• Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Order of Canada

• Officer of the Order of Canada

  • Awarded on: May 6, 1998
  • Invested on: October 22, 1998

  His abiding concern for the disadvantaged of society has inspired others to invest in people, our most valuable resource. As President of Calmeadow, he has broadened the scope of the work of this non-profit development agency in providing loans to those who need them most. He has been the driving force behind the initiation of peer-group lending systems so that low-income and self-employed people, particularly women, have access to credit in order to develop their entrepreneurial skills. Thanks to his untiring efforts and dedication, this idea of micro-credit has improved income levels, generated employment and enhanced the dignity, self-reliance and quality of life for poor people in many Canadian and Third World communities. This is a promotion within the Order.

• Member of the Order of Canada

  • Awarded on: October 27, 1993
  • Invested on: April 13, 1994

  He is a business executive and devoted community volunteer who gives of his energy, time, resources and expertise to charitable organizations. In particular, he is the driving force behind the IMAGINE program. Furthermore, as president of the Calmeadow Foundation, he has pioneered low-cost loans for small entrepreneurs in Canada's Native communities and in the Third World.