PPF Names Award for Frank McKenna

OTTAWA, NOV. 21, 2017 -– The Public Policy Forum is pleased to announce that it has named its annual award for outstanding contributions to public policy by Atlantic Canadians in honour of Frank McKenna, one of the region’s most accomplished leaders. The Frank McKenna Award for Leadership in Public Policy will be presented to individuals who have made substantial contributions to public policy debate and decisions in one of the four Atlantic provinces, the overall region or nationally.

“Frank has been the indefatigable champion of New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada for more than 30 years,” says Edward Greenspon, President and CEO of the Public Policy Forum. “Wherever he is and whatever he does, he never loses sight of his responsibility to the region that shaped him.”

“Our policy award in Western Canada is named in honour of Peter Lougheed. Frank is his eastern counterpart in putting place before politics.”

Since 2013, the PPF has presented awards to distinguished Atlantic Canadians who have built bridges between sectors, contributed to public policy and shown exceptional leadership. Previous honourees include the Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain, the Hon. Myra Freeman, Tom Traves and Aldéa Landry. Nominations for the 2018 awards are being accepted until Nov. 30, 2017.

“The world is rapidly transforming, presenting both opportunity and challenge for Atlantic Canada,” says Frank McKenna. “We must continue to develop public policy that ensures our region and future generations are set up for success. To this end, it’s vital we recognize and celebrate those who influence and implement policies that help us live better lives today and down the road.”

Mr. McKenna is the Deputy Chair of TD Bank Group, a three-term Premier of New Brunswick and Canada’s former ambassador to the United States. He is sought out widely for his leadership and knowledge of both the private and public sector.

The awards will be presented on March 21, 2018 in Fredericton, New Brunswick during the first PPF Atlantic Summit & Frank McKenna Awards. The day-long Summit, which Mr. McKenna will attend, is the first public event of the PPF’s new three-year research project on immigration and retention in Atlantic Canada. Mr. McKenna will speak at the awards dinner in the evening.