Women's health pioneer among Order Of Canada appointees from B.C.

Women's health pioneer among Order Of Canada appointees from B.C.

Cecilia Benoit's advocacy has improved the lives of marginalized groups across Canada

Having a midwife on board to provide support through pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period is now commonplace.

But when sociologist Cecilia Benoit's research into midwifery began in the early 1990s, the profession wasn't just excluded from the health-care system — it was still illegal in most parts of the country.

"I did research in Newfoundland and Labrador. That was the only place midwives were still practising because there weren't any doctors or very few doctors there," she told CBC's On The Island.

Christine Sinclair, Michael J. Fox promoted to Order of Canada

"It was heavily stigmatized, which I found very interesting ... It really was about women's work not being recognized, because it's predominantly a female occupation."

Benoit's research is credited with being a key driver of changes to Canadian laws that have resulted in the legalization and public funding of midwifery in every Canadian province and territory.

Since then, she has focused on advocating to improve the lives and working conditions of vulnerable communities, including sex workers, street-involved youth and Indigenous women.

"There's been a lot of positive change," she said.

In my lifetime, I'm seeing that policy can shift and be more understanding of marginalized groups."

Benoit's contributions were formally recognized this week as one of several British Columbians appointed to the Order of Canada.

Appointees to the Order of Canada are deemed to have made an "extraordinary and sustained contribution" to the nation.

In addition to Benoit, this year's appointees from B.C. include:

Actor Michael J. Fox and soccer legend Christine Sinclair were promoted to companions of the Order of Canada, the highest level within the order.

Nearly 8,800 people have been appointed to the order since it was founded 60 years ago.