2006 Winner – Allan Cutler
On Sunday January 8th, 2006 at Parliament Hill the To The Top Canada Award was presented to Allan Cutler. This year’s winner was a champion for honesty, integrity and ethics in government when he personally stood tall to oppose government corruption. Mr. Cutler was the public servant who was the whistleblower who alerted the public about the federal sponsorship scandal which led to the establishment of the Gomery Commission. More than $100 million of taxpayer money was paid to Quebec communication agencies using false invoices or no written contracts at all. In many cases no work was performed for this money which was paid. Without the integrity of Allan Cutler there is no telling how long this federal government corruption would have continued.
“Integrity is a Canadian value and a foundation of our society. Government without integrity puts democracy in jeopardy. Rather than close his eyes to government corruption, Allan Cutler chose integrity even knowing he and his family would suffer as a result. Allan faced extreme intimidation from the federal government for 20 months including a constant threat of being fired. Even after the release of the Gomery Report detailing government wrong-doing, the federal government did not move or even offer Allan Cutler restoration or compensation for the psychological abuse and career disruption he suffered for protecting Canadians. All Canadians owe Allan Cutler a huge debt of thanks for his service to our country. With the presentation of the “To The Top Canada Award” we honour him as a national hero who deserves the respect and appreciation of every Canadian,” commented To The Top Canada Award Founder Chris Robertson.
