Honorary Degree Recipients

Iona Campagnolo - June 2010

Iona Campagnolo is a woman of many roles and, among them, many “firsts”.  First woman to be named Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia in 2001. Founding Chair of the Fraser Basin Council in 1997. First Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia in 1994. First female president of the Liberal Party of Canada in 1982. Canada’s first Minister of State for Fitness and Amateur Sport in 1976. Born on Galiano Island, Iona Campagnolo began her illustrious career as a radio broadcaster, entering politics in 1966 as a trustee and then chair of the Prince Rupert School Board. Throughout her career, she has served on many boards for causes she feels passionately about including the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, CUSO and Project Angola. 

Robert Bateman - June 2010

Robert Bateman developed a painting style in the 1960s that has made him one of the foremost artists depicting the world of nature. Beginning with a one-man show in 1967, he has had numerous sell-out exhibitions in Canada, the United States and Great Britain, including an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. that drew record-breaking crowds. Books of Bateman’s art have made publishing history selling more than a million copies. Born in Toronto, Bateman obtained a degree in geography from the University of Toronto. He taught high school for 20 years including two years in Nigeria and still gives lectures on the beauty and plight of the planet, and on the importance of connecting children with nature.

David McLean - November 2009

David McLean started a small investment company focused on the real estate industry in 1972. Today, the McLean Group encompasses film production, communications and aviation as well. McLean is chair of Signal Systems Inc. and Blackcomb Aviation Inc., and he heads Vancouver Film Studios Ltd., Canada’s largest film and television production facility. He is chair of the Canadian National Railway Company and founding chair of Westech Information Systems. In 2006, McLean was appointed to the Order of British Columbia and was made a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors. In 2008, Royal Roads University welcomed him to its Fellows Council. McLean and his family have a long history of volunteering and are dedicated supporters of the Vancouver General Hospital and the UBC Hospital. Among other environmental, philanthropic and community interests, McLean supports the preservation of Canada’s wetlands and is the only Canadian on the board of Wetlands America Trust - a $1.7 billion charitable trust for Ducks Unlimited in the United States. View David's citation and biography.

Mary Collins - June 2009

Mary Collins is Director of the Secretariat of the BC Healthy Living Alliance. Prior to joining the Alliance in 2008, Collins served for five years in Russia working with the World Health Organization and on a health care reform project in the Chuvash Republic. She served as a Member of Parliament from 1989 – 1993, becoming the first woman to hold the position of Associate Minister of National Defence. Collins, a strong advocate of the advancement of women in political life, was the founding honorary co-chair of the Women`s Campaign School in Vancouver and she has worked on projects to promote women`s political development in Vietnam and Ukraine. She is a member of the Fellows Council at Royal Roads University. View Mary's citation and biography.

Peter Legge - June 2009

Peter Legge is co-founder, chair and chief executive officer of Canada Wide Media Limited, the largest privately-owned magazine publishing company in Western Canada. In addition to a career in advertising, marketing and publishing, Legge is also an internationally acclaimed professional speaker; a bestselling author of books on effective leadership; and a well-known philanthropist. He has received numerous awards for motivational presentations and, for over three decades, has served as co-host of the Variety Club Telethon – Children’s Charity. Legge’s outstanding community efforts have been recognized with the Variety Club of B.C. Gold Heart Award, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, and in 2008, the province’s highest award – the Order of British Columbia. Legge is a member of the Fellows Council at Royal Roads University. View Peter's citation and biography.

Bob Skene - November 2008

Bob Skene has had a distinguished business career paired with an active role serving the community. He has served as a member of the Royal Roads University Board of Governors and Chancellor and Chair as well as Acting President. Since arriving in Victoria in 1979 from Computel Systems Ltd. in Ottawa, Skene has held senior management positions at WCG International Ltd., the Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Centre and HTS Hi-Tech Systems Ltd. A Chartered Accountant, Skene holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia and was elected a Fellow of the BC Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2000. He has served on, and at times led, a number of local boards supporting both business and humanitarian ends. These include the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, the Victoria Airport Authority, the Greater Victoria Hospital Society, the Silver Threads Society and the Association for Community Living. View Bob's citation and biography.

Sheila Watt-Cloutier- November 2008

Sheila Watt-Cloutier served as both Canadian President and Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. She helped negotiate the Stockholm Convention, which resulted in the banning of “persistent organic pollutants” and helped launch the world`s first international legal action on climate change. An Officer of the Order of Canada, Sheila Watt-Cloutier is a recipient of a UN Lifetime Achievement Award for Human Development and a UN Champion of the Earth Award. She has also been honoured with the Global Green USA Award for International Environmental Leadership; the Northern Medal, given by the Governor General of Canada; the inaugural Global Environmental Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations; and an Aboriginal Achievement Award for Environment. She has won two international environmental awards: the Sophie Prize and the Rachel Carson Prize. View Sheila's citation and biography.

Vinton G. Cerf- June 2008

Vinton G. Cerf is the public face for Google. As vice-president and chief Internet evangelist, he is responsible for identifying technologies that support the development of advanced Internet-based products and services for this popular search engine. From 1976 – 1982, Cerf played a key role in leading the development of Internet and Internet-related data packet and security technologies at the U.S. Department of Defense`s Advanced Research Projects Agency. In addition to being appointed as distinguished visiting scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he is working on the design of an interplanetary Internet, Cerf has served as technical advisor to production for Gene Roddenberry`s Earth: Final Conflict and made a guest appearance on the television series in May 1998. View Vinton's citation and biography.

John Alexander Charles- June 2008

Rear-Admiral (ret’d) John Alexander Charles served as Commandant of Canadian Services College, Royal Roads from 1954 to 1957 and, years later, founded the Friends of Hatley Park Society, a group of volunteers who support the preservation of Hatley Park National Historic Site. Born in Rouleau, Saskatchewan on March 27, 1918, Charles joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1937. At the start of World War II, he was a mid-shipman on HMS Berwick. Charles has served as Commodore of the Royal Canadian Navy Barracks; Assistant Chief of Naval Staff at National Defence Headquarters in Ontario; Rear Admiral, Maritime Force Commander Pacific; Assistant, Canadian Defence Staff Plans; and Chief of Maritime Operations. He retired from the post of Deputy Chief of Defence Staff in 1974. View John's citation and biography.

José Ramos-Horta- June 2008

Dr. José Ramos-Horta is President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. In 1996, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with fellow countryman Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo for "sustained efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict of East Timor based on the people`s right to self determination”. Ramos-Horta began his political life in the 1960s by advocating for an independent Timor while the country was still under Portuguese control. Exiled for many years, he became the voice of independence for East Timor, working tirelessly to draw the world’s attention to Indonesia’s annexation of the country and its human rights violations, which included the deaths of an estimated 200,000 people – four of Ramos-Horta’s siblings among them. View José's citation and biography.

Terry Farmer- November 2007

Terry Farmer is President and Chief Executive Officer of Accent Inns Inc., an award-winning family-owned B.C. hotel chain he founded in 1986. The company is noted for creating caring workplaces where employees are treated like family. Mr. Farmer is a long-time supporter of tourism in B.C. and he has served as a volunteer on the boards of numerous charitable, sports, community and industry organizations including the Greater Victoria Hospital Society, Commonwealth Games, YM-YWCA, Tourism B.C. and the B.C. Chamber of Commerce. His many awards include the Rotary Community Leadership Award and the Queens Jubilee Medal. View Terry's citation and biography.

Gary Geddes- June 2007

For more than 30 years, humanist poet Dr. Gary Geddes has worked for human rights and peace building, while generating some of the best writing of the 20th century. Mr. Geddes has taught English at Concordia University, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and the University of Victoria and has had numerous appointments as writer in residence. He has published and edited more than 35 books of poetry, fiction, drama, non-fiction, criticism, translation and anthologies. Among dozens of national and international awards, Geddes can claim the Americas Best Book Award and the Gabriela Mistral Prize. View Gary's citation and biography.

Isabel Lloyd- June 2007

Isabel Lloyd has spent a lifetime dedicated to public service, first as a leader and innovator in the government of British Columbia, and then across Southeast Asia for the Canadian International Development Agency. She entered the B.C. civil service in 1973 and in only five years with the provincial government, she became assistant deputy minister in the Ministry of Health. In 1988 she worked on a woman’s leadership and economic development project in Thailand, a project that launched a 20-year career in international development that saw her eventually become director for the Southeast Asia Fund for human rights and democratic institutions for the Canadian International Development Association. She is now the chief technical advisor for the United Nations Development Fund for Women in East and Southeast Asia, a Canada-funded program. View Isabel's citation and biography.

Lloyd Robertson- November 2006

Lloyd Robertson is CTV`s Chief News Anchor and Senior News Editor who celebrated his 30th anniversary with the network in October, 2006. As leader of Canada`s most-watched newscast, CTV News With Lloyd Robertson, he holds the distinction of being the longest-running national television news anchor in North America. With a broadcast career that spans 53 years, Mr. Robertson has been instrumental in shaping Canadian television news journalism since its infancy. He has won numerous television viewer as well as industry peer awards. In 1998 he was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters` Hall of Fame, the same year he received the Order of Canada.
 

Lynda Haverstock- November 2006

Dr. Lynda Haverstock is one of the most influential academics and leaders in the history of her home province of Saskatchewan. As a psychologist, educator, politician, author and lieutenant-governor, Dr. Haverstock has had an enormous impact on the lives of many individuals and families in Saskatchewan and elsewhere. Lynda. Haverstock’s achievements include serving as Saskatchewan’s 19th lieutenant-governor, being the first woman elected to lead a political party in Saskatchewan (the Liberals) and establishing innovative education programs for disabled students and chronically truant adolescents. Through the Lieutenant-Governor’s Awards of Excellence she established, Lynda Haverstock has left a legacy in promoting the arts and second language learning in Saskatchewan.

Ronald Bordessa- June 2006

During his five years as Vice-President, Academic and Provost of Royal Roads University, Dr. Ronald Bordessa oversaw the introduction and development of new programs and academic initiatives that have filled an important niche in Canada’s post-secondary educational environment. In this time Dr. Bordessa has ensured that applied research at Royal Roads University, and its engagement of pressing issues in society and the economy assumed increased significance in the university’s mandate. Ron Bordessa is about to take up the position of president of Ontario’s newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, an institution that has learned from and built upon the educational innovations introduced by Royal Road University.

Elizabeth Ashton- June 2006

Dr. Elizabeth Ashton, president of Victoria’s Camosun College, has played a vital role in post-secondary education in Canada and British Columbia. She chairs the British Columbia College Presidents, is a member of the province’s Degree Quality Assessment Board, and was on the Provincial Standing Committee which helped guide the strategic direction for the post-secondary system in the province. Dr. Ashton also co-chaired the First National Executive Leadership Institute for the Association of Canadian Community Colleges and she has served on various charity, non-profit and business association boards. She has received numerous distinctions, including the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada and the Commemorative Medal for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee in 2003.

Noranit Setabutr- November 2005

As Rector of Thammasat University from 1991 to 1998 and as President of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand, Professor Noranit Setabutr, Secretary General of KPI and a member of the Thai Council of State, has devoted much of his career to improving the standards of education in Thailand. During a distinguished career at Thammasat University – where he was vice-chairman of the Political Science Foundation and advisor in research and consultancy – and as a member of the Parliamentary Friendship Committee and the Education Promotion Foundation at Thammasat, he has championed learning and made special efforts to help students achieve all they could. Professor Setabutr has also played a key role in fostering links between Canada and Thailand, particularly in educating Thai public servants in managing conflict through programs delivered through Royal Roads University.

Jingjai Hanchanlash- November 2005

Jingjai Hanchanlash has a distinguished business career and has fostered strong relationships between Canada and Thailand. As a director and chair of the boards of several corporations and institutions throughout the Asia Pacific region, Dr. Jingjai is a major force in the regional economy. As a former advisor on Asian affairs and the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific for Canada’s International Development Research Centre he has long played a key role in the economic development of the Asia Pacific region. Long considered a friend of Canada, Dr. Jingjai has been instrumental in promoting peace and conflict resolution, human security and good governance by helping forge ties with Royal Roads University through his role as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Dispute Resolution of Khon Kaen University.

Frank O’Dea- June 2005

Frank O’Dea is a successful entrepreneur and a dedicated volunteer whose efforts have enriched the lives of people around the world. Co-founder of The Second Cup gourmet coffee and tea chain in Canada, Frank O’Dea has founded other companies, among them an airline to transport people in need of special medical treatment. He also helped found Street Kids International, War Child (Canada), and The Canadian Landmine Foundation. He is considered an authority on corporate accountability and his ideas on leadership, entrepreneurship and visionary thinking make him a compelling and sought-after speaker across the country. He is also an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Anne Golden- June 2005

Anne Golden is president and CEO of The Conference Board of Canada, a not-for-profit organization recognized as Canada’s most influential, independent source of insights for leaders. Even before her appointment she was long recognized for her leadership in public policy, her academic work and her varied leadership experience in business, the not-for-profit, government and academic sectors. For nearly 14 years Golden led the United Way of Greater Toronto where she also earned a national profile for her work on homelessness and urban policy. Her awards include appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada, the Urban Leadership Award for City Engagement from the Canadian Urban Institute, and the 1999 Public Education Award from Toronto Daily Bread Food Bank.

G Scott Clements- May 2004

Lt. General (retd.) Scott Clements has dedicated himself to the education and training of leaders over the span of his military and business careers. He is President and CEO of Edmonton Regional Airports Authority, a position he undertook upon retirement from military service after a 35-year career in which the accomplished fighter pilot and leader commanded at every operational level, including Commander of Canada’s Air Force.

His numerous awards and decorations include the Commander of the Order of Military Merit, the NATO Special Service Medal, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal, and the distinguished Commemorative Medal in Honour of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.  In 1991, he assumed command of the National Defence College in Kingston, Ontario.

Hugh Gordon- October 2003

Hugh Gordon was the first member appointed to the Royal Roads University Board of Governors and he chaired the board and served as the university’s chancellor from RRU’s inception in July 1995 until his retirement from the board in Sept. 2003. An accountant who became a partner with KPMG, he consulted for the Government of British Columbia where his work included serving as the Assistant Chief Negotiator for the province during the historic Nisga’a land claim and self-government negotiations.

Hugh Gordon has served on many civic and charitable boards and commissions, including the Greater Victoria Economic Development Commission, the Victoria Foundation, and the B.C. and Yukon Division of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Canada. He is also a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his years of service to the people of B.C. and to the Victoria community.

Fred Kasravi- May 2003
(deceased July 2, 2004)

Fred Kasravi was a successful entrepreneur and a generous philanthropist and volunteer whose efforts enriched the lives of people all over the world. One of his proudest business accomplishments was the creation of an innovative land information system and surveying company, Teranet. His numerous charitable endeavours included serving on the boards of organizations and institutions such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Place, the Canadian Opera Company and the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. He worked tirelessly for many years on behalf of the Kidney Foundation of Canada and helped create kidney foundations in Japan, Portugal, England, France and the United Arab Emirates. His fundraising efforts have benefited numerous charities. He also served on the board of the Royal Roads University Foundation and the Capital Region Prostate Centre.

Wendy Grant-John- May 2003

First Nations leader Wendy Grant-John has worked for more than 30 years to advance the causes of aboriginal peoples. She has served three terms as chief of the Musqueam First Nation. She was the first woman in Canada to be elected to the office of regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations. From 1997 to 2003 she was the associate regional director for B.C. in the department of Indian and northern affairs, a position she accepted in order to help bring about much-needed change in the relationship between Ottawa and B.C.`s native Indians and to help put into action the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. She has served with numerous boards and commissions, including the Law Society of B.C., the Vancouver Richmond health board, Big Sisters of the Lower Mainland, and the Pacific Salmon Commission.

Gwynne Dyer- October 2002

Gwynne Dyer is an outstanding journalist, broadcaster, producer, author and filmmaker. He is also an insightful, informative, and entertaining lecturer on international affairs and particularly war. His twice-weekly column on international affairs is published by 175 papers in 45 countries and he has also produced, hosted, written or directed numerous CBC radio and television documentaries and NFB films, including the seven-part series War, which aired in 45 countries in the mid-1980s. His series The Human Race on the future of politics and the threat posed to the world`s environment was broadcast nationally on the CBC. Other works include Protection Force, a three-part series on peacekeepers in Bosnia, and Millennium, a six-hour radio documentary series on the emerging global culture.

James Duderstadt- October 2002

Dr. James J. Duderstadt is President Emeritus and University Professor of Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan. His teaching and research interests have spanned a wide range of subjects in science, mathematics, information technology and higher education. His book A University for the 21st Century, is widely regarded for its visionary conception of the university of the future – a vision of relevance, responsiveness and responsibility that RRU seeks to embody. James Duderstadt has received numerous national awards for his research, teaching, and service activities. He has been elected to numerous honorific societies and has served on and/or chaired numerous public and private boards. He currently chairs several major national study commissions in areas including federal research policy, higher education, information technology, and nuclear energy.

Nancy Greene Raine- May 2002

In the 1960s, Nancy Greene won two Olympic medals and two World Cup titles in skiing. Today, she remains one of Canada’s most cherished sport heroes and skiing ambassadors. In the 1970s, Greene and her husband, ski coach Al Raine, were instrumental in the early promotion of Whistler, where they built their first hotel. In 1994 they brought their vision and experience to Sun Peaks, a world-class ski resort near Kamloops where Greene is director of skiing. For more than 30 years the Nancy Greene Ski League has served as an entry-level race program for young children. Greene has received many honours including Officer of the Order of Canada; Order of the Dogwood, the highest award in B.C.; and entry into the B.C., Canadian and U.S. Sports Halls of Fame.

Douglas Roche- May 2002

Senator Douglas Roche is a distinguished author, parliamentarian and diplomat who has offered the world the gift of vision, moral leadership and utter commitment to the goal of peace and justice for all people. He was appointed Canada’s first Ambassador for Disarmament from 1984 to 1989, was elected chairman of the United Nations Disarmament Committee and chairs the Canadian Pugwash Group – an organization dedicated to peace and security issues – and the Middle Powers Initiative, a network of seven international non-governmental nuclear disarmament organizations. His writing includes 15 books. Senator Roche is an Officer of the Order of Canada and has received many honours and awards for his humanitarian work. In 1998, Douglas Roche was appointed to the Senate, where he continues to speak out on economic and social development issues and the abolition of nuclear weapons.

Thomas Foord- October 2001

Tom Foord is an exceptional business leader and an unselfish community volunteer. His concern, compassion and commitment have led to success in the workplace and achievements in the community. In 1953 he and a partner started Kal Tire, a business that is now the largest Canadian tire dealer. He has served as honorary chair of the Vernon Hospice Society and is a long-time supporter of the United Way and the Vernon Kinsman Club. Mr. Foord also helped found The People Place Society – a building that provides affordable space to many North Okanagan community organizations. He has received other honours for his community leadership and business success, including appointment to the Order of British Columbia.

John de Chastelain- 2001

General John de Chastelain – soldier, diplomat, peace negotiator – is an incomparable example of the Canadian military’s proud evolution to the role of international peacekeeper and peacemaker. Having risen to the highest position in the Canadian armed forces (where one of his accomplishments included a pivotal role in resolving the Oka crisis in 1990), General de Chastelain now serves as Chairman of the Decommissioning Commission, the international body tasked with disarming the paramilitaries as part of the Northern Ireland peace process. Gen. de Chastelain has worked with a number of service clubs and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Officer of the Order of Canada, the Vimy Award, the Commendation Medal of Merit and Honour (Greece), and Commander of the Order of St. John.

Ms. Julie Payette - May 2001
 
One of Canada’s two female astronauts, Julie Payette was a crew member on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1999. During that historic flight, she was the first Canadian to participate in the International Space Station assembly. Born in Montreal, Payette always dreamed of one day becoming an astronaut, despite the history of male dominance in that particular line of work. She graduated in 1986 from McGill University and went on the earn a master’s in applied science from the University of Toronto on a Massey Scholarship. In the early nineties Ms. Payette was among four candidates chosen by the Canadian Space Agency for the astronaut training program. By 1994 she had earned her jet captaincy, her military instrument rating and a multi-engine commercial pilot’s license and deep sea diving certificate when she was awarded the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers distinction for exceptional achievement by a young engineer.

Mr. Robert Brown - May 2001

Robert Brown joined Bombardier in 1987. In 1999 he was named Canada`s most respected CEO for Bombardier contributions to the Canadian economy. Born in Croyden, England in 1945, Brown served with the Canadian Forces until 1971 when he joined the Canadian Public Service where he achieved senior roles with Atomic Energy Canada, the Public Service Commission and the Treasury Board. From 1978 to 1986 Brown held several key economic positions within the federal government. He joined Bombardier in 1987 as vice- president for corporate development and two years later was promoted to senior vice president corporate development and strategic planning. In 1990 he was appointed president of Canadair, Learjet and DeHavilland and in 1996 named president and CEO of Bombardier Aerospace. In 1999 we became president and CEO of Bombardier Inc.

Alex A. Campbell - October 2000
 
Alex A. Campbell is President and General Manager of Thrifty Foods, a Vancouver Island business success story he helped start in 1977 out of a small store in downtown Victoria. The chain grew to become one of Canada’s most respected providers of high-quality food products and for supporting smaller local brands which helped nurture a local grocery business that is known across British Columbia. He is known for building his company while always treating his employees, local producers and manufacturers well. Leading by example and being committed to giving back to the community, he has continuously and generously supported local food banks, elementary and high school students, children with disabilities, the arts and our environment. Today the company he started has more than 2,400 employees and a market share of 40 per cent of all the grocery stores on Vancouver Island a sign of the benefits of promoting your community and treating your employees well.

Sally Armstrong C.M. - October 2000
 
Sally Armstrong is editor-at-large for Chatelaine Magazine. She is known for contributing a brand of journalism to the Canadian landscape that some would call her own. Her work as a magazine editor and writer and through her documentary film work she has been called progressive in her approach to social justice with a special focus on issues that affect women and children. Born in Montreal she graduated in 1966 from McGill out as a teacher and worked in Ontario and Quebec for six years before making the jump to magazine journalism. In 1975 she became the founding editor of Canadian Living Magazine. In 1988 she was named editor in chief of Homemaker’s magazine and then became editor at large with Chatelaine in 1999.

Stuart Lyon Smith - May 2000
 
Dr. Stuart Lyon Smith is a many of many careers and leader of singular abilities. To each of the disciplines he’s contributed to – from the media, to politics, science, business, education, and environmentalism, he demonstrates his belief that policy must be tied to action, words to credibility in deeds and that knowledge is the foundation for a good society. Born in Montreal in 1938, Smith is a graduate of McGill University where he earned a Gold Key and Cup for Debating. He earned his doctorate in medicine in 1962 at McGill and began practising as a resident at Montreal General Hospital. From 1967 to 1975 he lived and worked in Hamilton, Ontario where he also was a professor at McMaster University’s medical school. He was elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1975 as the member for Hamilton West. Two years later he was the leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition in Ontario, a post he held until 1982.

Elizabeth Dowdeswell - October 1999
 
Considered an inspirational leader Elizabeth Dowdeswell is considered a maverick in environmental sustainability for merging the best practices of environmental science, education and business to guide international initiatives dedicated to protecting the environment. Throughout the 80’s Dowdeswell worked in the Canadian government with increasingly progressive roles at the federal level. In 1986 she joined Environment Canada as Regional Director-General and was later appointed Assistant Deputy Minister. Her knowledge and experience in government provided her with an opportunity to contribute to Canada’s role in establishing the United Nations climate change strategy in 1992. It was here that her skills as a consensus builder positioned her as Canada’s delegate to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In 1993 she was made executive director of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

Kenneth John Fyke - May 1999
 
Kenneth Fyke was one of Canada’s healthcare pioneers and witnessed its birth in Saskatchewan where he was deputy minister to then health minister Allan Blakeney. In 1981 and 82 he represented Canada at the World Health Organization in Geneva. In 1984 he moved to Victoria to amalgamate two acute health care facilities at the Royal Jubilee and Victoria General. His approach to health care reform was soon cascading across Canada. In 1990 Fyke contributed to the Standing Committee on Health and Welfare, Social Affairs for Seniors and the Status of Women. He was made chair of Canadian Blood Services in 1998 by Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers. Fyke is one of Canada’s healthcare leaders and world authority on health care management.

Courtney Pratt - November 1998
 
A visionary business leader, Courtney Pratt is admired for his leadership, commitment to active corporate citizenship and community involvement. Born in Montreal in 1947, he started his professional life as a teacher at Lower Canada College. In 1970 he was made Secretary General and Director of Human Resources for Dawson College in Montreal. But it was in 1975 when he joined Touche, Ross and Partners (Deloitte and Touche) as a management consultant that Pratt’s rise as a business titan really began. In 1984 he became senior vice president of Royal Trustco. Three years later he joined Noranda Inc. He was made senior vice president Human Resources and Strategic Planning and became executive vice president in 1993 and president in 1995. Under his leadership Noranda became one of the world’s leading natural resources company committed to good corporate citizenship and an international reputation for sustainable practices. Pratt is known today for his philanthropic work.

Michael Harcourt - June 1998
 
Born in Edmonton on Jan. 6, 1943, Michael F. Harcourt moved to Vancouver to study law at the University of British Columbia in 1963. In 1972 he was elected alderman for Vancouver City Council. He was re-elected in 1974, 1976 and 1978. He was elected Mayor of Vancouver in 1980. He is credited with, among other things, Expo 86, a boom in investment and forging economic ties to Asia Pacific. In 1986 he was elected to the B.C. legislature and soon made leader of the New Democratic Party and leader of the Official Opposition. In 1991 he was elected premier of British Columbia. He served as the 30th premier of B.C. until 1996. He continues to lead a very active public life and continues to work hard for Asia Pacific partnerships, sustainability and human rights.

Chief Joseph Gosnell - October 1997
 
Dr. Joseph Arthur Gosnell, O.B.C., spent the better part of his life fighting a century old battle inherited from his great-great-grandfathers. A statesman, hereditary chief, and a hero to First Nations and non-First Nations alike, Dr. Gosnell was born in the Nass Valley in North Western British Columbia. For the past 64 years, he has been a carpenter, a gillnet fisher, a traditional carver, and, for the past two decades, chair of the Nisga`a Tribal Council. He is most famously known as the President of the Nisga`a Nation and Chief Negotiator for the Nisga`a people. As Chief Negotiator he led a land claim for the Nisga`a. On August 4, 1999 he signed the Nisga’a Treaty, the largest land claim treaty in Canadian history. It is considered a watershed in Aboriginal rights and continues to be among the most important precedents in Canadian legal history. He is the recipient of the Order of British Columbia and the Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Labour Congress. Gosnell has the keen intelligence of the eagle, the courage of the bear, and the loyalty of the wolf – he embodies the age-old qualities of his people.