Annual Gala

Reception of Honour 2026

Presented by: BMO

This year’s Gala will honour an outstanding group of Canadian leaders whose contributions have strengthened institutions and advanced international cooperation. During the evening, the St. Laurent Award will be presented to recognise exceptional contributions to international cooperation, security, and the advancement of the principles that underpin the NATO Alliance. 

St. Laurent Award

Named after Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, Canada’signatory to NATO in 1949, the St. Laurent Award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions towards the ideals and principles of maintaining peace and order that are enshrined in the Washington Treaty.

Honourees & Sponsors

Rose M. Patten, OC, O.ONT, LL.
Special Advisor, BMO Financial Group

Blake C. Goldring, C.M., 
O.ONT, M.S.M., CD, LL.D., CFA

Blake Hutcheson, O.ONT,
President & CEO OMERS

Lieutenant General (Ret’d)
Frances Allen, CMM, CD, ICD.D

Venue & Parking

PARKING INFORMATION

Valet parking at the hotel: Available directly at the hotel entrance on Front St. W

Convention Centre garage: A large underground garage next door at: Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building Parking

Agenda


6:00 PM
– Registration & Reception
The reception will take place in the Ballroom

7:00 PM – Welcome Remarks

7:15 PM – Awards Program
Presentation of the St. Laurent Award and recognition of distinguished honourees

8:15 PM – Post-Reception Mix and Mingle Dining Stations

Please note: Timing is approximate and subject to minor adjustments.

Author

  • The mission of NATO Association of Canada is to promote peace, prosperity, and security through knowledge and understanding of the importance of NATO.

    We strive to educate and engage Canadians about NATO and NATO’s goal of peace, prosperity and security. NATO Association of Canada ensures that we have an informed citizenry able to contribute to discussions about Canada’s role on the world stage.

    As a leading member of the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA), NATO Association of Canada has strong and enduring ties with sister organizations in many of the alliance countries, as well as members of NATO’s “Partnership for Peace” and “Mediterranean Dialogue” programmes. The NAOC has had a leading role in the recent transformation and modernization of the ATA, and helped to create and develop the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA).

    The NAOC has strong ties with the Government of Canada including Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence. We are constantly working to create and maintain relationships with international organizations such as the World Bank Group, the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, NATO Headquarters, the International Criminal Court, and other prominent international NGOs and think tanks.

     

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