No. H111/06For release
September 21, 2006
CHARLOTTETOWN The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, along with Russell Neudorf, president of the
Transportation Association of Canada, today announced the winners of the 2006 Canadian Transportation Awards. The awards program recognizes leadership, excellence and achievement in all modes and segments of the transportation
sector. It comprises three awards: Transportation Person of the Year, Award of
Excellence and Award of Achievement.
"I am pleased to honour this year's winners, who have shown a strong commitment
and exceptional dedication to the transportation sector throughout their
careers," said Minister Cannon. "These awards recognize the outstanding
contribution Canadians make to improve the safety, security, sustainability and
efficiency of Canadian transportation every day."
"The Transportation Association of Canada is proud to recognize the achievements
of today's pioneers and leaders in the transportation industry," said Mr.
Neudorf. "This awards program supports our mission of promoting safe, secure,
efficient and environmentally and financially sustainable transportation
services in support of Canada's social and economic goals."
The Transportation Person of the Year is awarded to an individual who
has assumed leadership roles that have contributed to the improvement or
advancement of the transportation industry.
Mr. John W. Crichton of Ottawa, Ontario, president and chief executive officer
of NAV CANADA, received this award for his remarkable contributions to the air
transportation industry over a long and successful career. In addition to his
role at NAV CANADA, he also served as president and chief executive officer of
the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC). Prior to joining ATAC,
Mr. Crichton spent 24 years in commercial aviation, the majority as executive
vice president of First Air, after becoming a commercial pilot in 1969.
Throughout his career, Mr. Crichton has made significant contributions to
Canada's air industry. He contributed to the expansion of air travel throughout
Canada and internationally and his managerial leadership helped transform the
country's Air Navigation System into a private sector company with a
world-leading safety, service and technology record.
The Award of Excellence is given to an individual who has made
outstanding contributions to the betterment of the transportation industry over
several years in areas such as safety, sustainable development, technology,
education, policy or corporate development.
Ms. Jennie Lynn Howie of Whitehorse, Yukon, was honoured for her outstanding
contribution to road safety. The late Ms. Howie, director of Yukon's Transport
Services Branch, cared passionately about transportation in Canada and worked
hard to make every Yukon driver and pedestrian safer, while helping them to
better appreciate road safety. She worked in many areas of the Yukon Government,
including the Executive Council Office and Transport Services, where she was
responsible for motor vehicle registration, driver licensing, weigh station
management, commercial vehicle safety regulation and general highway safety. Ms.
Howie also developed a graduated driver's licensing program.
The Award of Achievement is offered to an individual who has achieved
positive and measurable improvements of significant and enduring benefit to
transportation through innovation and initiative on a particular project or
program.
Mr. John Zigarlick of Vancouver, British Columbia, director and chairman of Nuna
Group of Companies, received this award for the development of the concept for
the Tibbit to Contwoyto Winter Road, which is the world's longest heavy-haul
winter road. Located in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the route, which
is about 565 kilometres long, covers a multitude of frozen lakes and overland
segments. Mr. Zigarlick's accomplishments go beyond the original concept and
construction of this winter road. Over the past 20 years, he has advanced the
safety of the road, the science behind its construction and its operating rules.
Prior to forming Nuna in 1993, a group of companies that provide logistical,
construction, transportation and mining services to the mining industry in
Northern Canada, Mr. Zigarlick spent 21 years with Echo Bay Mines Ltd.,
including 16 years as president and chief executive officer.
The awards were presented at the closing banquet of the Transportation
Association of Canada's annual conference in Charlottetown, Prince Edward
Island, which was held from September 17 to 20, 2006.
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Contacts:
Gilbert Morier
Manager
Member Services and Public Affairs
Transportation Association of Canada
613-736-1350 ext. 234
Robin Browne
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at
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