Scientists, experts, community leaders: 12 of B.C.'s top citizens given Order of B.C.

This composite of handout images shows three of the 12 people appointed to the Order of B.C. on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. Left to right, forensic entomologist Gail Anderson, Stephanie Cadieux, Canada's first chief accessibility officer and global sports leader Victor Montagliani. The group will be officially recognized at a ceremony at Government House in September. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Government of B.C. (Mandatory Credit)

A dozen people have been appointed to the Order of B.C. including one the country’s top experts in using insects to help in criminal investigations, a FIFA executive, and Canada’s first chief accessibility officer.

The Order of B.C. is considered the province s highest honour, recognizing individuals who have made “exceptional contributions to British Columbia and beyond.”

The latest recipients were announced Monday and include Gail Anderson, who becoming Canada’s first academic forensic entomologist in 1992 and developed the world’s first comprehensive database of insects to estimate time of death across Canada.

Stephanie Cadieux was elected as MLA for Surrey Panorama in 2009 and in 2022 became the country’s first chief accessibility officer where she provided advice on federal accessibility legislation.

Victor Montagliani is president of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football and vice-president of FIFA and is praised in the announcement for playing a “pivotal role” in bring the World Cup to North America this year.

This year’s group also includes well-known medical experts, environmentalists, community advocates and experts in Indigenous language revitalization and reconciliation

They will be officially recognized at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on Sept. 24.

Here is a list of the 12 recipients:

Selen Alpay, a Canadian Tire store owner and community leader who has supported many local organizations in Prince George.

Gail Anderson became Canada’s first forensic entomologist in 1992 and established forensic entomology as a tool in Canadian criminal investigations.

Marc Bains is co-founder of HeartLife Foundation and has raised tens of millions for cardiac care. He is a three-time cancer survivor and heart transplant recipient.

Robert Bauman, KC, served for decades as a B.C. Supreme Court judge before becoming the chief justice.

Jill Bodkin, public servant, business leader and entrepreneur, she was the founding chair of the BC Securities Commission and B.C.’s first female deputy minister.

Stephanie Cadieux is a former B.C. cabinet minister; she has spent decades advancing accessibility and became Canada’s first chief accessibility officer in 2022.

Dr. Jim Christenson led the transformation of emergency care in B.C. through groundbreaking research and innovation.

Briston Foster, a naturalist, conservation biologist and filmmaker who advanced environmental stewardship in B.C. and beyond.

Marianne Ignace (Gulkiihlgad) is a professor at Simon Fraser University whose career has been dedicated to revitalizing Indigenous languages, advancing reconciliation and strengthening cultural heritage.

Patrick Kelly (T’esots’en) is a member of the Leq’a:mel First Nation who has made an impact in B.C. through his commitment to reconciliation, dialogue and public service.

Elio Luonngo had a 37-year career with KPMG and rose to CEO and senior partner positions. He is widely recognized for his impact to strengthen business, education, and community institutions across B.C.

Vittorio Montagliani, a sports leader who played a pivotal role in securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup for North America. He serves as president of CONCACAF and vice-president of FIFA.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 3, 2026.

The Canadian Press