Eminent building scientist Gina Cody has been appointed to the Order of Canada. She is the namesake of Concordia University’s Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, a retired engineering executive, and an active technical and strategic advisor to the Canadian Standards Association, contributing to the development of building standards.

As one of 47 new members of the Order of Canada announced on December 30, Cody has been cited “for her long-standing career as an engineer and business leader, and for being a trailblazer for women in the field”. Among the latter achievements: in 1989 she was the first woman to earn a PhD in building engineering from Concordia University; in 2010 Profit magazine named her one of Canada’s top women entrepreneurs; and she was ranked as a top 25 Women of Influence in 2020.

After completing her engineering studies in Montreal, Cody moved to Toronto in the early 1990s and worked briefly in public sector before literally ascending a career ladder in the private sector. That began with performing crane inspections for the consulting engineering firm, Construction Control Group — the first woman to take on the role that entails climbing up construction cranes to ensure their safe and proper operation — and culminated as CCG Group’s president and principal shareholder. After her 2016 retirement, the firm merged with McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers.

Cody has also received the Canadian Standards Association’s Award of Merit and the Order of Honour from the Professional Engineers of Ontario.

The Order of Canada is the highest honour bestowed to civilian citizens, and recognizes exemplary contributions that enrich the lives of others and make a difference to the country. It was established in 1967 with the motto DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM, which translates to “they desire a better country”.