NOVEMBER 17, 2000

Marguerite Elizabeth Ritchie, C.M.
Ottawa, Ont.
Member of the Order of Canada

" Founding President of the Human Rights Institute of Canada, she has dedicated her life to the advancement of justice and equality. Within the federal Department of Justice, she played a crucial role in landmark amendments to parliamentary procedure and constitutional and international law. The first woman appointed Queen's Counsel by the federal government, she has worked diligently, within the government and through her involvement with national and community organizations, to advocate for change and to promote the equality of women. "