Since 2001, PAAC has presented the Award of Distinction to a member of the public affairs community who, over their career, has made a significant contribution to public affairs in Canada.

We invite members of PAAC to nominate an individual, or individuals, for this award for 2026.  At the close of nominations, the Award of Distinction winner will be selected and honoured at the PAAC Annual Conference.

Qualifying Criteria:

Candidates must be Canadian residents, or represent Canada elsewhere in the world. While a body of work spanning several years will be considered, candidates must have been actively engaged in public affairs in the year they are nominated, please include letter of support/testimonial for the nominee.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Skills in managing complex issues and dealing with diverse constituents and stakeholders
• Consistent professionalism during crisis
• Maintained the highest level of personal and professional integrity
• Clear and persuasive communication on issues of relevance to Canadians
• Innovation in the field of public affairs
• Leadership in raising the profile of public affairs practice and skills

Nominate a leader in the public affairs industry, nominations for 2025 are now closed,  if you have any questions email lois@publicaffairs.ca.

Past Recipients of the PAAC Award of Distinction:

• Jaime Watt
• Jan H. Westcott
• Hon. Murray Sinclair LLB, MSC, IPC
• Laura Dawson
• Hon. Perrin Beatty PC OC
• David Agnew
• Barbara Fox
• Greg Lyle
• Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan
• Dr. Ann Cavoukian
• Steve Paikin
• Carol Wilding
• John Weir
• Robin Sears
• Tom Axworthy
• Honourable Hugh D. Segal, C.M.
• Allan Gregg
• Dick Pound
• Charles Coffey
• Angus Reid
• Bill Neville
• Elyse Allan