Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Premier's Awards!
COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT
Aaron Dale & Jeremy Burns
DURHAM COLLEGE
Military Veterans Wellness Program Coordinator
Police Constable, First Class, Toronto Police Service
Police Foundation, 2005
Penology and Youth, 2005
Law and Security Administration, 2004
Aaron Dale and Jeremy Burns — police officers and Canadian Armed Forces veterans — co-founded the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP) in 2019, a nationally adopted and globally expanding initiative that equips police to support veterans in crisis. Now in place at more than 90 police agencies, the MVWP has provided training and resources to over 18,000 officers across Canada and connected hundreds of veterans with urgent care. Endorsed at all levels of government and recognized by international policing bodies, the program helps to reshape policy across borders. As Ontario college graduates, Dale and Burns draw on their education and lived experience to advance public safety and save lives.
CULTURAL AND CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENT
Solomon King
GEORGIAN COLLEGE
Owner and Principal Designer, Stone Artisan Studios
Cabinetmaking Technique, 2018
Solomon King, an esteemed Indigenous artist, honours his heritage through intricate wood and stone creations. His dedication to preserving Indigenous culture has earned him acclaim, with works displayed at prominent venues such as Nathan Phillips Square and the University of Toronto. Committed to reconciliation, he crafted a monumental turtle sculpture commemorating residential school survivors. Harnessing skills honed through the cabinetmaking techniques program at Georgian College, King seamlessly integrates woodwork with stonemasonry, enriching his artistry and construction business. Over 18 years, he has trained many individuals, some of whom have received Red Seal accreditation. His vision extends to future workshops, nurturing a legacy of craftsmanship.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mia Pearson
HUMBER POLYTECHNIC
Serial Entrepreneur and Pioneer, Canadian Public Relations
Public Relations, 1992
A renowned entrepreneur and prominent figure in Canadian media and public relations, Mia Pearson co-founded High Road Communications, transforming it into a world-class agency working with iconic brands. Her second venture, North Strategic, became one of Canada’s most decorated firms, with spin-off Notch Video launching as the first online community for digital content creation and generating significant revenue in its first year. Advising C-suite executives navigating contentious brand and reputational risks while redrawing Canada’s PR map, Pearson was inducted into Women’s Executive Network’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada Hall of Fame.
FRANCOPHONE OUTREACH
Xavier Brassard-Bédard
COLLÉGE LA CITÉ
CEO, Télévision française de l’Ontario (TFO)
Journalism, 2003
Xavier Brassard-Bédard is the CEO of Télévision française de l’Ontario (TFO) and a journalist by training. He began his media career at Radio-Canada in Ottawa and Toronto, and later spent 15 years as an executive with TVA, including four years as general manager. Since first engaging with Franco-Ontarian culture as a student and young writer for a Francophone heritage organization, Brassard-Bédard has remained a strong advocate for French-speaking communities across Canada. He has led efforts to preserve their access to relevant news by maintaining regional Francophone news stations and launching projects that celebrate Francophone diversity.
HEALTH CARE AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
Megan Walker
CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Founder and CEO, WeeCare Pediatric Home Health Care
Practical Nursing, 2019
Megan Walker is the founder and CEO of WeeCare Pediatric Home Health Care and a nationally recognized advocate for pediatric care, accessibility and inclusive community development. She was the first registered practical nurse to receive the Nurse Innovator Award and is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions to health care. Walker also founded WillowCare, which serves adults, and co-founded Ubuntu WeeCare, the first special needs centre in Burundi. A board member with the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario, she is also a published author and speaker who promotes pediatric-specific care models globally. Her work continues to break down barriers, advance equity and build inclusive, compassionate communities for children with complex medical needs.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH (STEM) INNOVATION
Walter LaPlante
ST. CLAIR COLLEGE
Controls and Industrial Connectivity Supervisor, Stamping Engineering, Ford Motor Company
Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, 2009
Walter LaPlante, a Deaf leader at Ford Motor Company, has led technological innovation to improve product quality across 20 manufacturing plants worldwide. He began his career at Ford in 2014 as a production supervisor and now oversees controls and industrial connectivity in stamping engineering. LaPlante developed MAIVS, a mobile vision system that uses artificial intelligence to detect manufacturing defects in real time. His work has earned multiple honours, including the Henry Ford Technology Award, and has contributed to improved efficiency, cost savings and standardization. LaPlante holds patents related to vehicle inspection and AI-powered quality control. He credits his hands-on college education and personal drive for shaping both his success and his advocacy for the Deaf community.
WORKFORCE AND SKILLED TRADES ADVANCEMENT
Patrick Moore
ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE
Founder and Owner, AutoNiche Inc.
Program Manager, Amor Construction
Carpenter, Advanced, Apprenticeship, 2009
Patrick Moore is a craftsman and construction manager known for his work in historic carpentry and heritage restoration. After earning trade diplomas and completing an apprenticeship through Ontario colleges, he became the first English speaker to complete France’s master’s program in carpentry, where he studied the traditional craft of stereotomy. Moore teaches internationally, manages complex heritage construction projects in Canada and has received several awards for his contributions to the skilled trades. He also runs a school dedicated to teaching stereotomy and continues to mentor the next generation of tradespeople.