USask community members to receive the Saskatchewan Order of Merit

Members of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community will be among the newest recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit—the province’s highest honour—when a ceremony is held in Saskatoon next month.

On May 8, 2025, Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre announced the eight people who will become the 2025 Saskatchewan Order of Merit recipients. They are:

• Dr. Ernest Barber, Saskatoon
• Janet Carriere, Prince Albert
• Brent Cotter, Saskatoon
• Dr. Haissam Haddad, Saskatoon
• Ann Phillips, Regina
• Dr. Ellen Remai, Saskatoon
• Robert Stromberg, Saskatoon
• Senapan Thunder, Thunderchild First Nation

“It is a privilege to present the Saskatchewan Order of Merit to these eight people who have made such meaningful contributions to our province,” McIntyre said in a news release. “Like previous recipients of the medal over the past 40 years, their accomplishments are an inspiration to us all.”

The members of the USask community who will receive the honour include: alumni Brent Cotter (BComm’71), Robert Stromberg (JD’68), and Senapan Thunder (BEd’92); honorary degree recipient Dr. Ellen Remai (LLD’23); Professor Emeritus Dr. Ernie Barber (PhD); and cardiology professor Dr. Haissam Haddad (MD).

Professor Emeritus Dr. Ernest Barber (PhD), a distinguished agricultural scientist and senior administrator, spent more than 40 years at USask in a variety of roles. This included serving as interim provost and vice-president academic, vice-provost teaching and learning, dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, dean of the College of Engineering, managing director of the Global Institute for Food Security, and more. In 2014, he was named a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada (AIC), the AIC’s highest honour.

Professor Emeritus William ‘Brent’ Cotter (BComm’71), a former dean of USask’s College of Law, earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree at USask in 1971. He is known for his outstanding career as a legal academic, legal ethicist, and senior public servant. In 2020, Cotter was appointed to the Senate of Canada, after serving as Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General for the Province of Saskatchewan, Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, and Deputy Provincial Secretary.

Dr. Haissam Haddad (MD), a professor in USask’s College of Medicine, moved to Saskatoon to become Saskatchewan’s Provincial Head of Medicine in 2016. Instrumental in recruiting many of the specialists practicing in Saskatchewan today, Haddad also established the University of Saskatchewan Cardiovascular Research Group, fostering a collaborative environment for innovative research initiatives. In 2023, Haddad was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Dr. Ellen Remai (LLD’23) and her late husband, Frank, founded Remai Ventures Inc., an influential and successful development and real-estate company. In 1992, they created the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation, which has since carried out a wide variety of philanthropic efforts, with a focus on supporting the performing and visual arts and contributing to education, women’s issues, and social and community initiatives. Ellen Remai was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree at USask’s Spring Convocation in June 2023.

Robert Stromberg (JD’68), who earned his Juris Doctor degree at USask in 1968, contributed to the success of Robertson Stromberg LLP as senior partner. He and his firm developed a business model that enabled First Nations to invest and partner with non-First Nations with a tax and ownership structure not previously used. He has continued to advocate for Indigenous post-secondary education and employment as a member of the President’s Advisory Council of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies.

Senapan Thunder (BEd’92), who earned her Bachelor of Education degree at USask in 1992, is a leader in the use of technology and education to foster the revitalization of nêhiyawêwin, the Cree language and culture. Her work with the Montreal Lake Cree Nation Language Project provided technical and language support to populate the language app and develop free online resources. She is a mentor to many in their personal journeys to relearn their language and shares nēhiyawēwin with learners in an online group called Cree & Tea.

The Saskatchewan Order of Merit was established in 1985 to celebrate excellence and achievements by Saskatchewan citizens. To date, 282 individuals have been invested with the Order in recognition of their significant contributions in areas such as agriculture, business, industry, community leadership, public service, art, research, and volunteering. 

The 2025 recipients will be invested with the medal of the Order at a special ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the Order in early June in Saskatoon.