2009 Recipients

Michael Burgess

Accomplished in virtually every entertainment medium—television, film, recording and performance, Michael Burgess has captivated audiences around the world with his stunning pure tenor voice, passionate performances and natural charisma. Michael Burgess’ fame has now spilled into the popular music scene with the release of his first solo album, A Place In The Sun. Dubbed “a national treasure” by the Toronto Star, Burgess generously donates his time and talent for fundraising events and has become a role model for youth in the fight against prejudice.

Rick Mercer

Gemini-winning television host, actor and writer Rick Mercer is Canada’s most popular comic, a political satirist and author of two national bestselling books. He is best known for his appearances on This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Made in Canada and Rick Mercer’s Talking to Americans. His top-rated award-winning CBC show, The Rick Mercer Report is watched and loved by millions. Most recently, it was awarded Best Comedy at the international Rose D’Or festival for entertainment television programming. Mercer has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in his support of Canadian peacekeepers and is co-founder of the charity Spread the Net, which raises funds to purchase bed nets to stop the spread of malaria. He is a recipient of honourary doctorates from Brock, Laurentian, and Memorial universities.

Julie Payette

Julie Payette is the second Canadian woman to have flown in space and was the first Canadian ever to work onboard the International Space Station back in 1999. An electrical and computer engineer, Julie Payette was selected by the Canadian Space Agency as one of four astronauts in June 1992. The multitalented Payette blasted off for her second trip to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Endeavour on July 15, 2009. She is a staunch supporter of initiatives that encourage women to pursue science and engineering and has used her personal experience to promote education on all fronts.

Meritas Tabaret Award for Alumni Achievement
Lisa LaFlamme

University of Ottawa alumna Lisa LaFlamme is regarded as one of Canada’s top journalists having covered some of the most significant moments in recent history including the South Asia Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. Since 9/11 she has made several trips to Iraq and Afghanistan to cover both military and humanitarian sides of the story. Her multi award-winning journalism is coupled with a strong sense of community and the desire to make a difference. She is very active with Plan Canada, a development organization that works in more than 65 countries worldwide on critical issues affecting millions of children.