Our Clinic Director, Dr. Anne Bassett, was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada on December 28th, 2023. She recently received the medal from Canada’s Governor General, Mary Simon, at the Rideau Hall in Ottawa on December 11th, 2025. Please see the photos below.
Dr. Bassett has advanced the understanding of the genetics of schizophrenia, a serious but treatable mental health condition. She was the pioneer who studied the condition’s first known molecular subtype, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) while working as a clinician scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Toronto General Hospital (TGH). A University of Toronto professor, she is also a beloved mentor and leader who also supports adults with 22q11.2DS and their caregivers through her research, clinical care, and outreach.
The Governor General thanked and congratulated the honour recipients on behalf of those whose lives they touched. Dr. Bassett is definitely one who gave thousands of people hope for better health. Our clinic team is very excited that her contributions are being recognized by this special honour.
See also:
- Dr. Anne Bassett’s citation
- The Governor General’s speech at the award presentation ceremony
- The International 22q11.2 Foundation’s information sheet on schizophrenia
Photo credit: PO 2 Louis Dubé, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2025