By Sophie Guilbault
The CRHNet Awards Program is a national awards program established to recognize and honour individuals participating in and contributing to the study and practice of disaster risk management. Recipients of the 2023 CRHNet awards were celebrated in March 2024 for their exemplary contributions to the field. The winners all demonstrated strong leadership in their respective organizations and the CRHNet Board of Directors and awards committee is thrilled to recognize their active engagement within our community. Learn more about each of our winners below.
The Larry Pearce Education Award
The Larry Pearce Education Award is offered by CRHNet members to deserving post-secondary students undertaking studies in any discipline related to Canadian disaster risk and/or emergency management. This competitive award is intended to encourage innovative disaster risk management work in Canada and defray the post-secondary education costs for recipients in the year the award is granted. Accordingly, recipients must be enrolled in full-time studies in the year in which the award is given.
Recipient: John Hooper
John recently graduated from the Master of Arts in Disaster and Emergency Management at Royal Roads University. Despite a busy career as a full-time firefighter, John successfully maintained an A+ standing in his graduate program. His academic achievements complement his robust work experience and volunteer contributions. Currently working as a structural firefighter with the District of North Vancouver, John was previously employed by the BC Wildfire Service where he assisted with the successful extinguishment of over 750,000 hectares across 25 separate fires. He has also volunteered in several DEM roles, including as a marine rescue specialist with the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Society, the North Shore Emergency Management Team and has been a volunteer crisis responder for the Kids Help Phone in Vancouver.
John’s dedication to academic excellence and his ability to balance his studies with a demanding career exemplify his unwavering commitment to both personal and professional growth and make him an outstanding recipient for the Larry Pearce Educational Award.
Marion Boon Mentorship Award
The Marion Boon Mentorship Award was established in 2020 to recognize exemplary mentorship and leadership in the field of disaster and emergency management. This award was created to acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting the development of emerging professionals through advocacy, collaboration, and the transparent sharing of learning, experiences, and ideas. It was named after Marion Boon.
Recipient: Nathan Innes
Nathan Innes’ nomination for the Marion Boon mentorship award came from several people who had the chance to witness his optimism, drive, initiative, and vision since he joined the field of Disaster and Emergency Management. Nathan was first recognized by his peers for his mentorship qualities when he became a student leader within the York University Undergraduate Disaster and Emergency Management (UDEM) student society. With the student society, he led crucial work to revitalize UDEM so that York University’s Disaster and Emergency Management undergraduate students would have a source of advocacy, representation with the program, and access to meaningful opportunities.
Nathan joined CRHNet a few years ago upon a recommendation from Marion Boon herself and his commitment to the network has been invaluable. At CRHNet, Nathan has been a founding member of the relaunched CRHNet Emerging Professionals (EP) Committee, where his passion for supporting EPs at a national level has really shone through. His commitment to providing meaningful events to support the development of EPs across Canada is invaluable and lives on today through the EP Committee. Nathan devotes himself to contemporary and emerging DEM professionals in his academic, professional and personal life. He has shown great passion and support for the field and is an invaluable member of the DEM community. We strongly believe that Nathan is an exceptional recipient for this award because of his tireless efforts to create opportunities for students and emerging professionals across Canada within the field of Disaster and Emergency Management (DEM).
Canadian Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Award
The Canadian Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Award is presented annually to nationally recognize extraordinary and exemplary volunteerism in the advancement of Canadian disaster risk management. This award is supported by CRHNet membership to encourage disaster risk management volunteerism and to profile exceptional contributions through volunteer work, volunteer initiatives, and volunteer programs. Up to three awards are granted annually.
Recipient: Simon Wells
Simon Wells is an emergency management and public service professional with over 15 years of experience. Simon brings both depth and breadth to the field, holding dual master’s degrees – one in Human Security and Peacebuilding from Royal Roads University and another in Business Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University – along with certifications in emergency management, business continuity, and logistics.
Simon’s impact is felt across all levels of response, from federal roles in major humanitarian and natural disaster operations to critical leadership during the pandemic and municipal public safety incidents. Known for his expertise in planning, Simon has also excelled in operations, logistics, project management, and leadership throughout numerous emergency responses.
Beyond his hands-on experience, Simon is the driving force behind the Canadian Journal of Emergency Management (CJEM). As its founder and Principal, he has been instrumental in building the journal’s reputation, tirelessly engaging staff, volunteers, and sponsors, and advocating for its role in the field. Though Simon is quick to attribute CJEM’s success to its governing and editorial boards, his dedication, vision, and behind-the-scenes work have been essential to the journal’s achievements.
Simon embodies a true spirit of volunteerism, always seeking to elevate the field of emergency management in Canada. Widely respected and deeply connected, he uses his vast network not for personal recognition, but to amplify the work and impact of CJEM. His commitment to strengthening the emergency management community and supporting this journal’s critical mission is truly inspiring and makes him an exceptional recipient for the Canadian Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Award.
T. Joseph Scanlon Lifetime Achievement Award
The CRHNet T. Joseph Scanlon Lifetime Achievement Award is the organization’s highest honour and is named after the late journalist, researcher, and professor T. Joseph Scanlon, for his lifetime contributions to disaster risk management. The award is presented annually to recognize the lifetime contributions and achievements of exemplary individuals to the enhancement of Canadian disaster safety. Eligibility for this award is open to all Canadians, and recognizes individual service to public safety through disaster management practice, research, education, and leadership.
Recipient: Michel Doré
Dr. Michel Doré has been awarded this year’s T. Joseph Scanlon Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to emergency management in Canada. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Dr. Doré has been a driving force in building resilience within Canadian communities. His leadership and expertise have been crucial in responding to some of Canada’s most significant disasters, including the 1996 Saguenay Floods, the 1998 Ice Storm, and the COVID-19 pandemic, among many others.
Dr. Doré’s influence is vast, from his roles as an Emergency Management Coordinator at the local and provincial levels to his tenure as Associate Deputy Minister for Québec, where he advocated for evidence-based approaches in emergency management. His efforts helped shape Canada’s first Emergency Management Framework, setting a standard for the country. Beyond his professional duties, Dr. Doré co-founded the Emergency Management NGO Consortium of Canada, led volunteer training programs, and has been an active air search and rescue volunteer with SERABEC/CASARA for the past decade.
In addition to his public service, Dr. Doré has made lasting academic contributions, authoring numerous papers and presentations and mentoring the next generation of emergency management professionals. His dedication to fostering collaboration across sectors and his commitment to volunteerism have strengthened Canada’s emergency management landscape. Dr. Michel Doré’s enduring legacy, servant leadership, and tireless advocacy for the profession make him exceptionally deserving of the T. Joseph Scanlon Lifetime Achievement Award.
Know someone who fits these descriptions?
Do these recipients sound like someone you know? Nominate your friends, colleagues, and peers through the CRHNet Awards Program page on CRHNet.