Volunteers - The Citizens of Distinction Award

In 2001, MADD Canada introduced the Citizens of Distinction Award, long - term service classification. This annual award will be presented to individuals, groups or organizations that have made a major contribution to the anti-drinking and driving movement in Canada. To qualify for this award, the individual, group or organization should belong to one or more of the categories i.e. Research, Prevention and/or Education, Legal Issues and Victim Issues. This award is limited to a total of five (5) awards per calendar year.

For more information on the Citizens of Distinction honour, click here. To apply on-line, click here. For the application form in PDF, click here.

2010 National Award Recipients

Senator Marjory LeBreton
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Member of 2 Cabinet Committees

Marjory worked for the Conservative Party for 31 years. She accompanied the Right Honourable John Diefenbaker on Canada’s last major whistlestop train campaign tour in 1965. Marjory also worked for every Conservative leader until she was appointed to the Senate in June 1993. In 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Marjory to the Cabinet as Leader of the Government in the Senate.

Marjory’s involvement with MADD Canada began in 1996, with the tragic deaths of her daughter Linda (35) and her grandson, Brian (12), in an impaired driving crash by a repeat offender. Linda’s husband Ed, and her other two children, Steven and Jenna were also injured in the crash.

Marjory joined MADD Canada’s National Board of Directors in 1998 and served 12 years, including 2 years as Chairperson.

Marjory’s expertise in politics was invaluable as a member of our Public Policy Committee. During Marjory’s time on the Public Policy Committee we developed our Provincial Report Card and our Federal Template “Taking Back Our Roads”.
Marjory also introduced a Bill in the Senate to lower the BAC limit to 0.05%.

Marjory has supported her government impaired driving legislation, which include changes to drugs and driving, doing away with the 2 drink and last drink defenses, increased penalties and enhancing victims rights.

Marjory is also supportive of MADD Canada’s push for Random Breath Testing.

Bill Kennedy
Executive Director, Corporate Communications
LCBO

Bill started with the LCBO in June 1992.MADD Canada’s relationship with the LCBO started to grow significantly with the arrival of Bill Kennedy.

Bill’s most significant achievement in his career with the LCBO is that he made the LCBO’s commitment to Social Responsibility part of their corporate culture and through his leadership, the other liquor corporation have followed LCBO’s lead.

MADD Canada and the LCBO have produced numerous television, radio and billboard ads on the issue of impaired driving.

Bill was always looking for ways to raise money to support MADD Canada. Bill’s most significant contribution was the introduction of prompted donation during our annual December campaign. Since 2004, the LCBO, through its customers has donated over 1.8 million dollars. Last year alone the donation was almost $900,000. Last years gift will pay for 500,000 Ontario high school students to see this year’s multi-media presentation.

The Honourable Ron MacKinley
Minister of Transportation and Public Works for Prince Edward Island.

On June 12, 2007, Ron was appointed Minister of Transportation and Public Works.

In MADD Canada’s 2006 Rating the Provinces Report Card, PEI came in a very disappointing 11th place.
Very soon after being appointed Minister, Ron met with MADD Canada and promised changes were coming. Ron was a man of his word, and he set about making significant legislated changes.
In the 2009 MADD Canada’s Rating the Provinces Report Card, PEI came 3rd, mainly due to Ron’s leadership.

Ron’s commitment to impaired driving did not stop there. He has made a commitment to look at implementing a 0.0% BAC limit for young drivers, 21 and under, and he put in place a committee to implement a 911 program to report suspected impaired drivers this fall.

Dana Clendenning,
President and CEO, New Brunswick Liquor Corporation.

Dana was appointed President and CEO of NB Liquor in October 2006. Soon after Dana’s appointment, the relationship between MADD Canada and NB Liquor grew stronger.

Dana and NB Liquor have a strong commitment to Social Responsibility and MADD Canada was a natural partner.
Dana is the reason we have our multi-media program in French. Dana made a commitment to MADD Canada that if we were to do a French multi-media program, the NB Liquor would help fund it.

NB Liquor, through its prompted donation program, and recycle bags raised funds for MADD Canada and its affiliated NB Chapters.

NB Liquor has also worked with MADD Canada to support the Campaign 911 program in New Brunswick.

Dr. Diane Liscumb

During a routine dental appointment, Dr. Liscumb engaged in conversation with a MADD Chapter member regarding the effects of prescription medications and driving, and the need to warn patients of the dangers of driving to and from the dental office when using these prescribed medications.

Dr. Liscumb approached the New Brunswick Dental Association and requested that a form be devised, warning patients of such dangers. They agreed, and have since crafted a waiver from for all dentists to use. They have since taken it a step further and have asked the New Brunswick Pharmaceutical Association to provide further warnings when dispensing prescriptions.
Taking the lead to make a difference, Dr. Liscumb’s efforts have sparked awareness throughout the province of New Brunswick that will hopefully carry forward across the country.


2009 National Award Recipient
Victims Category
Minister Rob Nicholson

As Justice Minister, Minister Nicholson has brought forth a number of initiatives focused on Victims of Crime and specifically impaired driving legislation.

On November 30, 2007, C-9, a new federal law was enacted to eliminate conditional sentences, such as house arrest, for persons convicted of the violent crimes of impaired driving causing death and impaired driving causing bodily harm.

As well C-2 was enacted to increase penalties for impaired driving causing death, allow the police to test drug-impaired drivers,
narrow the evidence to the contrary regarding the Carter and Last Drink defenses and add a new criminal code charge for impaired driving causing death.

Recently, the report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights gave 10 recommendations including Random Breath Testing. Random Breath Testing has been found worldwide to be the leading countermeasure to reduce impaired driving causing death and injury.


2007 National Award Recipient
Research Category
Dr. Irwin Cohen from Vancouver, BC.

Dr. Cohen has published articles on the topic of alcohol use, abuse, and misuse and the relationship between alcohol use and young offending. Dr. Cohen’s latest findings from The Nature and Extent of Impaired Driving in RCMP Jurisdictions in BC:  A review of Police Files from 2003, will help legislators at the highest levels to formulate policies on reducing the incidence of impaired driving in BC.

2007 National Award Recipient
Prevention/Education Category
Karen Middlecote from Toronto, ON 

Karen organizes “The Missing You” programme, which is run by volunteers who work as probation officers in the City of Toronto Criminal Court System.   Victim speakers from local MADD Chapters share their personal stories with first time offenders of impaired driving, who are required by an order from a Judge to attend the programme as part of their sentencing.  Two sessions are held each month.  Karen has kept this program going for at least 15 years and volunteered every week.

Karen is a quiet, unassuming person who is truly deserving of this award and recognizes that prevention and education are key components in stopping first time offenders from re-offending.   On behalf of MADD Canada, thank you, Karen!

2007 National Award Recipient
Long Term Service Category
Joan McLeod from Edmonton, AB

Joan has had 16 years of experience diligently fighting impaired driving!  In 1991, Joan’s daughter, Susan, and her fiancé, Ken were killed by a drug impaired driver.  The tragedy that tore Joan’s heart to pieces is the reason behind her dedication to the MADD Edmonton Chapter, and to MADD Canada.  Joan has volunteered as a victim speaker at the Alsike Minimum Security Penitentiary, every month, for the past 13 years and told her story to more than 3,400 inmates.

Joan prefers to slip in quietly to do what needs to be done, from organizing Chapter events such as the Annual Golf Tournament and the Annual Candlelight Vigil, to maintaining accurate accounting as the Chapter’s Treasurer.  It is with great pleasure to bestow upon Joan, the Citizens of Distinction Award.  Congratulations!


2006 National Award Recipient
Research Category
Dr. Roy Purssell, Vancouver, BC

Dr. Pursell, in a study led by an eight person medical team, found that almost 90 per cent of drunk drivers in BC who have alcohol-related crashes requiring hospitalization are not convicted of impaired driving. He recommended new legislation to make it easier for police to obtain blood samples from injured drunk drivers. This empirical evidence supports MADD Canada’s recommendation to have legislation that will provide authorities with the statutory authority to demand a breath (or blood) sample at the scene of a crash where a person has been killed or seriously injured. We believe this authority to demand breath (or blood) samples should be extended to a hospital or medical office. MADD Canada recognizes Dr. Purssell as a Citizen of Distinction.

2006 National Award Recipient
Victims Category
Sherry Caves, Vancouver, BC.

Sherry became a paraplegic at age seven when a drunk driver hit her family’s car. Two decades later, the same thing happened to her again. Despite numerous surgeries and years of pain, Sherry is an inspiration to us all. A wife and mother, Sherry has served on the board of MADD Vancouver, worked with the BC Street Racing Coalition, was on the advisory committee establishing a clinic that will provide services to women with disabilities, does peer support for BC Paraplegic Association, co-founded Girl Talk for women with Spinal Cord injuries and speaks at countless community and school events.  The list goes on – Sherry sees a need and fills it. MADD Canada feels Sherry is certainly a Citizen of Distinction.


2005 National Award Recipient

Doug Mayhew & CAA North and East Ontario

Doug Mayhew has been a long time supporter of the campaign to stop impaired driving, Doug's dedication shows as he is the editor of the CAA Northern and Eastern Ontario's Journey magazine and places anti impaired driving message in every issue.  He has been involved in many community events and provided information on drinking and driving as well as driving under the influence of other drugs.  He also created an award for high school students, this award helps the promote safety, including drinking and driving.

He is a true citizen that has made a difference.

2005 National Award Recipient

Cst.  Gerry Wickstead

Cst. Wickstead has been an officer for 19 years in the Vancouver police force and is dedicated to making the streets of Vancouver and British Columbia as safe as possible.  He has produced over 7 reports providing valuable information to the citizens of Vancouver and British Columbia.  His reports showed that the streets of BC are not safe because of the lack of officers as well as the amount of impaired drivers being let go without being charged or placed in jail.  His reports show that there is an urgent need to do something about impaired driving and policing in BC. 

Through his continues efforts and dedication to his work, we hope that the changes will come as soon as possible. 

2005 National Award Recipient

Dr. Stephen Fleming

Stephen is a professor in the Department of Psychology at York University, is the author of numerous book chapters, articles and presentation on the grief experience of children adolescence and adults.  Whenever asked, he is always there for MADD Canada, whether doing a keynote address or workshop at the victims weekend. He has conducted studies on grief as a result of sudden loss with the purpose of providing victims of impaired driving with scientific research that can be used in civil cases.

An expert in the field of dealing with the loss of a loved one, many victims at MADD Canada have been grateful recipients of his words of comfort and compassion to help them survive the grief resulting from sudden loss or injury.

2005 National Award Recipient

The Late Chuck Cadman

Mr. Cadman was a man that was dedicated in making a difference in Canadian Society. A Certified electrical and engineering technician and a musician, Mr. Cadman decided to change professions and go into politics, after going through a tragedy of his own. His son was attacked and killed by a group of young people

Mr. Cadman dedicated his time in parliament to changing the young offenders act.  His hard work was rewarded with the adopted Youth Criminal Justice Act .

He pushed the government to adopt a change in policy for the amount of blood alcohol level to be reduced to .05mg from .08mg, something that MADD Canada supports and continues to lobby for. Mr. Cadman is survived be his wife Donna and daughter Jodi and is greatly missed by all.

2004 National Award Recipient

Ken J. Davies, Vancouver, British Columbia

Ken Davies retired from the Vancouver Police Department after 30 years of service. Ken worked in many different areas, but his principal focus has always been traffic safety. He worked in the Traffic Section as a Constable, Corporal, Sergeant and finally as the Inspector in Charge. He worked the first Counter Attack roadblock in Vancouver in 1977. He has worked with the City Analysts’ Lab to develop blood/alcohol testing for injured drivers and managed the Videotaping of Impaired Drivers’ program with funding from the Solicitor General’s Ministry.

Throughout his career he has participated in committees, programs and projects to reduce the carnage on BC roads. Inspector Davies directed the use of DNA analysis to convict drivers involved in fatal collisions and introduced the concept of charging competing drivers in street racing as “Party to the Offence” for charges relating to fatal collisions. Currently Mr. Davies teaches at the Justice Institute in the Police Academy and is involved with police/traffic safety training in the United Emirates. Mr. Davies’ long term passion to traffic safety and his commitment to eradicate impaired driving is truly remarkable and deserves recognition as a Citizen of Distinction, Long term Service Category.

2003 National Award Recipient

John Banovich, White Rock, British Columbia

Nominated by the Greater Vancouver Chapter, in the Prevention/Education Category, John’s passion and dedication to stop impaired driving is obvious in everything he does. In 1997, John was a victim of a drunk driver. Unable to work for many months he has endured 60 reconstructive surgeries. In spite of the pain and ongoing therapy sessions, John volunteers to do countless personal appearances to speak to hundreds of high school students about the dangers of impaired driving. He’s been instrumental in producing hard-hitting, award-winning public service announcements, at no charge to MADD Greater Vancouver. John Banovich is truly on a mission, a mission to stop impaired driving through education and prevention.

2002 Winners

Ian Marples

Allan McIntyre

Heather McCaig

Wendy Reynolds

2001 Winners

Connie Bates

Robert Soloman

Roger F. Cutler

Sharon-Lee Wideman

Canadian Medical Association

Pioneers

In 2000, MADD Canada recognized four individuals as the organization’s early pioneers who played a significant role in getting the various regional anti-drinking and driving movements organized in Canada. These four individuals are not an exclusive list to the pioneer classification.

John Bates
Margaret Taylor
Gladys Armstrong
Sally Gribble (posthumously)

 

 




 


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