Victor Marchessault Advocacy Award
(Awarded every other year, the next award will be presented in 2012.)
Throughout its 83-year history, what has made the Canadian Paediatric Society unique among similar organizations is its relentless advocacy to ensure that children and youth have access to the best possible care.
The CPS established the Victor Marchessault Advocacy Award to honour individuals or organizations who have made outstanding contributions to Canada’s children and youth at the local, provincial, or national level. Presented every two years, this award recognizes the diverse ways that Canadians help make life better for children and youth.
 About Dr. Victor Marchessault
Many will remember Dr. Victor Marchessault as the leader of the CPS, where he served as Executive Vice-President from 1964 to 1997. Still others knew him as an infectious disease scholar and recall his skills and warmth as a clinician. An unwavering advocate for children and youth, his contributions to paediatrics in Canada were far-reaching.
He established the CPS as a political force, with advocacy successes on issues such as vitamin D in milk, fluoride in water, seatbelts for children and safety caps on drug containers. He was also instrumental in the introduction of universal measles vaccination for infants in the late 1960s.
Until his death in 2003, Dr. Marchessault was active in paediatrics, serving as Professor of Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases at the University of Ottawa and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and as Chair of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
Nomination requirements
Nominees should be Canadian residents or not-for-profit Canadian organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to Canada’s children and youth through advocacy work, such as:
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Encouraging legislation that protects kids from harm;
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Making communities more active, safe, and child- and youth-friendly;
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Working to make communities more accessible for kids with special needs.
The Awards Committee will judge candidates based on the impact and scope of their advocacy work.
Nominations must be formally resubmitted each year to be reconsidered. Current CPS board, Awards Committee, and Action Committee for Children and Teens (ACCT) members are not eligible for nomination and cannot nominate candidates while serving their terms.
Submission requirements
Submissions must include:
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A letter from the nominator clearly describing the specific contribution made by the nominee in the preceding five years, identifying the impact and scope of the advocacy work. Maximum three pages.
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For individuals, a curriculum vitae as well as any documents relating to their advocacy work (if appropriate).
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An organizational profile, including brief history, mission statement and objectives and board of directors.
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Submit your nominations using the online form or by mail.
Presentation
The award is presented during the CPS Annual Conference. The recipient is awarded a commemorative plaque and a $1,000 donation will be made to a Canadian charity of the recipient’s choice. The recipient will also be invited to write an article highlighting advocacy work for Paediatrics & Child Health, the journal of the Canadian Paediatric Society .
This award is sponsored by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation.
Past Recipient
2010 Dr. Natalie Yanchar
2008 Dr. Milton Tenenbein
2006 Ms. Cindy Blackstock
2004 Dr. Gloria Jeliu
2002 Dr. Gilles Fortin
Dr. Jean Labbé
Last updated: June 2010
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