Dr. Jane Green, professor of genetics in the Faculty of Medicine, and former chancellor Gen. Rick Hillier, are among the eight exemplary individuals chosen for induction into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. The announcement was made Dec. 23 by Lieutenant-Governor Frank Fagan.

Dr. Green has been at the forefront of genetic research of hereditary cancers and hereditary eye diseases for 35 years. Her studies led to the discovery of novel genes in Newfoundland and Labrador families and a new understanding of pathways to development of cancer and blindness. She works closely with molecular geneticists and genetic counsellors, and families participating in the research have benefited from clinical and genetic screening programs developed and implemented based on the research. In 1993 her research was key to identifying a major colon cancer gene and to the provision of genetic testing.  

Dr. Green pioneered the development of screening programs for earlier and more successful treatment of hereditary tumours. Her work has saved lives and profoundly improved health and quality of life for hundreds of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. 

In 2012 she received the Founders Award for Excellence in Medical Genetics from the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists for her significant lifetime contributions to the college and to the genetics community in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and beyond. 

In 2008 she received a Knowledge Translation Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, which allowed her to visit all 28 hospitals in the province during 2009 to give presentations on the implications of genetics and hereditary diseases to health care professionals and the public, and to provide in-service teaching to public health nurses.

One of Newfoundland and Labrador’s best-known sons, Gen. Hillier is an internationally-respected military leader and one of the country’s most esteemed and influential public figures. 

He had a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces spanning three decades and culminating with his appointment as chief of Defence. 

Gen. Hillier was appointed as the sixth chancellor of Memorial University in 2008 by the provincial cabinet. A native of Campbellton in Notre Dame Bay and an alumnus of Memorial (bachelor of science, ’76), Gen. Hillier took the message of Memorial across the country, enhancing the profile and reputation of the university. 

In addition to many other contributions, he led the successful Dare To fundraising campaign which to date has raised more than $63 million in support of student scholarships, research and infrastructure renewal at Memorial.

Gen. Hillier has been recognized many times with military awards as well as others for his excellence and achievement as a soldier and a leader who has represented himself, his home and his country with honour.

In addition to Dr. Green and Gen. Hillier, this year’s inductees are Bridget Foster, Margaret Kearney, Colleen Kennedy, Gilbert Linstead, Sara Rita Sexton and Kevin St. George. 

“It is my privilege to announce the names of the most recent inductees to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the lieutenant-governor. “They represent extraordinary strength, conviction and perseverance and I look forward to joining them at the induction ceremony coming up in February.”

The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador is the highest honour of the province. It recognizes individuals who have shown excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefitting the province and its residents in an outstanding manner. The first investiture took place in 2004.

The investiture ceremony will take place at Government House in early February.