Confederation Centre of the Arts announced today that the 2017 Symons Medal will be awarded to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The award will be presented to Trudeau at Confederation Centre on Nov. 23 during a public ceremony beginning at 12 noon in the Homburg Theatre. The event is free to attend, but tickets are required.
Trudeau will also deliver the Symons lecture which is part of the annual ceremony. He is expected to offer his thoughts on the current state of Canadian Confederation.
The Symons Medal recognizes a distinguished person who has made an exceptional contribution to Canadian life.
Previous recipients include Prince Charles; environmental leader David Suzuki; former Quebec Premier, Jean Charest; former Prime Minister Paul Martin; Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada; and Mary Simon; president of the national Inuit organization.
The citation for Trudeau issued today says:
“On October 19, 2015, Mr. Trudeau led his party to a majority government winning 184 seats, and ridings in every province and territory. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on November 4, 2015.
“Two years into his mandate, Mr. Trudeau leads a government that works hard every day to build an economy that works for the middle class and people working hard to join it.
“His team is focused on creating good, middle class jobs, fostering strength out of Canada’s rich diversity, fighting climate change, and achieving reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
“A proud feminist, Mr. Trudeau also appointed Canada’s first gender-balanced Cabinet in 2015,” concludes the excerpts from the citation.
"During this significant year commemorating the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, we are proud to be recognizing the Prime Minister of Canada here on Prince Edward Island – the recognized Birthplace of Confederation,” said Wayne Hambly , chairman of the Fathers of Confederation Buildings Trust.
“We look forward to welcoming Mr. Trudeau to Charlottetown to share his unique perspective on the evolving State of Canada and its nationhood.”
The oldest of three boys, Trudeau grew up with the profound influence of his father, former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, and his mother, Margaret Trudeau. He was raised speaking both French and English and has family roots in both eastern and western Canada.
Trudeau graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University in 1994. He went on to complete the University of British Columbia’s education program in 1998, and spent several years teaching French, math, and other subjects in Vancouver.
Before entering politics, Trudeau also served as the National Chair of Katimavik, as a board member for the Canadian Avalanche Foundation, and as an advocate for young people and the environment.
Since 2004, Confederation Centre has honoured 16 Symons Medalists. Held each fall, the medal ceremony creates a national platform for a prominent Canadian to discuss the nation’s current state and future prospects.
For more information on the 2017 Symons Medal Ceremony, visit www.confederationcentre.com/symonsmedallecture, or follow event updates on social media @confedcentre and via hashtag, #Symons2017.
