2019 Canada Institute Toronto Awards Dinner
On October 3, 2019 the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute honoured two distinguished leaders at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Ontario.
The Honourable John Manley, former Deputy Prime Minister, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and the Honourable Tom Ridge, Chairman of Ridge Global, and former United States Secretary for Homeland Security received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service in recognition of their contribution to enhancing the Canada – U.S. bilateral relationship following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 through the development of the Smart Border Declaration.
The Smart Border Declaration, created under the leadership of John Manley and Tom Ridge, is an important milestone in cross-border cooperation. At a time when world-changing events were pushing the United States towards a defensive, isolationist policy, Ridge and Manley recognized that United States’ security and prosperity was better served by strengthened relations with its neighbour and ally to the north.
Today, nearly two decades after 9/11, the Canada – U.S. relationship is once again under stress. While the global and regional context is different in 2019, the lessons learned are not. We believe that the example set by John Manley and Tom Ridge with the 2001 Smart Border Declaration and the robust Action Plan that followed are worthy of emulation in the present day. Our 2019 Awards Dinner not only recognized great accomplishments in the past but also inspires us towards greater cooperation in the future.
Since 1998, the Wilson Center has recognized exemplary individuals who reflect the values of the United States' 28th President, Woodrow Wilson, a leader who believed that "There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed."
Previous honorees of the Woodrow Wilson Award include His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston; Hillary Rodham Clinton; the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, and Mr. Stephen Lewis, to name a few.
Canada Institute Awards Dinner Photo Album
Tribute Video honouring the Honourable John Manley and the Honorable Tom Ridge
Wilson Center's Canada Institute video
Related Program
Canada Institute
The mission of the Wilson Center's Canada Institute is to raise the level of knowledge of Canada in the United States, particularly within the Washington, DC policy community. Research projects, initiatives, podcasts, and publications cover contemporary Canada, US-Canadian relations, North American political economy, and Canada's global role as it intersects with US national interests. Read more
