Named after the distinguished Canadian physical educator, physician, and sculptor, the R. Tait McKenzie Lifetime Achievement award epitomizes Dr. R. Tait McKenzie’s professional ideals, service to humanity, and dedication to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of physical and health education, recreation, and dance. This award honours an individual's extraordinary and life-long dedication to the advancement of quality Physical and Health Education practices across Canada.
Nomination Period
The 2023-2024 nomination period has closed, thank you for your interest. Please check back in October 2024.
Number of Awards
Up to two (2) recipients are selected for this award each conference cycle.
Who may Nominate?
Anyone may nominate an individual, group, or organization for this award. This includes provincial/territorial physical and health education association members, PHE Canada and Provincial/Territorial Association staff, public health professionals, colleagues, parents, students, or any individual wishing to highlight the exceptional work of an individual, group or organization implementing a Health Promoting Schools program. Nominations from underrepresented groups are encouraged.
Eligibility
This award recognizes Canadians who have made significant impact on physical and health education and who have served the profession over an extended period of time. Nominations from underrepresented groups are encouraged. To qualify, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- at least 20 years experience as a teacher, researcher, coach, supervisor or administrator, etc.; and
- can demonstrate a life-long commitment to the advancement of quality Physical and Health Education in Canada through service as a recognized leader locally/regionally, nationally, and/or internationally.
- have made extraordinary and demonstrable efforts to support the delivery of quality physical and health education beyond their own setting.
The nomination form must be completed and submitted with:
- three nominators listed.
- biographical sketch of the nominee that is 250-300 words in length.
- nomination letter (1-2 page) from the first nominator, as well as two (2) additional one-page letters of reference that outline why the nominee deserves the Lifetime Achievement Award. a minimum of one letter must be from an individual with expertise in physical and/or health education, recreation, or dance.
- supporting documentation (not exceeding five pages) that showcases the nominee’s contribution to the field.
Selection Criteria
- Candidate has performed exemplary service as a recognized leader locally/regionally, nationally, and/or internationally, and epitomizes R. Tait McKenzie’s professional ideals, service to humanity and dedication to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of our related fields.
- Can demonstrate a life-long commitment to the advancement of quality Physical and Health Education in Canada through service as a recognized leader locally/regionally, nationally, and/or internationally.
- Have made extraordinary efforts to support the delivery of high quality physical and health education beyond their own classroom.
- Candidates must have an affiliation with their national, provincial or territorial Physical and Health Education governing body.
Selection Process
During each award cycle, PHE Canada shall determine an appropriate nomination deadline. Nomination forms should be submitted online, with accompanying documentation submitted electronically, by fax or by mail. All components of the award must be received by the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
PHE Canada will review each nomination package for completeness and eligibility, and will forward nominations to the PHE Canada Awards Committee who will select recipients.
PHE Canada is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the award selection process.
Award Presentation and Benefits
R. Tait McKenzie Lifetime Achievement Award recipients receive:
- Award recognition plaque
- Recognition in the Annual Report and on the website
- Recognition during the next PHE Canada National Conference
- Complimentary registration and accommodation at the next PHE Canada National Conference (travel is not included)