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A few weeks after being named to the Order of Canada, alumnus and award-winning TVO journalist Steve Paikin was named to the Order of Ontario by Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable David C. Onley.

"Steve Paikin represents what is the very best of public broadcasting: smart, eloquent, fair and contextual,” said Jeffrey Dvorkin, director of the journalism program at University of Toronto Scarborough, upon Paikin’s Order of Canada appointment. The host of TVO's flagship current affairs program, The Agenda, Paiken graduated from U of T in 1981.

“The Agenda is a model of what all great public affairs journalism ought to be. U of T should be very proud of Steve. In the journalistic community, we all are."

Paikin was one of eight members of the U of T community honoured. The scholars and alumni recognized include internationally renowned film director David Cronenberg, lawyer and rights activist Avvy Yao Yao Go, pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. James Rutka and several other trail-blazing appointees.

Paikin was the only appointee to receive both the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario in the same period.

“Our province is richer for the contributions of these distinguished individuals,” said Onley, in a statement. “Through drive and determination they have pushed boundaries and serve as truly outstanding examples for all Ontarians.”

Alumnus Irving Abella of Toronto, distinguished scholar and historian, was named to the order for his contribution to documenting the story of Jewish Canadians, and his commitment to the principles of social justice and tolerance.

Alumnus Dr. Mohit Bhandari is a world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon and researcher whose research in the field has profoundly changed the practice of orthopaedic medicine. A leader in intimate partner violence prevention, he has worked extensively to educate his colleagues on how to identify the physical signs and support victims.

Alumnus Hon. George E. Carter was one of Canada's first Black lawyers and the first Canadian-born Black judge, worked to change discriminatory practices in Ontario's criminal justice system and was instrumental in the development of Legal Aid in Ontario as well as many of the human rights laws that protect us today.

Alumnus David Cronenberg is Canada's most celebrated internationally acclaimed filmmaker. His films have earned him numerous awards and acclaim including membership in France's Legion of Honour.

Alumna  Avvy Yao Yao Go is a respected lawyer, who uses her law degree to advance the rights of Toronto's marginalized communities. She has built coalitions across different communities on issues of anti-racism, human rights and equity and most recently co-founded the "Colour of Poverty Campaign".

R.S. McLaughlin Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at U of T, Dr. James Rutka, is also a pediatric neurosurgeon at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. He is widely recognized as one of North America's top brain cancer researchers and has made significant contributions to the development of better treatments for children with malignant brain tumors.

Former Provost and Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Adel Sedra, was recognized for his career as a distinguished engineering scholar and professor as well as a leader in university administration. His seminal work resulted in major developments in fields ranging from medical technology to wireless communications. Sedra co-authored Microelectronic Circuits, the best-selling engineering textbook in history.

The Order of Ontario was established in 1986 to recognize individual excellence and achievement in any field; the nominations are made by members of the public.