The Dr. John Rook Leadership Award for Poverty Reduction

The Dr. John Rook Leadership Award for Poverty Reduction is presented annually to an outstanding Canadian who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in working to end poverty and embodies the principles of the Canadian Poverty Institute. The award is named in honour of Dr. John Rook, founder of the Canadian Poverty Institute.

2025 Award Recipient

The recipient of the 2025 Dr. John Rook Leadership Award is Dr. Cindy Blackstock. Dr. Blackstock serves as the Executive Director of the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada and is a Professor at the McGill School of Social Work. Through her life and work she has proven to be an outstanding leader who embodies the principles of the Canadian Poverty Institute. Speaking from an Indigenous perspective, she combines deeply grounded research, legal action, and public education that has forced systemic change (legal, funding, program access) that directly improves life chances for Indigenous children and youth. Read more about her life and accomplishments here.

2024 Award Recipient

The recipient of the 2024 inaugural Dr. John Rook Leadership Award is Sheila Regehr. Ms. Regehr serves as the Chair of Basic Income Canada and is the former Executive Director of the National Council on Welfare. Read more about her accomplishments and lifetime of service here.