Hector Jacques Appointed to the Order of Canada

Hector Jacques, co-founder of Jacques Whitford, a North American leader in environmental engineering, scientific and management disciplines, has been appointed to the Order of Canada, the country’s highest honour for lifetime achievement.

Established in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. The three different levels of membership – Companion, Officer and Member – honour citizens whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope.

Jacques has been elected as an Officer for his outstanding contributions to the field of engineering. “It’s a tremendous honour to be selected among thousands of outstanding citizens,” says Jacques. “Canada is a great country and I am proud to have the opportunity to contribute to its growth, with the support of so many exceptional colleagues and friends.”

Born and raised in Goa, India, Hector J. Jacques began his career in geotechnical engineering after completing his master’s degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia, today part of Dalhousie University. In 1972, he and fellow graduate Michael Whitford founded Jacques Whitford. Starting with only a handful of employees, the firm has become one of the largest and most innovative in the environmental engineering industry. Jacques served as President and Chief Executive Officer from the firm’s inception until 2003, leading the company through remarkable growth over the years. As Jacques Whitford celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, Jacques continues to provide leadership and guidance for the company in his current role as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, announced the appointment of the 87 new members on Tuesday, February 20, 2007. A ceremony will be hosted at a later date to present the appointees with their insignia - a maple leaf on a stylized snowflake inscribed with the motto of the Order, Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam, meaning, “They desire a better country.”

Additional prestigious titles and awards Hector Jacques has received throughout his career include:

• OTANS Petroleum Pioneer Award, for his outstanding contribution to the development of the Nova Scotia petroleum industry, 2006.
• Honorary Doctorate of Law, Dalhousie University, 2005.
• Gold Medal for distinction and exceptional achievements in their chosen engineering fields, Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia, 2002.
• Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame, 2001.
• Honorary Doctorate of Law, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and the University College of Cape Breton, Sydney, Nova Scotia, 2001.
• Fellow, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, 1997.
• Atlantic Canada Entrepreneur of the Year, 1996.
• Honorary Doctorate of Commerce, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, 1995.
•  Fellow, Engineering Institute of Canada, 1994.
• Canada 125 Anniversary Medal, for his significant contributions to compatriots, community and to Canada, 1993.
• Beaubien Award for Distinctive Achievement in the Practice of Engineering by the Association of Consulting Engineers, 1986.
• Engineering Award for Distinctive Achievement in the Practice of Engineering by the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia, 1983.
  
  

About Jacques Whitford
Established in 1972 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Jacques Whitford is a North American leader in environmental, engineering, scientific and management disciplines resolving challenges in the natural and built environments. The employee-owned consulting firm has successfully completed over 100,000 projects and has grown to include more than 1,600 colleagues and 45 offices across Canada, in the United States and internationally. For 35 years, the award-winning firm has been focused on maintaining the tradition of excellence and achievement established by Hector Jacques and Mike Whitford.