On June 30, 2016, O'Connor was made an Officer of the Order of Canada by Governor General David Johnston for "his service to the legal profession and for his commitment to justice as a commissioner of the Walkerton and Arar inquiries."
On June 30, 2016, O'Connor was bestowed with the title of Officer of the Order of Canada by Governor General David Johnston for his dedication to law and his commitment to justice through his work as a commissioner on the Walkerton and Arar inquiries.