Carl Block Award

Nomination form

History and Recipients

This award was named in honour of Carl Block, a cattleman whose tireless dedication to Canadian agriculture and commitment to animal health will long be remembered. He was the first chair of the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency-the agency responsible for administering the national cattle identification program. He was also a Director of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, the inaugural chairman of the Canadian Animal Health Coalition and a former President of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association.

Originally from Alberta, Mr. Block moved to Saskatchewan in 1986 and operated a 900 head cow-calf and backgrounding operation. He died in a plane crash on May 29, 2002. Condolence statements on his untimely passing were made in the Saskatchewan’s Legislative Assembly in May 2002 and he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame in November 2004. A bronze plaque in his honour hangs in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Carl Block Award was presented by the Canadian Animal Health Coalition until 2018, and will be continued by Animal Health Canada in 2022.

The following leaders in Canadian animal agriculture have been selected as the recipients of the Carl Block Award:

  • 2003 – Rick McRonald, Canadian Livestock Genetics Association
  • 2004 – Matt Taylor, Canadian Animal Health Coalition
  • 2005 – Dr. Norm Willis, The Norm Willis Group
  • 2006 – Gordon Coukell, Dairy Farmers of Ontario
  • 2007 – Dr. John Campbell, Western College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 2008 – Herb McLane, Canadian Beef Breeds Council
  • 2009 – Dr. Gordon Dittberner
  • 2010 – Dr. Ed Empringham, Canadian Animal Health Coalition
  • 2011 – Clare Schlegel
  • 2012 – Dr. Daniel Hurnik, University of Prince Edward Island
  • 2013 – Rob McNabb, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
  • 2014 – Dr. Paula Menzies, University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College
  • 2015 ‐ Ray Armbruster
  • 2016 – Dr. Grant Maxie, University of Guelph
  • 2017 – Dr. Duane Landals
  • 2018 – Dr. Eugene Janzen
  • 2022 - Dr. Jim Fairles
  • 2023 - Dr. Jean-Pierre Vallancourt
  • 2023 - Lifetime Achievement Award - Jean Szkcotnicki

Recipients will demonstrate leadership, commitment and passion for enhancing animal agriculture in Canada.  Leadership, commitment and passion may be demonstrated in organizational involvement, research, extension, policy development, program delivery or any other area that advances animal agriculture.  Animal health and animal welfare in animal agriculture are priority considerations for this award.  This award is open to individuals involved in non-government organizations.

Nominations may be made by individuals or organizations and must be made before the deadline included in the call for nominations. 

Criteria

  • Nominees will only be considered if the accompanying application form is used.
  • Nominees must not be employed in government but government experience may be considered if the nominee has continued to contribute in a non-government role.
  • The key considerations are leadership, commitment and passion for enhancing animal agriculture in Canada.
  • The selection committee will consider applications with the following framework.

Leadership

Leaders are motivational; leaders have not just ideas but accomplishments; leadership can be measured by impact

  • Involvement in industry or professional boards and committees
  • Active participation and leadership on industry and industry/government committees focused on animal health and welfare
  • Demonstration of creating impact through influence
  • Demonstration of mentorship – future leader development             
  • Demonstration of innovative solutions in research, policy, program delivery or farming which enhance animal health and welfare 

Commitment

Commitment is the state or quality of being dedicated and engaged to a cause or activity

  • Demonstration of continuing commitment to enhancement of animal health and welfare throughout career
  • Long standing career with multiple influences
  • Commitment to collaborative approaches and continuous improvement 

Passion

Passion is defined as a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something

  • Demonstration of passion for the animal agriculture industry, animal health and animal welfare – a commitment beyond just working in the industry.

Nomination form