Celebrating our Community
About the CIC Awards
Each year, the Canadian International Council (CIC) recognizes individuals and organizations who embody our mission to advance Canada’s global engagement and foster informed discussion on international affairs. These awards celebrate members and supporters whose passion, leadership, and volunteerism strengthen our community and inspire others to contribute to Canada’s role in the world.
The Friend of the CIC Award honours an individual or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the CIC through partnership, collaboration, or advocacy. Recipients demonstrate an exceptional commitment to supporting the CIC’s programs, expanding our reach, and amplifying our impact across Canada and beyond. This award reflects the shared purpose that has guided the CIC for nearly a century.
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a CIC member whose dedication, leadership, and service has made a meaningful difference to our branches, events, or national initiatives. Our volunteers are the heart of the CIC, building connections, driving engagement, and creating spaces for thoughtful dialogue on Canada’s place in the world.
More information can be found about the nomination process HERE.
We proudly present our
Award Winners
David Dyment
Friend of the CIC, 2025
David’s contributions and deep commitment to the CIC span almost four decades. He has served on the national board and as president of the CIC’s Ottawa Branch and is currently a member of the Steward’s Circle and of the Advisory Council. He chaired the CIC’s conference, the first in Canada, on the challenges and opportunities in our relationship with China. Held at the Chateau Laurier, the sold out conference was covered by CPAC.
He is the author of Doing the Continental: A New Canadian-American Relationship, a best-seller with a foreword by Bob Rae. His second book, which is nearing completion, goes in a new direction and is on science and spirituality.
David obtained a Doctorate in political science from the Université de Montréal, on the international activities of the Government of Ontario. His work in academia took him to Carleton University where he was an assistant professor and for many years a senior research associate. He has taught Canadian foreign policy at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, and at the University of Ottawa where he has taught in French.
David is a past director of the Parliamentary Internship Programme. He has served at Global Affairs Canada as an acting director of Federal-Provincial and Territorial Relations and as an advisor at Rideau Hall.
Paul Bennett
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, 2025
Paul W. Bennett, EdD, is Director of the Schoolhouse Institute, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and Chair of researchED Canada. A CIC member since the 1980s, Paul has been a driving force behind the Halifax Branch’s growth and vitality. As President from 2011–2016, he revitalized the branch, mentored future leaders, and built a thriving community that now ranks among the CIC’s largest.
Currently serving as Vice-President, Events, and Co-Chair of the Program Advisory Committee, he continues to organize dynamic programming and engage high-profile speakers. A nationally recognized educator and author of ten books, Paul’s leadership, mentorship, and tireless volunteerism have made him an indispensable pillar of the CIC.
Dan Sutherland
Friend of the CIC, 2024
Dan Sutherland has been a dedicated member of the CIC since 2006, serving the Saskatoon Branch in multiple roles, and on the national level as events advisor to national presidents Mark Sedra and Ben Rowswell, who entrusted Dan to overhaul and redesign the National Speakers Program in 2019.
Dan sees much of CIC’s magic expressed in its in-person events, fostering collaboration, inspiring students, and strengthening community ties. He has organized more than 150 events locally, and has spearheaded many multi-branch speaker tours, at times personally bankrolling major tour expenses until the bills were paid.
Among his proudest achievements are the 2018 Immigration and Refugee Conference and the 2022 Women–Life–Freedom Conference, which helped launch the Paivand Society. A champion of collaboration across Canada’s branches, Dan’s leadership and passion have made the CIC a more connected and dynamic organization.
Get Involved
Become a Member
Join Your Local branch
When joining the CIC, you have the option of affiliating with one of our 19 local branches or joining as a National Office Member. If there are no CIC branches near you, a National Office membership is an ideal option.
Contact our national office
We’re always looking for volunteers for our events, programming and community outreach! If you’d like to get involved beyond the branch level, please reach out to our headquarters based in Toronto, Ontario.