President's Award

The President’s Award is granted to an individual who has made a positive impact on Canadian society and is regarded as a change agent in education, social policy development or philanthropic endeavour.  The most recent recipient is Jean Vanier founder of the international movement of L’Arche communities.  For a full list of past recipients visit our President's Award Archives.

Jean Vanier Acclaimed as “a Canadian who inspires the world” (Maclean’s Magazine), Jean Vanier is the founder of the international movement of L’Arche communities,where people who have developmental disabilities and the friends who assist them create homes and share life together.

Born in 1928 in Geneva, Switzerland, where his father was serving as a Canadian diplomat, he is the son of Governor-General Georges Vanier and Pauline Vanier. At just 13, he persuaded his father to permit him to enter England’s Royal Naval Academy.  He served in the British Navy and then the Royal Canadian Navy. In 1950, looking for deeper meaning in his life, he resigned his commission in the navy and received a doctorate in philosophy. He then began teaching at St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, before returning once again  to France. Distressed by the plight of people with developmental disabilities, in 1964 he welcomed two men from an institution to live with him in a little home he called “L’Arche,” after Noah’s ark. L’Arche grew quickly as this new way of sharing life together in community with people who would otherwise be shut away in institutions. Today, there are 130 L’Arche communities in 30 countries on six continents.

Jean Vanier has become a leader in consciousness-raising about the suffering of all who are marginalized. He is internationally recognized for his social and spiritual leadership in building a compassionate society. Vanier resides in the original L’Arche community in Trosly-Breuil, France, when he is not travelling and speaking.

On, Thursday, October 16th, 2008, CSTD President Lynn Johnston honoured Jean Vanier with the 2008 President's Award. Jean Vanier was in Calcutta and could not accept the award in person. Instead, he sent avideo in advance. Nathan Ball, Executive Director of L'Arche Canada Foundation, and Gordon Henry also were present to accept the award on his behalf.