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The 2006 National Awards for Excellence Winners

Excellence in Aboriginal Programming
Kevin Barlow, Canadian Aboroginal AIDS Network, Ottawa ON, for

Nominated by Margaret Akan, All Nations Hope AIDS Network

"Many Aboriginal people know about addiction and its impact on our communities. This award reaches them and seems to give them some hope that at least someone, who himself has been personally touched, is doing something on their behalf. It also seems to give a glimmer of hope.

I truly feel the award is a valuable tool and process. This allows award recipients to continue their work with a bit more enthusiasm and recognition. This is especially true since the challenges we try to work toward are changes we generally do not see overnight, as they are long term goals that we aspire to."

Excellence in Community Programming
Chambreclerc Non-Profit Housing, Montréal QC

Nominated by Claudette Demers-Godley, Y des Femmes de Montréal

“In our endeavour to offer safe, affordable and quality housing to disaffiliated individuals and those struggling with issues related to mental health, substance abuse and homelessness, those involved with Chambreclerc have over the years sought to develop an approach inspired by a harm reduction philosophy.

Chambreclerc is therefore, immensely proud to have received one of the National Awards in 2006 formally recognizing our efforts.

It is a title we will proudly carry for many years to come as it significantly contributes to our credibility and our recognition in our local community and beyond.”

Excellence in Leadership
Dr. Perry Kendall, OBC, Medical Health Officer, Province of British Columbia, Victoria BC

Nominated by Rafe Mooney, Victoria BC

"Harm reduction, despite having a solid ethical and scientific grounding remains controversial in some quarters. The National Harm Reduction Awards Program, with support from the Kaiser Foundation, individuals and boardrooms across this country, recognize the legitimacy of this strategy. In addition they allow the human faces and human triumphs of people engaged in and by harm reduction, to be seen and appreciated by a wider audience than is possible at the local level. This leadership by the Foundation and partners has been incredibly helpful in giving a voice and a presence to many who otherwise have no place or podium. It has been a privilege to work with the Kaiser Foundation on this public health issue."

Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use Programming
Margaret Leslie, Canadian Mothercraft Society, Toronto ON

Nominated by Gail Sinclair, President, Canadian Mothercraft Society

"For the Board of Directors of the Canadian Mothercraft Society, for the steering committee composed of a broad range of community organizations and for the front-line service providers, at Breaking the Cycle, the award has served as a well deserved recognition of the dedication, compassion and caring, that is provided everyday to the mothers and children who attend the program.

The recognition of the Canadian Mothercraft Society has been an enormous assistance in increasing the visibility and credibility in our community.

The women and mothers who attend the Breaking the Cycle program proudly celebrated the recognition. Indeed, it is their hard work and achievements that are to be celebrated through this award, a recognition of their success in making changes to improve the conditions of life for themselves and their children." 

Excellence in Public Policy
Walton ' Bud' Osborn, Vancouver BC

Nominated by Donald MacPherson, Drug Policy Coordinator, City of Vancouver

"Because of harm associated with illicit drugs, it is singularly important that a very highly regarded and prominent institution such as the Kaiser Foundation continue its vital work in acknowledging and honouring representatives of positive achievement in reducing harm to all our citizens.

I can not emphasize enough how inspiring the awards have been to individuals and groups pursuing a truely harm free path. We have a long way to go, so it is crucial to mark our historical success."

Excellence in Youth Leadership
Brianna Olson, iHuman, Edmonton AB

Nominated by Tim Mallandaine, Executive Director, iHuman

“As someone who has experienced the battle with addiction, I understand the importance of harm-reduction programming.  It was through iHuman that I was able to find training and mentorship to complete a social work diploma, and move on to actually working with addicted and high-risk youth. 

The Kaiser Foundation award has been instrumental in helping iHuman hire and train yet another youth employee this year.  iHuman continues it’s tradition of helping youth to explore themselves through art and music, and providing many high-risk youth with meaningful and relevant opportunities through mentorship and programming.

The Harm Reduction Award for Youth Leadership has also meant so much to me personally.  I am incredibly honoured to receive it; it brings meaning and motivation as I embark on my journey in life of helping youth in need. “