Minister Bains presents lifetime achievement award to Tom Jenkins

News Release

OpenText Chairman's invaluable contribution recognized at 2016 Spotlight Awards

September 15, 2016 – Toronto, Ontario – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

At the 2016 Spotlight Awards today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, presented the Lifetime Achievement award to Tom Jenkins, Chairman of OpenText Corp. 

The Minister was joined by co‑presenter Nadir Mohamed, former Rogers Communications Inc. CEO and president.

Mr. Jenkins has had a profound and lasting impact on the high‑tech community in Ontario's Kitchener–Waterloo region. He is currently the Chancellor of the University of Waterloo and was a founder of Kitchener's Communitech, a hub that helps technology companies start, grow and succeed. He has also served as a director of national organizations such as the C.D. Howe Institute and the Canadian Council of Chief Executives.

Mr. Jenkins is also well respected for his work on behalf of the Government of Canada to promote the digital economy. He was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada in 2011 for his efforts to promote and develop Canada's high‑tech sector.

Since 2015, he has been Chair of the National Research Council of Canada. He has also chaired two government panels: the Defence Procurement panel and the Review of Federal Support to Research and Development panel, which submitted final reports in 2011 and 2013 respectively.

Quote

"No one is more deserving than Tom Jenkins of a lifetime achievement award. Despite his long, hectic workdays as a corporate executive, he has always demonstrated leadership by mentoring the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. He has also devoted himself to public service. In all of his activities, Tom has never lost sight of the fact that it's people who drive innovation. That's why it's so important to nurture the skills and talent of Canadians, who are our greatest resource. I congratulate Tom and all the winners of this year's Spotlight Awards for their dedication and hard work."

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

  • Since joining OpenText in 1994, Mr. Jenkins has served as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Strategy Officer. He is currently Chairman of the information management company.
  • Mr. Jenkins is also an Honorary Colonel of the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada.
  • The Spotlight Awards celebrate Canadian entrepreneurship in the technology sector. Other 2016 Spotlight Award winners include WIND, Hootsuite, Kik and AppDirect.

Associated link

Follow Minister Bains on social media.
Twitter: @MinisterISED

Contacts

Philip Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation,
Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca


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