Media

OTTAWA, November 22, 2010  —  At its eighth annual Distinguished Canadian Leadership Awards (DCLA) ceremony, the University of Ottawa pays tribute to three remarkable Canadians who have played a prominent role in the country and whose achievements have benefitted fellow citizens nation-wide. The event will be hosted by Adrian Harewood, co-host of CBC News Ottawa.

This year, Craig Kielburger and Antonine Maillet will receive the DCLA, while Hugh Verrier will be presented with the Meritas-Tabaret Award for exemplary alumni.

WHAT: Eighth edition of uOttawa’s Distinguished Canadian Leadership Awards (DCLA)

WHEN: Tuesday, November 23, 2010, at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Canadian Museum of Nature (240 McLeod St., Ottawa)

Craig Kielburger, the founder of Free the Children, the world’s largest youth-run charity, has been a beacon of hope for an entire generation of children, inspiring them to speak up and be heard. He is also a columnist, a best-selling author and the co-founder of the social enterprise Me to We, which promotes ethical lifestyles and social responsibility. He has garnered a slew of prestigious awards, including the Order of Canada.

Antonine Maillet was born right in the heart of Acadie, the very place that has inspired her literary work for the past 50 years. She has published more than 50 books, crafting everything from novels, plays, tales and essays with equal glee. The award-winning author has received no fewer than 31 honourary doctorates, as well as some of the highest awards bestowed in Canada and abroad, including the Order of Canada and France’s Legion of Honour.

Hugh Verrier has been the president of White & Case LLP since 2007, a renowned international law firm. Mr. Verrier has worked for White & Case in Indonesia, Turkey and Russia. He is also co-chair of the Public Interest Law Institute’s Pro Bono Advisory Council, whose mission is to provide disadvantaged groups with better access to legal resources.

For the University of Ottawa, exceptional leadership is characterized by qualities such as the expression and execution of a high purpose and of service to the community at large; an indelible impact on the community; innovative approaches to national concerns and aspirations; unwavering determination; and significant contributions to the creation of a strong sense of Canadian community.

** Please note that Antonine Maillet will be participating in a discussion titled La création peut-elle s’enseigner? with students from uOttawa’s Département de français on November 23 at 2 p.m. The event takes place in room 12110 of the Desmarais Building, 55 Laurier Avenue East. [in French only]