Congratulations to Professor Emeritus James Retallack on his appointment to the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. In announcing the appointment, Interim Dean Stephen Wright highlighted Retallack’s “ground-breaking scholarship on modern German history,” noting its importance in “advancing public debate about democracies” and its “profound implications for this political moment.”
The appointment was announced on December 31, 2025, as part of a cohort of 80 new members named by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. Reflecting on the significance of the Order, the Governor General noted that it “fosters a sense of pride and cohesion in our country,” celebrating individuals whose talent, dedication, and vision have enriched the lives of others and inspired progress in Canada and beyond.
Established in 1967, the Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System and recognizes people from all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to the nation. The Order’s motto, Desiderantes meliorem patriam (“They desire a better country”), reflects the values embodied by its recipients, including Professor Retallack’s enduring impact as a scholar, teacher, and public intellectual.