Jennifer Thomas
Four notable Canadian leaders recently joined company with Adrienne Clarkson, Rick Hansen, Bob Rae, Beverley McLachlin and the late Oscar Peterson, among others. They are all recipients of the Distinguished Canadian Leadership Awards (DCLA), given annually by the University of Ottawa.
On November 4, business executive Gail Asper, York University chancellor R. Roy McMurtry and singer-songwriter Roch Voisine were awarded DCLAs for their service to the community at large, innovative approaches to national concerns, persistent effort, and contributions to the creation of a strong sense of Canadian community.
At the same time, Ford Motor Co.’s global marketing director Anne Bélec received the Meritas Tabaret Award for Alumni Achievement for her pursuit of excellence and achievements in her field, and for her accomplishments and contribution to the reputation of the University. President and Vice-Chancellor Allan Rock is a past recipient.
The University of Ottawa launched the inaugural Distinguished Canadian Leadership Awards five years ago to honour the unique and important accomplishments of truly distinguished Canadians. This premier event is an important annual tradition at the University.
Gail Asper is a dedicated volunteer, fervent arts advocate, persuasive fundraiser and compassionate community leader. In addition to positions with CanWest Global, the CanWest Global Foundation and the Asper Foundation, Ms. Asper serves on numerous not-for-profit boards and has been widely recognized by business, humanitarian and volunteer organizations.
Roy McMurtry has an unparalleled record of public service and community involvement. His impressive career includes 10 years as Ontario’s Attorney General spanning an era of law reform in the province that includes bilingualism in the courts and multiculturalism. His accomplishments include major roles in the patriation of the Canadian Constitution and the creation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Roch Voisine is a Canadian singer-songwriter, who records and performs in both English and French and who has sold more than 8 million albums. He is also recognized for his humanitarian efforts, notably as a UNICEF spokesperson in Africa.
Anne Bélec is considered one of the most influential women in the auto industry. Formerly president and CEO of Volvo’s North American operations, she became Ford’s global marketing director in March 2008. She has more than 20 years of marketing, sales and management responsibilities with Ford divisions in Canada, the U.S. and South America.
