Two individuals have been removed from the Order of Canada, the nation’s highest civilian honor. This decision reflects serious criminal convictions that have tarnished the integrity of this prestigious award.
Key Figures Removed from the Order of Canada
Peter Dalglish
Peter Dalglish, a humanitarian worker from London, Ontario, founded the charity Street Kids International. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2016. However, his reputation was irrevocably damaged following his 2019 conviction for sexually assaulting two boys, aged 11 and 14, in Nepal. His arrest took place in 2018 at a mountain lodge he constructed near Kathmandu.
Dalglish received a nine-year sentence for one count and a seven-year sentence for the other. Both sentences will be served concurrently. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and his legal team labeled the investigation and trial as a “mockery of justice.”
Jacques Lamarre
Jacques Lamarre, former President and CEO of SNC-Lavalin, was also stripped of his membership in the Order of Canada. He received this honor in 2005. Last January, the Order of Engineers of Quebec revoked his license and imposed a $75,000 fine after he was found guilty of corruption.
Lamarre had already retired from engineering and announced his resignation from the Order in August 2025. He criticized the regulatory body’s decision, claiming it was both unjust and unreasonable. The infractions occurred during his tenure at the engineering firm, now known as AtkinsRéalis, from 2001 to 2009. They involved financial incentives paid to secure contracts in Libya, including approximately $2 million funneled to the family of the late dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
Official Actions and Reactions
An official notice published in the Canada Gazette, the federal government’s official journal, confirmed the revocation of nominations. This action was approved by Governor General Mary Simon on April 15.
The incidents involving Dalglish and Lamarre highlight the gravity of their offenses and the accountability measures in place for individuals who have held esteemed positions in society. The Order of Canada serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the consequences of failing to uphold ethical standards.
