Canadian University Press Releases/Newswire

Source: University of Ottawa
http://www.media.uottawa.ca/mediaroom/news_details-e.php?nid=1013

The University of Ottawa honours national leaders

November 7, 2006

OTTAWA, November 7, 2006 — Today the University of Ottawa is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2006 Distinguished Canadian Leadership Awards. At a special dinner, held at the National Gallery of Canada, Hockey Hall of Fame legend Jean Béliveau, renowned money manager Stephen Jarislowsky (chairman and CEO, Jarislowsky Fraser Limited) and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour were recognized for their extraordinary leadership in the Canadian community and beyond. In addition, award-winning journalist Mary Lou Finlay was honoured with the University’s highest alumni award.

"As a national institution, we have an obligation to provide people with the skills and understanding they need to take their place as citizens in a global society," said University of Ottawa President Gilles Patry. "The 2006 recipients of these awards live and breathe the goals we strive to achieve as a community and we are thankful for the opportunity to learn from them."

Jean Béliveau had a stellar career in the National Hockey League and remains the all-time leading scorer in Stanley Cup history. He led the Montreal Canadiens to an incredible 10 Stanley Cup victories. Principled and hard working, his personality and demeanour are renowned on and off the ice. He is truly a hockey legend.

For 50 years, Stephen Jarislowsky has directed Jarislowsky Fraser Limited, one of Canada’s largest and most successful investment management firms. As a fund manager, his status in Canada is legendary. His views and comments on corporate governance and shareholder rights appear regularly in various media. Mr. Jarislowsky is also one of Canada’s leading philanthropists.

A well-respected and admired member of the judiciary in Canada, Louise Arbour has earned an international reputation for her courage and tenacity. In 2004, she stepped down from the Supreme Court of Canada to become the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Previously, her international work included serving as Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda.

Award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Mary Lou Finlay, received the Meritas Tabaret Award, the University’s highest award to alumni. For 35 years, she worked on a number of programs culminating with CBC radio’s nationally popular As It Happens from 1997 to 2005. In addition to broadcasting, Ms. Finlay produced a number of documentaries and profiles of fascinating Canadians. Mary Lou Finlay has joined Queen’s University’s Centre for Democracy as a visiting fellow.