Standup comedian Derek Edwards is proof positive that you can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the boy. His award-winning rural humor has made him the hottest property in Canada. Identifying himself with the ordinary working guy, his comedic gift is making the ordinary extraordinary. He creates enchanting tales based on everyday subjects and delivers them with polished style and impeccable timing.

Derek has amassed an impressive string of credits. In 1995, he was the winner of the “Vail National Comedy Invitational” in Vail, Colorado. In 1996, he stole the show at the “Molson Canadian Comedy Festival” in Toronto and, in 1997, knocked ‘em dead at the “Just For Laughs” Comedy Festival in Montreal. His numerous TV credits include A&E’s “Comedy on the Road”, CBC’s “COMICS!”, and the Comedy Network’s “Launch-A-Thon”, “Comedy Now” and “Open Mike with Mike Bullard”.

As well as performing live to audiences from Boston to Minneapolis to New York to Los Angeles, Derek is currently developing a movie script based on a Vegas-inspired melange of absurdity (“Magnum Opus”) with friend and colleague Mike Wilmot.

Sponsored by: Marsh Canada Ltd.

Awards Breakfast

Frank McKenna is one of Canada’s most respected public figures. He has achieved noteworthy success as a lawyer, politician and businessman. He won three overwhelming mandates as Premier of the Province of New Brunswick and achieved national prominence for his leadership.

Mr. McKenna is credited with achieving a remarkable turnaround in the attitude of New Brunswickers. The Province today boasts an entrepreneurial attitude that is fuelling unprecedented growth. Mr. McKenna honoured his pledge to leave politics after ten years, retiring ten years to the day from his swearing-in date.

Mr. McKenna now devotes his considerable energies to the practice of law, corporate directorships and his long-time passion - continued economic development of the Atlantic region. His strategic thinking, broad experience and lively sense of humour makes him a popular public speaker.

Co-Sponsored by: Jardine Lloyd Thompson
Co-Sponsored by: Kiewit