The Egerton Ryerson Award is presented annually to a person or persons who have been both active and public in their advocacy for strong public education. The award recognizes the deep value of learning – from the early years until graduation from high school – and those who have made the connection between strong public education, social cohesion, and strong and engaged societies.
The evening
The Egerton Ryerson Award for dedication to public education is named for the founder of Canada’s public education system, who believed that education should be free for all. This year, educators, researchers, and supporters alike came together to remember and honour the late Avie Bennett for his dedication to public education.
The evening was hosted by the Honourable Bob Rae, with tributes from Avie’s friends, family, colleagues, and supporters.
Welcome:
- Valérie Picher – Associate Vice-President, Community Relations, TD Bank Group
Annie Kidder presents the Egerton Ryerson Award to Paul Bennett, son of the late Avie Bennett
Tributes:
- The Honourable Kathleen Wynne – Premier (video tribute)
- Margaret Atwood, CC, OOnt, FRSC – Author (written tribute)
- Karen Kain, CC – Artistic Director, National Ballet of Canada (written tribute)
- The Honourable William Davis, PC, CC, QC – former Ontario Premier (written tribute)
- David Staines, CM, OOnt – Literary critic, Professor
- Sheldon Levy – CEO, Next Canada
Award presentation:
- Judy Mathews – Philanthropist and great, great granddaughter of Egerton Ryerson
- Annie Kidder – Executive Director, People for Education
- Paul Bennett – son of Avie Bennett
Margaret Atwood and Karen Kain, who could not be with us for the ceremony, provided written tributes:
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Remembering Avie Bennett
Avie was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist. His dedication to public education has taken many forms, including serving as the tenth Chancellor of York University from 1998 to 2004. Together with the Honourable William G. Davis, he created a series of bursaries for students attending Sheridan College, and he created a scholarship fund for Indigenous students.
Avie received many honours, including three honorary degrees, an Order of Canada, for which he holds the highest rank of Companion, and an Order of Ontario. He was a great philanthropist, gifting McClelland & Stewart to the University of Toronto, and giving generously to the National Ballet of Canada and the Art Gallery of Ontario, among other arts, culture, and education charities.
Our sponsors
Presentingsponsor: |
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Academiccircle: |
The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain |
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Scholars’ circle: |
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Learners’ circle: |
McLean Smits Family Foundation |
Charles S. Coffey |
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Supporters’ circle:Dominic D’AlessandroIra Gluskin and Maxine Granovsky Gluskin Charitable Foundation |
Other generous Egerton Ryerson Award donors:Gabe Gonda, Peter Herrndorf, Frank Iacobucci, Tim Kotcheff, Clifford Lax, the Honourable Bob Rae, Lionel Schipper, Gerald Sheff, Herbert Solway, Greg Sorbara, and the George and Helen Vari Foundation |
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The evening in pictures
 Annie Kidder, Paul Bennett, and Catherine Olsen |
 Event speakers Valérie Picher, Judy Matthews, the Honourable Bob Rae, Sheldon Levy, Annie Kidder, David Staines, and Paul Bennett |
 Annie Kidder with Elaine Botnick-Mann, Professor Sue Winton, Lyndon Martin, Lisa Gleava, and Alice Pitt of York University, a valued event sponsor |
 Ian Byrd, John Weatherup, and Colleen Costa the Toronto Education Workers, an event sponsor, with Annie Kidder |
 Ryerson Award Nominating Commitee members Charles Coffey, Dr. John Mighton, and Arlene Perly-Rae, with Annie Kidder |
 Mary Linton, Joanne Robinson, and Joseph Walker of the Ontario Principals’ Council, a Scholar’s Circle sponsor |