Margaret Hilson has done much to shape Canada's reputation as a leader in health promotion. A nurse by training, she heads the international program at the Canadian Public Health Association and is past president of the World Federation of Public Health Associations. She has helped to create and implement many major programs targeting issues such as family and reproductive health and AIDS. Her expertise has been sought by the World Health Organization and several other important health policy institutions. In recognition of her commitment and drive, she received the first-ever international achievement award of the Florence Nightingale International Foundation.