Honourary Gala Chair Ken Taylor

Ken Taylor is a former Canadian Ambassador to Iran who, in 1980, risked his own life to help save the lives of six American hostages during the Iran crisis. Mr. Taylor, a well-known and respected diplomat, is a recipient of the United States Congressional Gold Medal and the Order of Canada. Having resigned in 1984 from the Canadian Foreign Service, he has worked extensively in the private sector and has served as a board member for a range of companies in Canada, the US and Mexico. Mr. Taylor provides counsel to clients on issues of political risk, international marketing and strategic accommodation with government.

2013 Oolagen Award Recipient – Michael Landsberg

We at Oolagen are proud to present this year’s award to Michael Landsberg in recognition of his commitment to raising the profile and understanding of mental health issues.

Michael is one of the best-known personalities in Canadian broadcasting and has been the host of Off The Record (OTR), TSN’s highly acclaimed 30-minute daily sports debate show since the show’s debut in 1997. Twice nominated for the Gemini Award for Best Host or Interviewer in a Sports Program or Sportscast, Landsberg was Whistler Host for Olympic Daytime on CTV during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Active in charitable causes, he recently began speaking publicly about his 14-year battle with depression. He now considers his ability to help reduce the stigma of mental illness as his most professional calling.