The Symons Medal recognizes individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to Canadian life. Presented annually by Confederation Centre of the Arts, the medal and its associated lecture offer a national platform for eminent Canadians to discuss the nation’s current state and prospects using themes related to their professional pursuits. This year, four former premiers will be awarded the prestigious Symons Medal to mark the 20th anniversary of the event.

Christy Clark, 35th premier of British Columbia
Dr. Philippe Couillard, 31st premier of Quebec
Joseph Handley, 10th premier of the Northwest Territories
Frank McKenna, 27th premier of New Brunswick and 20th Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America.

Each medallist will give a short lecture and then join a panel discussion, which will be moderated by Rosemary Barton – an award-winning journalist and CBC’s chief political correspondent.

The Symons Trust Endowment Fund

The Symons Trust Endowment Fund was created in 1994 to help finance heritage programming, specifically The Symons Medal Presentation And Lecture. All donations to this fund are eligible for up to dollar-for-dollar matching through the Endowment Incentives component of the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Investment Fund. To donate online please enter an amount below:

Just announced: New Symons Medal book celebrates 20 years of reflection on Canada 

Co-published by the University of Ottawa Press and Confederation Centre of the Arts, The Symons Medal: Twenty Years of Reflection on an Evolving Canada describes the origin and purpose of the Symons Medal since its inception in 2004, and shares the stories of 27 medallists through historical photographs and personal anecdotes.   

The new book can be purchased at the 2024 Symons Medal Presentation and Lecture, taking place at the Centre on Tuesday, October 15. There is no cost to attend the lecture, but patrons must have a ticket to enter the event.