His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston receives EY’s Supporter of Entrepreneurship special citation in Ontario

TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2013 /CNW/ – EY honoured his Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston with a special citation for his unwavering commitment to and support of entrepreneurship in Ontario. The 20^th anniversary EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Supporter of Entrepreneurship Award recognizes his many contributions to Canada’s rich entrepreneurial culture, specifically in the Waterloo region. The award was presented at EY’s Ontario Entrepreneur Of The Year gala last night.

“His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston has stood as an inspiration for generations of entrepreneurs,” says Colleen McMorrow, EY Partner and the National and Ontario Entrepreneur Of The Year program director, and EY Canada’s Strategic Growth Markets leader. “His vision to combine scientific research and entrepreneurial zeal in the Waterloo region has helped businesses do what they do best — move the economy forward. We’re very proud to honour his leadership and commitment with this special citation.”

Johnston is passionate about the many ways in which educational institutions can influence Canada’s economic development. As president of the University of Waterloo, he made that real by fostering research and development in the region. Under his leadership, the Perimeter Institute, the Institute for Quantum Computing, the Centre for Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology and the Research Institute for Aging were established, among other outstanding achievements. In 2011, the University renamed its state-of-the-art research park the David Johnston Research and Technology Park in recognition of his leading role in establishing the inspiring centre of innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization.

“By fostering ways to bring the developments first nurtured in Waterloo to commercial markets, Johnston has helped make Canada a top country for entrepreneurship,” explains McMorrow, referring to EY’s G20 Entrepreneurship Barometer, which recently ranked Canada as a “top 5” country for entrepreneurship.

“In the Waterloo region, Johnston’s vision proved the power of three: governments, entrepreneurs and corporations working together foster sustainable growth,” adds McMorrow. “By sharing his inspiring story, we hope to encourage all entrepreneurs to aspire to the heights he’s achieved, and to collaborate with one another, as well as with educational institutions, governments, incubators and other stakeholders to build a brighter future.”

The EY Support of Entrepreneurship Award is about more than just recognition. The award recognizes moral philanthropy — a priceless giving that encourages and inspires others. It celebrates the kind of public mentorship needed to continually renew Canada’s business ecosystem by spotlighting business and community leadership at the highest level.

Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates the contribution and spirit of entrepreneurs everywhere. The Canadian program is celebrating in its 20^th year of honouring the country’s most impressive entrepreneurs from all areas of business. Award finalists are chosen based on their vision, leadership, financial success and social responsibility.

The Ontario category winners were announced at the gala last night. The overall Ontario winner — Geoffrey Smith of EllisDon Corporation — will compete with winners from the Atlantic, Quebec, Prairies and Pacific regions at the national gala in Toronto on 27 November.

Read the full story here