2009 Recipient—Michael Wilson

Toronto, November 3 —The Honourable Michael H. Wilson will receive The Conference Board of Canada’s Honorary Associate Award on Thursday, November 5, 2009 in recognition of his distinguished political, business and diplomatic career.

“We are very proud to pay tribute to Michael Wilson—diplomat, politician, business leader and mental health advocate—and to celebrate the many accomplishments of this exceptional Canadian,” said Anne Golden, President and CEO of the Conference Board.

The Honorary Associate Award is the Conference Board’s highest honour, presented annually to a person who has served both their organization and Canada with distinction during an outstanding career.

Michael Wilson is best known for his career in public life, which included serving as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States between 2006 and 2009. He entered the House of Commons in 1979, and served as Minister of Finance between 1984 and 1991. He then became Minister of International Trade, before leaving elected politics in 1993.

Before and after his political career, Michael Wilson was a Bay Street investment executive. As a business leader, Mr. Wilson was determined to eliminate the stigma attached to mental illness, and became an outspoken advocate on mental health issues.

Mr. Wilson inspired other Canadian business leaders to become engaged in public service. Organizations benefitting from his leadership include the NeuroScience Canada Partnership, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships and the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance.

In 2003, Mr. Wilson was appointed to the Order of Canada for serving as a "force for positive change throughout his career."

Watch the Video Tribute to Michael Wilson