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MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release
Three Canadian business leaders honoured as Champions of Public Education
Rick Waugh, Aditya Jha and John Stackhouse recognized at Champions of Public Education Tribute Dinner
TORONTO, ON., May 9, 2013 – The Learning Partnership honoured three outstanding anadians for their leadership and commitment to enhancing Canada’s public education systemat the 15th Annual Champions of Public Education Tribute Dinner last night (May 8), at the etro Toronto Convention Centre.
Rick Waugh, O.C., Chief Executive Officer, Scotiabank; John Stackhouse, Editor-in-chief, TheGlobe and Mail; and entrepreneur and philanthropist Aditya Jha, O.C., were fêted by almost1,000 business and community leaders.
“I feel strongly that all determined young people should have access to the same educational dvantages I had,” said Mr. Waugh. “A first-class education system was instrumental in mysuccess and I want to help make higher education more accessible for talented students who ack the financial means to pursue their ambitions.”
Aditya Jha also credits his success to education.
“A wonderful public education system with same quality teaching even in the remote areas ofIndia prepared me for world of opportunities,” he said. “I believe that all of us, especially new anadians who have attained great success, have an obligation to invest in Canada’s socialfabric and especially in public education system through public private partnership and collaboration.”
The awards were established in 1998 to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments ofextraordinary Canadians whose lifelong dedication, generosity and commitment havecontributed to making the Canadian public education system one of the best in the world. Todate, 55 deserving business and community leaders have become part of The Learning Partnership’s Champions of Public Education Hall of Fame, including: former New BrunswickPremier, the Honourable Bernard Lord; the Honourable Frank McKenna, former Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America; Dr. Bette Stephenson, O.C., O.Ont., FormerOntario Minister of Education; The Honourable David Peterson, former Premier of Ontario; Darren Entwistle, President and CEO, TELUS; Donald Stewart, Former CEO, Sun Life FinancialInc.; and Robert Prichard, O.C., O.Ont., Chair, Torys LLP and President Emeritus of the University of Toronto. To learn more about The Learning Partnership’s Tribute events and thosewho have been honoured, visit www.thelearningpartnership.ca.
The Learning Partnership also marked its 20th anniversary at this event by honouring three individuals who were instrumental leaders in the development and success of the organizationthroughout its history. Charlie Pielsticker, Founder of The Learning Partnership, Gordon Cressy, founding CEO and Veronica Lacey, O. C., President and CEO from 2000-2012, were allrecognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
For more information contact:
Moira Potter, Communications Officer
The Learning Partnership
416-440-5124
mpotter@thelearningpartnership.ca
About The Learning Partnership
The Learning Partnership is a national charitable organization dedicated to championing a strong public education system in Canada through innovative programs, credible research, policy initiatives, leadership training and public engagement. Since 1993, more than 4.9 million students and teachers have participated in one or more of The Learning Partnership’s programs, including Take Our Kids to Work™, Welcome to Kindergarten™, Change Your Future and Entrepreneurial Adventure. For information on The Learning Partnership, log onto www.thelearningpartnership.ca.