Topics and moderator announced for historic 2024 Symons Medal Presentation and Lecture

September 12, 2024 – Four former premiers will speak about creating a harmonious country, embracing change, Indigenous self-governance, Quebec affirmation, and more at Confederation Centre of the Arts on October 15 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Symons Medal Presentation and Lecture, the 60th anniversary of the Centre, and the 160th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference.

The Symons Medal is a prestigious award that recognizes individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to Canadian life. Held annually, the medal presentation 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, the Symons Medal will be awarded to four former premiers; Christy Clark, 35th premier of British Columbia; Dr. Philippe Couillard, 31st premier of Quebec; Joseph Handley, 10th premier of the Northwest Territories; and Frank McKenna, 27th premier of New Brunswick and 20th Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America.

The Symons Medal Lecture is typically delivered by one person, but this year’s event will feature a new format. Each medallist will give a short lecture and then join a panel discussion.

Clark will comment on divisiveness in politics and the lessons she learned during her time as premier. Couillard will ruminate on Quebec’s distinct history and culture, and the importance of finding unity in a polarizing society. Handley will speak about significant events, agreements, and developments that have shaped the role of Indigenous people in Canada and the North. And McKenna will reflect on our rapidly changing world and deliver a hopeful message about Canada’s achievements and future potential.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Rosemary Barton, an award-winning journalist and CBC’s chief political correspondent.

“Confederation Centre of the Arts is a convening place for diverse voices to share perspectives and ideas about Canada,” says Centre CEO Steve Bellamy. “With four medallists bringing insights from various regions of the country and different sides of the political spectrum, this year’s lectures will cover an especially wide breadth of topics.”

Robert Sear, Centre board chair, and co-chair of the Symons Medal Committee, adds, “For 60 years, Confederation Centre of the Arts has been where Canada connects on how the country’s identity continues to evolve. We are thrilled to be presenting this historic 20th edition of the Symons Medal Presentation and Lecture that will continue a legacy of providing opportunities for engaging discourse on important issues.”

The Symons Medal is named after the late Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, the founding president of Trent University and a long-time board member and supporter of Confederation Centre of the Arts. Symons was widely recognized for his work in the field of Canadian Studies, particularly in the areas of public policy, heritage, and education.

Since 2004, the Centre has honoured 23 distinguished individuals with the Symons Medal, including former senator Murray Sinclair, broadcast journalist Shelagh Rogers, former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed, diplomat Bob Rae, and Governor General Mary Simon.

The 2024 Symons Medal Presentation and Lecture will take place at Confederation Centre of the Arts on Tuesday, October 15 at 1 p.m. and will also be livestreamed on the Centre’s YouTube and Facebook channels.

Tickets are available now to Centre members and to the public starting on Friday, September 13. Tickets can be booked online at confederationcentre.com, via phone at 1-800-565-0278, or in person at the Centre’s box office.

There is no cost to attend the lecture, but patrons must have a ticket to enter the event. Donations can be made to the Symons Trust Endowment Fund of the Confederation Centre of the Arts Foundation.

For more information about the Symons Medal, visit confederationcentre.com/symons.

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Media Contact:
Emily McMahon, Communications Manager, Confederation Centre of the Arts
[email protected] | 902-628-6135

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About the 2024 Symons Medallists:

Christy Clark, 35th premier of British Columbia
Christy Clark is the longest-serving female premier in Canadian history, and the only woman in Canada ever to be re-elected as premier, making an indelible mark on the Canadian political landscape. Her legacy is marked by a deep commitment to planning for future generations, and leaving behind a province with a diversified economy, expanded market opportunities, a visionary clean energy plan, billions of dollars invested in infrastructure, and a significant reduction in the public debt burden to be carried by future generations of British Columbians.

The Honourable Dr. Philippe Couillard PC, 31st premier of Quebec
Dr. Philippe Couillard served as Chief Surgeon in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Hôpital Saint-Luc in Montreal, later co-founding the Dhahran Department of Neurosurgery in Saudi Arabia. Upon his return to Canada, he served as professor at Université de Sherbrooke from 1996 to 2003 and chairman of surgery at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke from 2000 to 2003. First elected to the Quebec National Assembly in 2003, Philippe Couillard has served as Quebec Minister of Health and Social Services and, in 2013, became the 31st Premier of Quebec.

Joseph Handley, 10th premier of the Northwest Territories
Following a career as an educator, Joseph “Joe” Handley worked as deputy minister for several departments within the government of the Northwest Territories, leaving in 1999 to run successfully for election to the NWT Legislative Assembly. He held several cabinet portfolios, including Finance and Transportation. In 2003, he ran unopposed for the territories’ premiership. Joe has also been the recipient of a number of awards including the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (2008).

The Honourable Frank McKenna PC OC ONB KC F.ICD, 27th premier of New Brunswick, 20th Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America
Frank McKenna is one of Canada’s most respected political and business leaders. He was elected Premier of New Brunswick in 1987, where he served for 10 years. In 2005 he was named Canadian Ambassador to the United States. Since 2006, he has worked as an executive with TD Bank Group, and in 2020 joined TD Securities.

About the moderator:
Rosemary Barton is an award-winning journalist and the first woman to hold the position of CBC’s chief political correspondent. Barton guides viewers with daily political coverage on CBC News and leads political specials for CBC News. She hosts The National’s At Issue panel; co-hosts the weekly CBC Podcast Party Lines; and delivers a weekly dose of political news affecting Canadians on Sunday mornings as the host of Rosemary Barton Live. In 2016 she received the Canadian Screen Award for best host of a news or information program for CBC News Network’s Power & Politics.