Business Council congratulates winners of the Governor General’s Innovation Awards
A burn dressing that kills bacteria, a project to develop longer-lasting, cheaper lithium-ion batteries, and new-generation robotic arms are just three examples of Canadian innovation recognized today in the inaugural presentation ceremony of the Governor General’s Innovation Awards.
Launched in 2015, the awards celebrate individuals, teams and organizations whose work is having a meaningful impact on Canadian quality of life. As a nominating partner for the awards, the Business Council of Canada congratulates all participants for their commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Tom Jenkins, Chair of OpenText Corporation and a Director of the Business Council, serves alongside His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, as co-chair of the awards.
Four Business Council members serve on the advisory committee for the awards:
- Paul Desmarais Jr., Chair and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Power Corporation;
- John C. Risley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Clearwater Fine Foods Incorporated;
- Monique F. Leroux, Desjardins Group; and
- The Honourable John Manley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Business Council of Canada
“From insulin to the Canadarm, Canadians have given the world a long list of transformative new technologies, products and services,” Mr. Manley said. “On behalf of the Business Council, I offer our congratulations to the award winners as well as to the Governor General for reminding us yet again that the spirit of innovation is alive and well across Canada.”
More information this year’s six winners is available on the awards website.
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About the Governor General’s Innovation Awards
The Governor General’s Innovation Awards (GGIA) were created by Governor General David Johnston to foster a culture of innovation by recognizing the outstanding and groundbreaking work taking place in our country. The awards are sustained through the efforts of founding and nominating partners. Winners are selected through a two-stage, merit-based selection process. The selection process is managed by the Canada Foundation for Innovation while the execution of all aspects of the program is overseen by the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.
About the Business Council of Canada
Founded in 1976, the Business Council of Canada is the senior voice of Canada’s business community, representing 150 chief executives and leading entrepreneurs in all sectors and regions of the country. Member companies employ 1.4 million Canadians, account for more than half the value of the Toronto Stock Exchange, contribute the largest share of federal corporate taxes, and are responsible for most of Canada’s exports, corporate philanthropy, and private-sector investments in research and development. Through supply chain partnerships, service contracts and mentoring programs, Business Council members support many hundreds of thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs in communities of all sizes across Canada.
