Canada honours India-born prof who lost family in Kanishka bombing

India-born Professor Mahesh Chandra Sharma, who lost four family members in the Kanishka tragedy in 1985,

was among 83 people who were given the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honours in the country.

Among the 329 lives lost in what is still considered the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history were Professor Mahesh Chandra Sharma's wife, two daughters, and mother-in-law.

Governor General Mary Simon announced the latest Order of Canada appointments, featuring a diverse group that includes physicians, diplomats, athletes, and writers.

Another Indian-Canadian, Saroj Saigal, Professor Emerita at McMaster University in Hamilton, was also named for the honour.

The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System. Since its creation in 1967, more than 8,200 people from all sectors of society have been appointed to the Order. The honour is one of Canada's highest honours. It recognises people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to Canada.

New members of the Order will be invited to a ceremony at a later date to be invested and to receive their insignia. The dates of these ceremonies will be announced in due course, according to the Governor's office.