2011 Recipients
Patrick Chan
Patrick Chan has been the world figure skating champion since his victory at the Moscow championships in the spring of 2011, where he accomplished the feat of establishing world records in all three categories (short program, long program and combined score). As an athlete, he also dedicates much of his time to community-service agencies and programs for youth. In 2009, he appeared on the Globe and Mail Power List of the 30 most influential people in sport in Canada.
Phil Fontaine
Phil Fontaine is the longest-serving national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and the only national chief to serve three terms, from 1997 to 2000 and from 2003 to 2009. He negotiated the 2005 Indian Residential Schools Settlement, which provided $5.6 billion to survivors of abuse (of which he was one) and an apology from the Canadian government. Between terms as national chief, he served as chief commissioner of the Indian Claims Commission, helping to settle several land claims.
Louis Vachon
Louis Vachon was named president and CEO of National Bank Financial Group in June 2007, after holding various positions at the Bank over a period of 15 years. He is also chair of the Conseil des gouverneurs associés of the Université de Montréal, and is involved with a number of social and cultural organizations. In 2002, he was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, in recognition of outstanding leadership in his field.
Meritas Tabaret Award for Alumni Achievement
France Chrétien Desmarais
France Chrétien Desmarais, a University of Ottawa alumna, has contributed to many organizations. Co-owner and chair of Maxi-Crisp Canada Inc., she is also on the board of Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch. Mrs. Chrétien Desmarais is the vice-chair of the Guy Laliberté Foundation and ONE DROP. She is a member of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation and the board of McGill’s International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours. She was also a member of the board of directors of VANOC for the 2010 Vancouver Games.