Belzberg Blaney Award for Exceptional Service
In 2003, philanthropists Fran and Sam Belzberg and Simon Fraser University President Jack Blaney created the Action Canada Fellowship to support the next generation of Canadian leaders. As Mr. Belzberg said: “We want Canada to be the finest country in the world, and to achieve that we need outstanding leadership.” This award seeks to honour what they set in motion all those years ago, by recognizing an Action Canada alum whose contributions in their sector or community go above and beyond the day-to-day of their job.
The winner of this award also embodies the Action Canada ethos:
- Service to the country/community
- A leader who brings others along and works with others in their service
- Action oriented
2025 Winner – Zakaria Abdulle
Zakaria Abdulle’s leadership shines through his work spearheading the Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation in Toronto. Under his guidance, the project has secured $20 million in pre-development funding, setting the stage for a vital hub that will serve thousands—offering cultural spaces, childcare, and recreational facilities. Zak has also navigated complex governmental structures, forged key partnerships, and secured commitments from all levels of government to ensure sustainable funding for this critical initiative.
Beyond his professional work, Zak is a mentor, a collaborator, and a changemaker. He shares his knowledge with community leaders in cities like Vancouver, advocating for inclusive urban planning and equitable access to public spaces.
Perhaps most inspiring is Zak’s ability to balance all this while being a devoted father. He understands firsthand the importance of creating better opportunities for future generations. Zak completed the Fellowship in 2018-19.
2024 Winner – Terry Beech
Terry Beech embodies the ethos of Action Canada Fellowship through his dedicated service to the country and community, his collaborative leadership style, and his action-oriented approach to tackling complex challenges. From his beginnings as one of Canada’s youngest elected officials to his current role shaping national policy, Terry has consistently gone above and beyond in his contributions.
Since 2015, Terry has been the Member of Parliament for Burnaby-North Seymour. He has been elected for three terms, each time with a bigger margin. In 2018, Terry’s peers in Parliament voted him Parliamentarian of the Year for Civic Outreach. In 2023, he joined cabinet as the Minister of Citizen Services, a brand-new portfolio.
Terry’s impact extends beyond his political career; he co-founded Twinbro, a non-profit that has supported thousands of Canadian students in accessing higher education scholarships. His dedication to mentoring and supporting his team is evidenced by the numerous individuals who have found permanent positions within government through his campaigns.
2023 Winner – Kulvir Gill
Kulvir Gill is a leader who combines professional excellence with a commitment to public service. Kulvir is an accomplished business leader, with more than twenty years of experience in helping organizations build their growth strategies and develop their next generation of innovative leaders. He has worked directly with Fortune 500 clients across multiple industries including mining, oil and gas, heavy industrial, financial services, and retail.
Kulvir has also played a major role in driving several multi-stakeholder coalitions. He was the Founding Executive Director of the Development Partner Institute (DPI) to advance sustainability in the mining industry. Kulvir has also served as the Innovation Ecosystem Manager for the Canadian Mining Innovation Council (CMIC). He currently serves as a co-lead for The Nourish Movement which brings global leaders to empower human health through food, sustainably.
Kulvir has also made an indelible mark on his communities through a truly monumental commitment to community service. He is a co-founder and board chair of the Seva Food Bank in Mississauga. He also serves on the boards of the William Osler Health System, the Empire Club of Canada and the Sikh Research Institute.
