the three ranks.