Gary Slaight to receive Humanitarian Award at 2018 Junos
The philanthropist and radio mogul will be the first non-musician to be recognized for his humanitarian effort
Philanthropist and radio mogul Gary Slaight will be recognized for his humanitarian efforts at the 2018 Juno Awards, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announced this morning.
Handed out each year, the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award is given to Canadian artists or industry leaders who have made a positive impact on social welfare. Slaight is the first non-musician to receive the award, which was established in 2006. Past recipients include Buffy Sainte-Marie, Neil Young, Bryan Adams and Bruce Cockburn.
Slaight was also recognized by the Juno Awards in 2012, having received the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award.
The president of the Slaight Family Foundation — which donates to health-care institutions, social services and arts organizations — Slaight has also served as general manager of Toronto's Q107 and president at Standard Radio (later Standard Broadcasting). In 2005, he helped establish Sirius Satellite Radio Canada, a partnership among Slaight Communications (of which is president and CEO), CBC and Sirius Satellite Radio. With the 2007 sale of Standard Broadcasting, Slaight and his father, Allan, used the proceeds to create the Slaight Family Foundation, as well as to support the Canadian music industry via Slaight Music.
"I am truly honoured to be this year's recipient of the Humanitarian Award," Slaight told CARAS. "Our family has had a tradition of giving back to the community that transcends from my parents Allan and Ada Slaight. The Slaight Family Foundation, created as a result of the sale of Standard Broadcasting, is a tribute to my parents' commitment to community. Whether it is supporting a local music program for children or helping to advance key health-care priorities, our goal is to make a positive difference on the lives of those around us and those needing our support globally. We truly want to make an impact and help those who need it the most."
Slaight will receive the award on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at the Juno gala dinner in Vancouver.
For full Juno Awards coverage, head to cbc.ca/junos.