The Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service recognizes those who have made the world a better place through thoughtful discussion, philanthropy and selfless service
Canada’s top political satirist, Rick Mercer, of CBC Television’s THE RICK MERCER REPORT will be honoured on Wednesday, Oct. 16 with the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service. Mercer was chosen for his steadfast commitment to creating social change and for empowering audiences in Canada and beyond. He’s been recognized for bringing global awareness to numerous issues, including malaria prevention and treatment his position as co-chair of Plan Canada’s Spread the Net campaign, refugee relief through the New Hope Foundation, partnering with March of Dimes and the It Gets Better Project to aid children’s health advancements and bring awareness to the effects of bullying, and for preserving and furthering Canada’s cultural identity by supporting The Victoria Foundation and the Historica-Dominion Institute.
Established in 1998 by The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service is given to individuals who work tirelessly to improve quality of life within and beyond the borders of their homeland. Candidates are chosen by the Wilson Center’s Board of Trustees based on the criteria that the individual exemplify President Woodrow Wilson’s ideals of commitment, dedication and giving back to society. Past winners of this prominent accolade include Stephen Harper, Brian Mulroney, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Barbara Walters and Hilary Rodham Clinton.
St. John’s native Rick Mercer hosts the critically acclaimed CBC series THE RICK MERCER REPORT, a half-hour topical comedy series currently in its 11th season. Mercer began his career in comedy performing and writing a series of one-man stage shows. In 1993 he launched his television career as one of the creators, performers, and writers on the hit CBC series This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Since then, Mercer has been involved in numerous projects, including the satirical drama Made in Canada and renowned CBC Television special Talking to Americans.
A recipient of more than 25 Gemini Awards, Mercer received the Sir Peter Ustinov Award at the Banff Television Festival, was named Journalist of the Year at the Atlantic Journalism Awards, named Artist of the Year from the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, and has received a number of Canadian Comedy Awards. He is the sole civilian recipient of the Canadian Armed Forces Commander Land Forces, Command Commendation in recognition of his support of Canadian peacekeepers, and in 2004 he received the National Arts Centre Award at the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards. In 2012 Mercer received ACTRA Toronto’s 2012 Award of Excellence and the King Clancy Award from the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons. He also received a Diamond Jubilee Medal in celebration of the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.
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