The Annual Churchill Award Dinner

November 25, 2026

The Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy is pleased to announce that The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, former Premier of Ontario, will be this year’s recipient of the Award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy.

Dalton McGuinty served as the 24th Premier of Ontario from 2003 to 2013. As leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, he delivered three consecutive election victories, marking the party’s first such feat in more than a century. During his tenure, his government introduced full-day kindergarten across Ontario, significantly reduced health care wait times, and made major investments in education and public infrastructure. One of his most notable environmental accomplishments was the elimination of coal-fired power plants, representing the largest greenhouse gas reduction initiative in North America. His government also established the Greenbelt, permanently protecting a vast area of environmentally sensitive land around the Greater Toronto Area.

Before entering provincial politics, McGuinty practiced law and was first elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa South in 1990, a seat he held for over two decades. He became leader of the Ontario Liberal Party in 1996, rebuilding the party during a challenging period and leading it back to power in 2003. Following his time in office, McGuinty has remained engaged in public service and policy discussions, including work in education, climate change, and democratic governance. He is also the author of two books, Making a Difference (2015) and Be a Good One: Words to Lead By (2025). His legacy is often associated with a focus on pragmatic reform, social investment, and long-term environmental stewardship.

This award has previously been presented to distinguished Canadians, most recently to Rt. Hon Brian Mulroney, Rt. Hon Jean Chrétien, and Hon. Rona Ambrose.

The award will be presented at a gala dinner on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at The Quay, in the Toronto Region Board of Trade building.

Table sales for the ceremony will be announced shortly. Individual tickets for Society members and non-members will go on sale in July.