The award is presented to an individual whose personal or professional contributions in the aerospace industry span a minimum of 25 years. This person is someone whose distinguished lifetime achievement through the exploration, development or utilization of aviation, space, or defence have led to their wide recognition as a “champion” of aerospace industry.

Award Criteria

Nominees for the Lifetime Achievement award should meet the following criteria:

  • The nominee will have demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, promotion and consistent contribution to the continuous development of aerospace in Canada.
  • Be a globally-recognized industry leader in the aerospace industry
  • Someone who has created, led and/or promoted activities, projects or campaigns that have benefited the aerospace industry
  • Nominations should include a minimum 500 word essay on why the individual nominated should win the award
  • A short career description is required

Nominations

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Awards.

To nominate a candidate or sponsor an award, please contact Bill Yetman at byetman@aiac.ca .

Award Presentation

The Industry Excellence Awards are presented annually at the Annual Aerospace Dinner, which takes place during the Canadian Aerospace Summit. This event gathers attendees from all segments of the Canadian aerospace industry, other leading aerospace nations, various levels of government, the financial and investment community, and international and trade press.

This year’s Summit is November 5-6 at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

2023 Winners

Ken Rowe founded I.M.P. in 1967 and, as Executive Chairman, remains active in guiding the vision for the Group, one of the largest privately-owned businesses in Nova Scotia.  The strength of its core operating divisions — aerospace, aviation, airline, healthcare and commercial — has made I.M.P. Group one of Canada’s most successful companies.  Today, I.M.P. employs over 3,500 people across Canada and the United States and has been named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for the past six years.  I.M.P. also operates a very substantial industrial marine supply business, the largest Canadian-owned aerospace and general aviation service company, one of Canada’s largest charter airlines (CanJet), an IT enterprise solutions company and two hotels.

In 1993, Mr. Rowe was appointed Honourary Colonel by the Canadian Defence Department; in 2000, received an Honourary Diploma from Nova Scotia Community College; and, in 2002, was bestowed by Dalhousie University with an Honourary Doctor of Laws degree.  By profession he is Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators and the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Mr. Rowe is past director of a number of public companies, which included the Royal Bank of Canada and Nova Scotia Power Inc., and the recipient of numerous awards including the Order of Canada.  In 1992, Mr. Rowe received the Governor General of Canada’s Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada recognizing significant contribution to community and to Canada.  In 2005, Ernst & Young presented him with Entrepreneur of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards.  In 2009, Mr. Rowe was recognized as one of Canada’s outstanding aerospace visionaries by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada.

Previous Winners

  • Dr. John MacDonald (2018)
  • John Saabas (2019)
  • Simon Jacques & Barry Marsden (2022)