Animal Health Canada honours deserving recipients at the annual AHC Awards

Last night, Animal Health Canada recognized four deserving individuals making a difference in Canadian farmed animal health and welfare at the AHC Awards 2024 Ceremony in Ottawa, Ontario.

From left to right: AHC industry co-chair, Dr. Leigh Rosengren, Steve Leech, Dr. Mike Petrik, Dr. Murray Gillies, Dr. Ed Pajor, AHC government co-chair, Dr. Keith Lehman

The Carl Block Award is presented to an individual for outstanding contributions in the field of livestock animal health in memory of Carl Block, a cattleman whose tireless dedication to Canadian agriculture and commitment to animal health will long be remembered. Dr. Ed Pajor was presented the award for his outstanding contributions to advancing animal health through research, tireless commitment to animal welfare, and dedication to shaping the next generation of veterinary professionals. Read full news release here.

The Leadership in Collaboration Award is intended to recognize an individual’s commitment to farmed animal health and welfare through the promotion of public-private collaboration. The 2024 award went to Steve Leech for his 20-year career dedicated to improving animal health and welfare within the Canadian chicken sector. Read full news release here.

New for this year is the Emerging Leadership Award. Intended for emerging leaders in One Health or One Welfare who are in the first 10 years of their professional career, recipients of this award must have demonstrated a commitment to farmed animal health and welfare through organizational involvement, research, extension, policy development, program delivery or any other area that advances animal agriculture. Dr. Murray Gillies received the award for his significant contributions to farmed animal health, with a leadership style that fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors. Read full news release here.

Also new this year is the Farm Animal Welfare Leadership Award, which honours individuals who promote high standards in farmed animal care and work collaboratively to build trust both within Canadian animal agriculture and beyond. Dr. Mike Petrik was recognized this year for his passion to improve farm animal welfare on farms, hatcheries, classrooms and meeting rooms across Canada. Read full news release here.

The AHC Awards Ceremony was part of the organization’s annual Forum that is taking place in Ottawa, Ontario. This year, almost 200 in-person and virtual attendees are taking part in the AHC Forum on October 8 and 9. With the theme Coordination - Collaboration - Communication --> ACTION!, it provides an opportunity for stakeholders in Canada’s animal health and welfare system to gather to hear from speakers on topical issues, learn more about AHC’s activities and priorities, and to share actions and initiatives in relation to animal health and welfare.

Learn more about the Animal Health Canada awards here.