No. H 219/08
For release - September 25, 2008
OTTAWA - Transport Canada, along with the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), today announced the winners of the 2008 Canadian Transportation Awards, recognizing leadership, excellence and achievement in the transportation sector.
The recipients of the four transportation awards - Transportation Person of the Year, Award of Excellence, Award of Achievement and Award of Academic Merit - are having a positive impact on the way we travel and move goods in Canada and around the world.
"This year's four award winners have clearly distinguished themselves by their significant contributions to various aspects of transportation ranging from sustainability to road safety," said Mr. John Law, president of the TAC. "Their efforts in the ever evolving field of transportation so critical to this country's history and current success are richly deserving of the recognition afforded by TAC's award program and the appreciation of all Canadians."
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. Ron Harmer, of Victoria, British Columbia, received this award for his leadership role in advancing the adoption of cleaner fuels and sustainable transportation energy technologies. Beginning in 2001, as vice-president of BC Transit, he led the organization in promoting hydrogen and fuel cell technology. He introduced Canada's first hybrid electric buses and hydrogen fuel cell buses in B.C. in 2005, and played key roles in low carbon fuel policy development. In 2006, Mr. Harmer was instrumental in the creation of the Hydrogen Bus Alliance, an international group of cities and regions working to create demand for hydrogen buses and to accelerate their commercialization as a means of addressing global environmental challenges. His leadership skills also contributed to the acquisition of 20 hydrogen-powered, hybrid fuel cell buses that will operate during the 2010 Olympic Games in Whistler, B.C. Mr. Harmer is currently pursuing his transit interests in the consulting field.
The Award of Excellence is given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to improve the transportation industry over several years in areas such as safety, sustainable development, research, technology, policy or corporate development.
Mr. Georges O. Gratton of Montreal, was honoured for his significant contributions to the urban transit field. Mr. Gratton was formerly executive director of the Société de transport de l'Outaouais where he oversaw the development of a rapid bus transit system, as well as various measures to increase efficiency or decrease operating costs. An industrial engineer, he specializes in logistical transportation operations and management in Quebec's urban communities, including transportation and distribution of goods. Mr. Gratton has occupied a number of positions in the transportation industry throughout his extensive career, and is widely recognized for his forward-thinking approaches to intermodal transportation and logistics. He is currently director of commercialization of the Quebec-wide smart card project for Trangesco, an affiliate of the Société de transport de Montréal.
The Award of Achievement is presented to individuals who have made positive and measurable improvements to transportation through innovation and have shown initiative on a particular project or program.
Mr. Spencer McDonald, from Surrey, B.C., received this award for his advocacy of road safety. With a background and education in counselling psychology, he formed Thinking Driver in 2001, where as president he directs a staff of professionals focused on delivering programs to hundreds of drivers annually. He has designed numerous driver safety programs and has taught motorists, driving instructors, police and emergency vehicle operators alike. Throughout his career, Mr. McDonald has appeared in the national media and at safety conferences and events across the country. He has held numerous posts and appointments on various road safety committees and councils.
The Award of Academic Merit is given to an individual who has made a long-term contribution to the advancement of the academic field and to the development of tomorrow's transportation leaders.
Mr. Albert Stevens, professor emeritus at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), was honoured for his distinguished career as a professor of civil engineering specializing in transportation. During his lengthy teaching and research career, thousands of students, faculty and staff at UNB have benefited from Professor Stevens' extensive knowledge of transportation engineering and planning. His concurrent involvement in transportation consulting resulted in his ability to bring an industry perspective to the benefit of his students. He founded the Transportation Group in 1967, which has been instrumental in shaping transportation professionals in Atlantic Canada and beyond. Mr. Stevens served in leadership roles with a number of professional industry organizations and has been honoured with an array of medals and awards for his contributions to the profession and his community.
The 2008 Canadian Transportation Awards were presented at the closing banquet of the Transportation Association of Canada's annual conference in Toronto, which was held from September 21 to 24.
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Contacts:
Gilbert Morier
Manager
Member Services and Public Affairs
Transportation Association of Canada
613-736-1350, ext. 234
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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