Tom Hanson/The Canadian Press
The public nominees
Who made Canada a better place in 2010?
Published
Last updated
John Furlong is The Globe's Nation Builder of 2010. With thanks to the Globe Catalysts and to our onliner readers, these prominent Canadians were also nominated for the honour.
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Governor-General Michaelle Jean reacts after being presented with the "Michaelle Jean" tulip by Princess Margriet of the Netherlands during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on May 12, 2010. — Chris Wattie/Reuters
Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General, now UNESCO envoy to Haiti
A former journalist, Ms. Jean was a strong advocate for human rights as the Queen's representative in Canada and did significant work in support of Canada’s aboriginal communities.
Her five-year tenure also had its share of controversy, especially when she agreed to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s request to prorogue Parliament in the winter of 2008 during a constitutional crisis.
Globe Catalyst John Woodgett said in his nomination: "She's the closest Canada has come to royalty (in the best possible way) and her new role in Haiti is a daunting task for 2011."
Globe Catalyst Sara859 adds: "First, for bringing a modern Canadian identity to the world. Second, for the impartial respect she showed to the Canadian military during her time as GG. Then, walking into Haiti to help. Just doing her job the way she did it."
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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Jimmy Pattison, one of Vancouver's most recognizable business men.
Jim Pattison, president and CEO of the Jim Pattison Group
From used-car salesman to the Forbes list of the world's wealthiest men, Jim Pattison is known as a self-made, philanthropic and ruthless business man.
Through business ventures that range from supermarkets to billboards to car dealerships, he employed over 30,000 people in June 2010. He has played significant roles in both Vancouver's Expo '86 and the 2010 Olympics.
In November Mr. Pattison announced (along with Gastown developer John Stovell) a half-billion dollar development in Vancouver's downtown core – helping in the push to add office space and jobs closer to where people live.
In a nomination, Globe reader 'Sask Resident' said: "A self made individual who expands his wealth, provides jobs and economic activity and is a philanthropist. Pattison didn't inherit his money like some of the really rich but built his own empire and help build Canada at the same time."
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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Retired colonel Pat Stogran, shown near Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2002, was praised by Canada's top soldier for his vocal defence of veterans' rights.— Stephen Thorne/The Canadian Press
Former veterans ombudsman Pat Stogran
Retired colonel Pat Stogran was the first to lead a Canadian battalion in Afghanistan in 2002. He was Canada's first veterans ombudsman in 2007. But when the Harper government decided not to renew his three-year term in 2010, he joined a string of ousted critics.
Mr. Stogran criticized the government, saying it was penny pinching instead of properly taking care of soldiers returning from war. As ombudsman and through his twitter account, he has pushed veteran's issues into modern Canadian debate and asked the nation to think seriously about its role in Afghanistan and the effect it has on soldiers and their families.
"Our Afghanistan warriors must be confident we will take care of them and their families if they are injured or WIA/KIA! It's our war too!" he tweeted in August.
In a nomination, Tony Wohlfarth of Ottawa said: "As a result of his courage, veteran's issues went to the top of the government's agenda. Petitions were circulated, a parliamentary committee hastily convened and the federal government was forced to review its policies towards vets. The veteran's charter was exposed, and Pat became a household name!"
Globe reader 'elbro' adds: "Pat [Stogran], has honestly, gone against the harper government for the veterans cause. Harper crucified him as well as he did colvin."
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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Nathalie Des Rosiers President of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences posses for a photo on the University of Carlerton Campus in Ottawa. Carleton is hosting this years Congress of the Federation.
Canadian Civil Liberties Association General Counsel Nathalie Des Rosiers
Most recently noted for her work during the G8/G20 summits, Nathalie Des Rosiers has fought for Canadians' rights throughout her career. As president of the Law Commission of Canada, she pushed for gay marriage rights and electoral reform. As president of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, she spoke out against targeted research funding that neglected the social sciences. As Canadian Civil Liberties Association General Counsel, she stood up for travellers' privacy in the face of airport body scanners.
Before the June summits even began, Ms. Des Rosiers and the Civil Liberties Association kept an eye on police plans and worked to prevent the use of sound cannons. As the summits took place, monitors were sent out to observe protests and Ms. Des Rosiers denounced the arbitrary searches and mass arrests and called for transparency on the so-called '5 metre rule'.
Now she continues to fight for those who were caught in mass arrests and the rights association's complaint has led the RCMP watchdog to probe policing of the summits.
In a nomination, Globe Catalyst jmoney said: "Des Rosiers and the CCLA reached out to police organizations in advance of the G20 weekend, organized a team of monitors to observe and note actions of police and the public during the events, facilitated the filing of complaints by members of the public against the police, and have released multi-media reports in the days, weeks and months following. Just recently in the absence of any public hearings by a government body, the CCLA along with the National Union of Public and Government Employees, held its own."
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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Alexandre Bilodeau greets his brother Frederic after winning the Freestyle moguls gold medal on Cypress Mountain. CTV
Olympic gold medallist Alexandre Bilodeau
Until Alexandre Bilodeau's magical moguls run on the third day of the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver in February, Canadians were on eggshells awaiting the first gold to be won by one of their own on home soil. That it ended up being Alex Bilodeau, a down-to-earth athlete with an inspiring family story, elevated the milestone from noteworthy to, some argue, nation building.
Frédéric Bilodeau, Alexandre's brother who lives with cerebral palsy, was at once the Olympic champion's biggest fan and greatest inspiration. "He wakes up in the morning and he's got that big smile. He goes to bed, he's got that big smile. If you look at him, he's got all the right to complain," said Alex. "That's when you put everything back in perspective and you say: 'I should just shut up and swallow and go train.'"
Ken Pilon nominated Bilodeau, and wrote: "He is a joy to watch. He loves life, he loves his sport, but most importantly he loves his family. After winning that gold medal, he received a short burst of fame, but prior to that he lived his life in the shadows. No multi-million dollar sports contracts. No billboards selling the hottest or trendiest item. Seldom a headline story on the Sports Page. A quiet, unassuming man. Yet so accomplished."
Adds the University of Ottawa’s Brandon Clim: “He could also be credited for having sparked the incredible phenomenon of Canadian pride that every single Canadian felt throughout the Olympic Games ... His personal story of strength and perseverance is something that all Canadians can relate to and can be very proud of.”
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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Chief Shawn Atleo from British Columbia leaves the Canadian Assembly of First Nations meeting where he has won the position of National Chief at the annual meeting in Calgary, Alberta, July 23, 2009. — Reuters
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo
After two days and eight rounds of voting, Shawn Atleo was elected national chief in the summer of 2009. He is pushing Ottawa to improve native education and how it is funded.
In a commentary article written for The Globe he wrote: "Our agenda is about building strong First Nations that will see Canada fulfill its economic potential. The centre of this agenda is education. First Nations youth are the youngest and fastest-growing segment of our population. Their share of the labour force will triple over the next 20 years."
Ralf Fulber from Britannia Beach, B.C. said in his nomination: "In these transformative times, we need the vision and experience of a leader who works to bring all factions together with mutual respect and a dignity afforded all."
Annette Ruitenbeek from Vancouver adds: "His forward-looking approach, and skill at lateral thinking and collaborating, are key ingredients to nation-building."
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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Premier Danny Williams waves as he announces his resignation in the lobby of the Confederation Building in St. John's on Nov. 25, 2010.— Paul Daly/The Canadian Press
Former Newfoundland premier Danny Williams
Danny Williams, the combative defender of Newfoundland and Labrador, has been repeatedly nominated by our readers.
The former premier turned Newfoundland into a "have" province, fought Quebec for energy control and won the hearts of the province's residents. A millionaire of the people, he could cross the border for a medical procedure with barely a dent in his local popularity. Ultimately, he gave the province a reason to hold its head high.
Does a strong Newfoundland and Labrador mean a strong Canada? Some readers think so:
Forrester said in his nomination: "His deal with Nova Scotia to develop the Lower Churchill will ultimately benefit all four Atlantic provinces, providing them with clean, renewable, cheaper electricity. With this deal, he not only plays a huge role in enabling Canada ultimately to meet its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol, helping to protect the environment, his initiative will lay a solid base for the four Atlantic provinces to attract industry, save money, and be stronger Canadian provinces. How's that for nation-building?"
Paul W Comeau said in his nomination: "He has inspired his province, made inroads in connecting the Maritimes together, and is a man who doesn’t back down from a ‘fight’."
Cheryl adds: "He raised the bar for leadership and should be an example for other politicians. Canadian people first!"
Terry Coles of Fort McMurray, Alta., calls Mr. Williams “a shining example” and “an ideal template of what a great premier and great Canadian must be. He is the nation builder of this generation. He will go down in history as the greatest Newfoundlander who ever lived.”
See Also:
Submit your nominations here
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Diplomat Richard Colvin testifies at the Military Police Complaints Commission Tuesday April 13, 2010. Diplomat Richard Colvin says war prisoners in Afghanistan were at a 'high risk' of abuse and torture. — Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Diplomat Richard Colvin
When whistle-blower Richard Colvin said Ottawa had turned a blind eye to his warnings that Afghan prisoners had been tortured, he sent Parliament into a tailspin. The detainee issue gripped the nation and it was one factor that led to the decision to prorogue Parliament. As the detainee hearings dragged on, Mr. Colvin stood his ground as conservatives tried to shred his credibility.
His testimony led to a rare paper hunt after House Speaker Peter Miliken ruled that opposition parties had the right to ask for uncensored documents in the case. If they find what Mr. Colvin says they'll find, the Harper government could be shown to have breached the Geneva Convention.
Stephen McPolin said in his nomination: "He martyred himself standing up for what was right and his efforts seem very timely. Candians grapple with abuse of power in many institutions."
Joanna Noronha of Toronto agrees: “Stopping abuse of power is what keeps institutions strong and healthy, because people won’t stop believing them. Coming from a developing country (Brazil), I know personally what virulent social damage it can make.”
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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Auditor-General Sheila Fraser speaks after tabling the special report on the public sector integrity commissioner of Canada in Ottawa, on Dec. 9, 2010.— Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Auditor-General Sheila Fraser
During a tumultuous year in Ottawa, Canada's Auditor-General Sheila Fraser has kept a keen eye on the federal government's performance, issuing indictments when necessary and plaudits where appropriate. Her office has probed such matters as MPs' expenses, the purchase of jets for the military and the government's handling of stimulus spending, and she has a reputation as one of the most respected officials in the nation's capital.
Ms. Fraser's even-handedness in holding civil servants to account was evident this year in her scrutiny of the military. In January she visited Afghanistan and reported no problems with fiscal management in the military mission there, stressing that the safety of Canadian troops is paramount. Several months later, however, Ms. Fraser warned that the cost of purchasing F-35 jets threatened to go over budget and behind schedule -- an indication that budgetary prudence remains a top concern even when national security is at stake.
In a nomination, M Boston said: "In an era when one doesn't know who to trust or believe anymore, Ms. Fraser's voice is always to be trusted. She performs her job courageously and helps keep the Government of Canada 'on track.' No mean feat."
Kristin Penn of Vancouver “wholeheartedly” supports “the nomination of Auditor-General Sheila Fraser. As a courageous government appointee, she has been true to the ideas of democracy, honesty in government and the rights of the Canadian people to have integrity and accountability in government.”
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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Statscan's former chief statistician Munir Sheikh is pictured at his office in Ottawa on Tuesday July 29, 2008.
Former Statistics Canada chief statistician Munir Sheikh
Described by his family as a "strong individual," Munir Sheikh's independence was clear to all of Canada when he resigned his post as Statistics Canada's chief statistician. The Harper government said it had the agency's backing in its plan to scrap the mandatory long-form census even though Mr. Sheikh had always said the voluntary survey could never be a sufficient substitute.
Though the change to the census was still made, Mr. Sheikh's public resignation was lauded as a rare example of a career bureaucrat who stood up and spoke out when the norm under the Harper government was to toe the line or shuffle away.
Carolyn Whitney-Brown of Cowichan Bay, B.C. said in her nomination: "Munir Sheikh, economist, set a high moral standard by resigning when the federal governing party demanded that he compromise the validity of Canada's internationally respected census data, and even more, when they suggested that he had approved the change, which will produce statistically unreliable results while costing $30,000,000.00 more. Canadians across the political spectrum respect his principled resignation."
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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John Furlong in Vancouver, Tuesday, May 18, 2010.— Jonathan Hayward/ The Canadian Press
John Furlong, 60, CEO of the Vancouver Olympic Committee
Many believe the lion's share of the credit for the resounding success of the 2010 Winter Games should go to Mr. Furlong, an Irish immigrant who took charge of VANOC in 2004.
Canadian athletes took home a record number of gold medals, including the thrilling overtime victory over the U.S. in the men's hockey final. As well, the Games finished on budget and with strong attendance despite spotty weather.
Globe Catalyst Ted Goulden says in his nomination: "I think the Winter Games were spectacular as a showcase for Canada in 2010. To be able to organize and lead such a task puts him head and shoulders above any politician, corporate CEO or academic that I can think of."
Tom Bennett of Peterborough, Ont. says: "Many expected him to fail, the negativity in the press in the years leading up to the games was enormous. But he stuck to it and not only pulled it all together, he did so in a fashion that far exceeded anyone’s expectations. I cannot think of one single person who has unified the country as greatly since Terry Fox.”
Globe Catalyst C. Lee adds: "It is quite rare for the initial head of an organizing committee to actually see the process through. He did it with such dignity and love for the country he chose to come to. He is head and shoulders above any other 'leadership' seen here this year."
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney
Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney
Mark Carney's constant warning to Canadians to avoid the perils of personal debt reached ears outside our borders this year when the Bank of Canada Governor joined such names as Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga and Ben Stiller on Time's list of the most influential people of 2010 in April. In October, he put the brakes on raising the benchmark interest rate in an effort to boost a slowly growing economy. By the end of the year, his cautious plans had the confidence of most economists and investors.
Mr. Carney, who became governor in 2008, almost completely turned over the membership of the Bank of Canada's Governing Council in 2010, reshaping it with members chiefly selected from outside the Bank's ranks.
Mr. Carney was nominated by Andrew Gregory of Edmonton, who said: "Neither his predecessors nor other recent ... international central bankers have demonstrated such leadership or have had the same success in managing their economies, monetary policies and the stability of their nation's currencies in recent years. While other nominees may have taken centre stage for a week to a month, their contributions are neither as lasting nor have the same impacts or influence to Canadian citizens."
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Submit your nominations here
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Belinda Stronach poses for a photograph in front of construction on the new Breast Cancer Research Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto on Wednesday, March 25, 2009.
Former MP and Magna International Executive Vice-Chairman Belinda Stronach
Belinda Stronach – former MP, businesswoman, philanthropist and cancer survior – has been a force for women in politics.
She held strong in the boy's club (crossing the floor from Conservative to Liberal into the position of Minister of Human Resources) but she's advocating for a parliament where women can be women and succeed. She offers practical suggestions like video conferencing to allow women (and men) to balance family and politics. She says political careers will interest more women if debate is respectful and deals with issues that matter to them.
She's also working to spark that interest in young women. This summer, before the opening of the G20 summit, The Belinda Stronach Foundation ran G(irls)20 at the University of Toronto. The meeting drew 21 girls from around the world to raise awareness about the untapped economic potential of women and discuss issues including maternal health, poverty and education.
In a nomination, R. McLean of Regina said: "I nominate Belinda Stronach who seems to be the only business/past political figure in Canada who is truly doing something to develop and encourage the role of women in politics. In addition to her philanthropic activities, she is outspoken on international issues that affect human rights and progress."
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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Former British Columbia premier Bill Vander Zalm, centre, smiles as he waits to board a ferry in Tsawwassen, B.C., on Wednesday June 30, 2010, to deliver anti-HST petitions which contain more than 700,000 signatures to Elections B.C. in Victoria. The harmonized sales tax will come into effect on July 1 in British Columbia and Ontario. — Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press
Former British Columbia premier Bill Vander Zalm
While Ontarians grumbled over the new harmonized sales tax, British Columbians took to the streets, toppled Gordon Campbell's leadership and successfully petitioned for a referendum on the tax – all with former B.C. premier Bill Vander Zalm proudly in the lead.
Known to be a controversial figure and lover of the limelight, his charisma is undeniable and, as the Fight HST campaign shows, so is his ability to mobilize the masses and engage those who would not normally be politically active.
"There are so many fun things to do outside politics. I feel there is a need for a new unity movement, and perhaps there is a need for a new leader, as well," he said back in 2001 when he confirmed he was done making leadership bids.
In a nomination, Globe Catalyst Rob K said: "The Zalmer was the face of the referendum initiative against the HST in BC. This was the first time the referendum legislation was successfully used, despite the fact that it had been on the government books for almost 20 years. The process is not complete, and the referendum may or may not be passed – but to make the hurdles set out in the legislation in all 85 ridings in the Province is a testiment to the passion this issue aroused, the futility of the forces who supported the HST, and the degree to which the government bungled the decision to implement it, how the government communicated the decision and the lack of hard challenges to the stories being peddled by the pro-repeal forces."
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Submit your nominations here
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Canada's Sidney Crosby celebrates with teammates Scott Niedermayer, left, and Drew Doughty after scoring the game winning goal against the U.S. during overtime in their men's ice hockey gold medal game at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics February 28, 2010. — Reuters
Hockey superstar Sidney Crosby
He has won a Stanley Cup and numerous hockey awards already, despite his young age.
But he will be forever remembered for the overtime goal that won the gold medal for Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics over the arch-rival Americans, sending Canadian hockey fans and many Canadians who normally don't care about hockey into ectasy.
Globe Catalyst Bill Hozy said in his nomination: "His gold medal-winning goal at the Vancouver Olympics unified Canada and crystalized the huge success of the Olympics in one magic moment. Others worked hard to put the Olympics on and deserve much credit, but Sid the Kid was the defining moment for a nation thirsty to win on the world stage."
Globe reader 'sorethroat' adds: "He was great on the Canadian Olympic team, does great public service, is a great idol for kids, and a damn nice guy too."
See also:
Submit your nominations here
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Rahul Singh
Rahul Singh, founder and executive director of GlobalMedic
GlobalMedic, founded in 1998, is a group of more than 400 Canadian paramedics, firefighters, police officers, doctors and nurses who volunteer to be deployed to foreign countries whenever disaster strikes.
Under Mr. Singh’s leadership, it was one of the first groups on the scene when Haiti was devastated by an earthquake earlier this year. GlobalMedic has also picked up the pieces in more than 35 countries ranging from Bangladesh to Zimbabwe -- often under extremely dangerous conditions.
Mr. Singh says the secret to his success is to "set a goal and do whatever it takes to reach it. Use past successes as motivation and failures as fuel. Always keep your eyes on the prize."
Globe catalyst Sara 859 says in her nomination: "Who hasn't seen Rahul Singh's face on the TV news and said: 'There's a guy who deserves some recognition for what he's doing.' Sending emergency responders with supplies to disaster zones in Pakistan, Haiti, elsewhere and providing training too. Good stuff."
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Comedian Rick Mercer received an honorary degree from McMaster University in June, 2010.
Comedian Rick Mercer
"What other Canuck works harder to give us a laugh?" Globe TV critic Andrew Ryan asked in a column earlier this year.
"Now in his eighth season, Mercer still doggedly spans the country in search of the Canadian experience. His weekly rant should be required viewing in the House of Commons."
Our catalysts agreed.
Globe Catalyst Theo said in his nomination: "The many who view his Report participate with him in the extraordinary activities that make Canada such a wonderfully diverse country. He makes all those people he meets there stand together and call out in unison. In his famous rant, he brilliantly comments on serious issues affecting Canadians, more effectively and convincingly than any member of the professional 'chattering classes'."
Jennifer MacMillan, globeandmail.com communities editor, says this skit about the redesigned Globe and Mail is one of her favourites.
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