OTTAWA – Salem resident and research scientist John Hirdes was presented with the Order of Canada medal, the country’s highest civilian honour, at a Dec. 11 induction ceremony in Ottawa. Hirdes was appointed in 2023 for his contributions developing standardized assessments in health care settings. Those receiving home care, in a long-term or complex continuing care setting, or who are psychiatric in-patients have likely been assessed by a system Hirdes helped develop. He is a professor at the University of Waterloo and a senior Canadian fellow and board member for international research group interRAI. He appears here beside Governor General Mary Simon, who said the medals invite others to continue strengthening pride and solidarity across Canada.
