Human rights defenders, philanthropists, and public health scientists are among the 61 individuals whose innovations and contributions to Canadian society are recognized with the appointment to the Order of Canada. Gov. Gen. Julie Payette announced the appointees to the country’s highest civilian honour on Dec. 30. The order recognizes these people as those who “have changed our nation’s measure of success and, through the sum of their accomplishments, have helped us build a better Canada.” The Order of Canada, since its creation in 1967, has accrued 7,000 awarded members whose achievements are recognized at three-levels: Companion, Officer, and Member. The latest announcement includes 1 Companion, 13 Officers, and 47 Members. Robert Steadward is a retired sports scientist and pioneering leader in disability sports. He is recognized for his dedication and creation of the modern Paralympic Games. Steadward is now promoted as a Companion, the highest level of the order, after …