Ottawa, June 13, 2024 – The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) is proud to announce that the recipients of the prestigious 2023 President’s Awards are Louise Arbour, an eminent jurist and human rights defender, and General Roméo Dallaire, a passionate advocate for the mental health of veterans. These distinctions aim to recognize their unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of Canadians.
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Louise Arbour has dedicated her career to promoting justice and equality. A former law professor, she was appointed to the highest judicial positions in Canada before serving as the Chief Prosecutor at the United Nations, achieving historic milestones such as the first conviction for genocide since 1948. She later became the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and has received the highest honors, including the Order of Canada. |
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General Roméo Dallaire is a renowned human rights advocate who led the UN peacekeeping force in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. Despite his warnings, he lacked resources to intervene as more than 800,000 people were killed. Dallaire disobeyed withdrawal orders, heroically saving over 32,000 lives. Since then, he has dedicated himself to raising awareness about mass atrocities, child soldiers, veterans’ mental health, and promoting sustainable solutions for peace. |
“CAHS is honored to present the 2023 President’s Awards to Louise Arbour and General Roméo Dallaire,” said Dr. Marie-France Raynault, President of the Academy. “Their unwavering devotion to causes related to the health and mental health of Canadians, migrants, and vulnerable people.”
Regarding the President’s Award:
The recipients of the President’s Award are chosen based on their contribution to health at the Canadian and international levels. For the 2023 President’s Award, the recipients were selected by Dr. Sioban Nelson (then outgoing president), Dr. Jay Cross (president), and Dr. Marie-France Raynault (then president-elect), with ratification by the Board of Directors.
About the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) brings together Canada’s most eminent health scientists and scholars to positively impact the urgent health concerns of Canadians.
Its members, from universities and health and research institutes across Canada and from all disciplines, address complex health challenges facing Canadians and recommend concrete strategic solutions.