In a significant development that underscores the integrity of Canada’s highest civilian honour, two prominent figures have been formally removed from the Order of Canada. Peter Dalglish, a former humanitarian worker, and Jacques Lamarre, the ex-CEO of a major engineering firm, have both faced severe legal repercussions—one for heinous criminal acts and the other for corruption during his tenure in the engineering industry.
Convictions and Their Fallout
Peter Dalglish, originally from London, Ontario, gained recognition for founding Street Kids International, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable youth. However, his reputation was irrevocably tarnished when he was convicted in 2019 for the sexual abuse of two boys, aged 11 and 14, while working in Nepal. Authorities apprehended him in 2018 at a mountain home he had constructed in a village near Kathmandu. Following his conviction, he received a sentence of nine years, with the sentences for both counts running concurrently.
Despite the gravity of his crimes, Dalglish has maintained his innocence, with his legal team describing the investigation and subsequent trial as a “travesty of justice.” His case has drawn attention to the complexities surrounding humanitarian work and the potential for abuse of power.
Corruption in Engineering: Jacques Lamarre’s Downfall
Jacques Lamarre, who previously served as the president and CEO of SNC-Lavalin—now known as AtkinsRéalis Group—was similarly stripped of his honour following a corruption ruling by Quebec’s engineering regulatory body. Lamarre was appointed as an officer of the Order of Canada in 2005, a testament to his influence and contributions to the engineering sector. However, in January 2025, he was fined CAD 75,000 and had his professional licence revoked after being found guilty of corruption tied to his leadership from 2001 to 2009.
The disciplinary council’s ruling highlighted significant breaches, including the payment of financial benefits to secure contracts in Libya, with a reported CAD 2 million funneled to the family of the late dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Lamarre has since retired from engineering, announcing his resignation from the professional order in August 2025, while decrying the disciplinary ruling as both “unfair and unreasonable.”
Official Termination of Appointments
The formal termination of their appointments was published in the Canada Gazette, the federal government’s official publication, following approval from Governor General Mary Simon. This decision, effective from April 15, marks a decisive stance by the Canadian government in upholding the principles associated with the Order of Canada.
Why it Matters
The removal of Dalglish and Lamarre from the Order of Canada raises profound questions about accountability and the ethical standards expected of individuals honoured by the state. It serves as a stark reminder that public figures, regardless of their previous contributions, must be held to the highest moral and legal standards. This action resonates deeply within the Indigenous and broader communities, illuminating the ongoing struggle for justice and integrity in positions of power. The scrutiny of such high-profile cases reinforces the necessity of vigilance in the safeguarding of human rights and ethical conduct, vital for fostering trust between citizens and the institutions that represent them.
