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John H. Chapman Award of Excellence

Tribute to David A. Golden
Outstanding Contribution to the Canadian Space Program

In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the Canadian Space Program, David A. Golden has been presented with the prestigious John H. Chapman Award of Excellence before representatives of industry, academia, and government in a celebration held last night at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum..

The 2010 recipient of the John H. Chapman Award, David A. Golden, addressed guests gathered at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum via a satellite downlink from Victoria, B.C. David Wendling of Telesat Canada accepted the award on his behalf from CSA President Steve MacLean.

"The John H. Chapman Award was established to recognize those who have greatly contributed to the advancement of the Canadian Space Program and have shown foresight and perseverance. David Golden is certainly an example of determination and great leadership," said Steve MacLean, President of the Canadian Space Agency. "David Golden's vast professional experience, notably his involvement as the first Telesat President, is impressive. While under his watch, Telesat launched Anik A1, the world's first commercial domestic communications satellite in geostationary orbit. In fact, in 1973, he was part of the first ever long-distance call between Resolute and Ottawa. At the time, that was quite an accomplishment. David Golden has significantly contributed to making Canada a world leader in science, advanced technology and telecommunications. We owe him our gratitude."

David A. Golden has a distinguished 48-year career as a public servant and business executive in the satellite and telecom industry in Canada. A key achievement and highlight of his career was bridging the worlds of government and business and helping them work together better for the benefit of Canadians and Canada's telecom industry.

Mr. Golden enjoyed a meteoric rise in government. Three years after joining the Civil Service, he became Deputy Minister of Defence Production and, subsequently, Deputy Minister of Industry. Through the 1960s, Golden chaired the Parliamentary Centre for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, served as President of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs, and was the Chairman of the Board of Carleton University. In 1969, he helped to establish Canada's domestic satellite company, Telesat Canada, first as President and later as Chairman. Mr. Golden oversaw Telesat as they established a number of satellite firsts – providing an important service to Canada and Canadians. He retired from the company in 1992 but continued to serve on various corporate boards including Atomic Energy of Canada, MITEL, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft of Canada, Provigo, and the Conference Board, as well as, on volunteer boards including the Ottawa General Hospital and the Elizabeth Bruyère Health Centre. David Golden has received many honours over his 90 years, including the C. D. Howe Award and the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. Golden is an Officer of the Order of Canada and holds honourary Doctors of Law degrees from the University of Manitoba and Carleton University.

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