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Kaiser Foundation Recognize 2008 National Awards for Excellence Winners at Calgary Event

Calgary, Alberta - The Kaiser Foundation has honoured seven outstanding Canadians and organizations selected for this year’s National Awards for Excellence (NAE) in the fields of mental health and addictions.

Held last night at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Calgary, the 3rd annual NAE event recognized the outstanding work undertaken by organizations, communities and individuals from across Canada in reducing the physical and mental harms associated with substance use and mental health issues.

“The support from Albertans and the citizens of Calgary for these awards was truly overwhelming,” said Edgar Kaiser, Chairman of the Kaiser Foundation. “The presence of Lieutenant-Governor the Honourable Norman Kwong, Mayor Dave Bronconnier of Calgary, government and civic leaders at the dinner, honoured not only the winners but the more than 100 mental health and addiction workers present at the event.”

Nominated by their peers, winners were selected by an independent National Secretariat and National Advisory Board, based on demonstrated results, leadership, new ideas, research and education. Each award recipient received a $10,000 grant directed to a recognized charity of their choosing.

The seven award categories and 2008 recipients are:

  • Excellence in Leadership: Dr. Ronald Abrahams, Family Physician and Medical Director - Private practice, Sheway, Fir Square Combined Care Unit, Vancouver Native Health - Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Excellence in Public Policy: Dr. Eric Single, Adjunct Prof. of Public Health Sciences and Prof. of Sociology, University of Toronto; Scientific Advisor Emeritus, CCSA, Toronto, Ontario
  • Excellence in Youth Leadership: Daniel McKennitt, Founder and Director, Aboriginal Health Group, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
  • Excellence in Media Reporting: Peter McKnight, Columnist, The Vancouver Sun, Vancouver, BC
  • Excellence in Community Programming: Mario Gagnon, General Director, Point de Repères, Ville de Québec, Québec
  • Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programming: Nancy McLean, RPN, MPA Berman House (Motivation, Power and Achievement Society), Vancouver, BC
  • Excellence in Aboriginal Programming: Peter McDonald, Principal and Felicia Dedam, Student, Eel Ground First Nation School Drama Club, Eel Ground, New Brunswick

Initiated in 2006 by The Kaiser Foundation, in partnership with a growing roster of governments, foundations, corporate and private national partners across the country, the National Awards for Excellence highlight the tireless efforts of field leaders promoting healthier lifestyles and raises awareness of drug/alcohol abuse and mental health issues and their impact on our society.

The annual National Awards for Excellence event is hosted in a different city in the spring of each year, to ensure recognition, across the country, of the individuals and organizations working in the fields of substance use and mental health. The 2009 National Awards for Excellence will be held in Montreal on May 20 at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

About the Kaiser Foundation: Founded in 1985 by Edgar F. Kaiser Jr., OBC, LLD (Hon.) Chairman and CEO, Kaiser Foundation, Chairman and CEO, Kaiser Resources Ltd. The Kaiser Foundation is a registered charitable organization dedicated to helping individuals and communities live healthier and more productive lives by reducing the physical and mental harm associated with substance abuse. The Kaiser Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors representing a wide spectrum of the community, with each Director bringing unique talents to the organization.  

For more information and to coordinate media interviews:
Paul Sullivan
Sullivan Media
Tel : 604-561-7516
Email : psulli@sullivanmedia.com

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE KAISER FOUNDATION 2008 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE FACT SHEET