Shine a Spotlight on Public Sector Excellence: Nominate a Vanier Medal Trailblazer Today
Every great institution is shaped by the people behind it. Do you know a public service leader whose career has transformed systems, empowered communities, and strengthened public trust? It’s time to give them the national recognition they deserve.
The Vanier Medal is the highest honour awarded by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC)—celebrating a lifetime of extraordinary leadership in public service. This prestigious award honours individuals whose long-standing careers reflect outstanding achievement, integrity, and lasting impact across the public sector.
Whether they’ve championed bold reforms, built inclusive policies, or navigated complex crises, nominees should embody the spirit of public service at its finest. All shortlisted candidates will be invited to speak at IPAC’s Annual Conference in Halifax, September 10–12, 2025, where they’ll have the opportunity to share insights from their remarkable careers.
If someone has inspired you by making the system work better for everyone—now is the time to recognize their legacy.
Nominate a deserving leader today: Click here to nominate
The final deadline for nominations is 11:59pm on April 28th, 2025.
Need some inspiration? Take a look at what past award winners have accomplished:
2024 Peter Wallace (Retired)
Peter Wallace is nominated for the Vanier Medal in recognition of his exceptional leadership across all three levels of government in Canada. As Secretary of the Cabinet in Ontario, Toronto’s City Manager, and Secretary of the Treasury Board for Canada, he played a key role in major policy and financial decisions, including the 2008 auto industry bailout, the province’s energy transition, and the federal COVID-19 response. His ability to navigate complex governance challenges, implement major reforms, and provide strategic leadership has left a lasting impact on public administration in Canada.
2023 Dr. Catherine Cook (University of Manitoba)
Dr. Catherine Cook’s Vanier Medal nomination highlights her leadership in advancing Indigenous health equity through policy, education, and healthcare reform. As Vice-President (Indigenous) at the University of Manitoba and former Provincial Lead for Indigenous Health at Shared Health, she has driven initiatives to improve culturally safe healthcare and eliminate systemic barriers. She played a key role in developing Manitoba’s Indigenous Cultural Safety Training and shaping policies that enhance Indigenous-led health services. Her decades of work in public health, combined with her commitment to meaningful community engagement, have strengthened healthcare access and outcomes for Indigenous populations across Manitoba.
2022 Serge Lamontagne (City of Montreal)
Serge Lamontagne’s 2022 IPAC Vanier Medal honors his transformative leadership in municipal administration. As Montreal’s General Director, he spearheaded Montreal 2030 and the 2020-2030 Climate Plan, advancing sustainability and public engagement. His decisive pandemic response ensured essential services while supporting vulnerable populations. Previously, he led Laval’s post-trusteeship transformation, restoring ethical governance and public trust. His lasting impact reflects a career dedicated to innovation, transparency, and effective public service.
| 2021 – Yaprak Baltacıoğlu |
1993 – Huguette Labelle |
| 2020 – Noralou Roos |
1992 – Louis Bernard |
| 2019 – Janice Baker |
1991 – Lawrence I. Bell |
| 2018 – Douglas Moen |
1990 – Gordon Osbaldeston |
| 2017 – David Zussman |
1989 – John L. Manion |
| 2016 – James R. Eldridge |
1988 – Robert Carman |
| 2015 – Wayne Wouters |
1987 – Denis Cole |
| 2014 – Lynton “Red” Wilson |
1986 – Roland Parenteau |
| 2013 – Jocelyne Bourgon |
1985 – J. Stefan Dupré |
| 2012 – Jacques Bourgault |
1984 – C.T.C. Armstrong |
| 2011 – David A. Dodge |
1983 – T.J. Plunkett |
| 2010 – Bryan P. Davies |
1982 – T.K. Shoyama |
| 2009 – Gordon S. Smith |
1981 – J.E. Hodgetts |
| 2008 – Margaret Bloodworth |
1980 – Roch Bolduc |
| 2007 – Joseph Galimberti |
1979 – Lloyd Barber |
| 2006 – Ralph Heintzman |
1978 – Edgar Gallant |
| 2005 – Peter Aucoin |
1977 – Catherine Theresa Wallace |
| 2004 – Guy Coulombe |
1976 – Albert W. Johnson |
| 2003 – Paul G. Thomas |
1975 – Omond Solandt |
| 2002 – Peter Barnes |
1974 – Louis Rasminsky |
| 2001 – Lew Voytilla |
1973 – Julien Chouinard |
| 2000 – H. Ian Macdonald, O.C. |
1972 – George F. Davidson |
| 1999 – Donald J. Savoie |
1971 – Thomas H. McLeod |
| 1998 – René Dussault |
1970 – Robert Gordon Robertson |
| 1997 – Carmen Moir |
1969 – Marcel Cadieux |
| 1996 – Kenneth Kernaghan |
1968 – John J. Deutsch |
| 1995 – A. Paul Pross |
1967 – Donald Stephens |
| 1994 – William R. Callow |
1966 – Gilbert C. Monture |
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1965 – R.B. Bryce |
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1964 – P.T. Clark |
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1963 – A.D.P. Heeney |
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1962 – H.L. Keenleyside |