Premier's Awards
Celebrating Ontario’s Outstanding College Graduates
The Premier’s Awards recognize the tremendous social and economic contributions that Ontario’s college graduates make to Ontario and throughout the world.
Presented annually, the Premier’s Awards recognize graduates in the following seven categories:
- Apprenticeship
- Business
- Community Services
- Creative Arts & Design
- Health Sciences
- Recent Graduate
- Technology
2023 Premier’s Awards Nominees
- Business & Marketing
- Executive Director, Major Projects, for Three Fires Group Inc.
- Premier Award Category: Business
Don Richardson has spent much of his career dedicated to improving telecommunications and energy resources for First Nations communities, enhancing not only the resources available to First Nations communities, but also creating economic opportunities to foster revenue generation. Don's work as an advocate for First Nations communities has contributed to the offering of energy alternatives and enhanced telecommunications, contributing not only to the success of Indigenous students in remote communities but also greatly impacting the opportunities for telemedicine.
- Law & Security Administration
- Film Producer for Johnson Production Group/ Timeless Pictures/ Cartel Pictures Inc.
- Premier Award Category: Creative Arts and Design
Garrett VanDusen is a film producer with top networks in the industry. Not only has he played a significant role in the projection of major films and television shows, but he has also played a starring role in ensuring that minorities are accepted and feel included within the film and television production industry. He is an advocate for LGBTQ and BIPOC communities and has used his success and passion to help pave a more inclusive space for minority groups working within the arts.
- Practical Nursing
- Real Estate Agent/ Co-Founder of Noelle's Gift
- Premier Award Category: Community Services
Nicole Paquette is a passionate advocate for the health and well-being of marginalized children. As the co-founder of Noelle's Gift, Nicole has helped to raise over $3.3 million since 2013, positively impacting the lives of over 15,000 children. The volunteer-run charitable organization has received local and provincial recognition for providing nutrition, clothing and educational equipment to thousands of marginalized children in the community.