Jacques Whitford co-founder appointed to the Order of Canada

Hector Jacques, the co-founder of consulting engineering company Jacques Whitford, has been appointed to the Order of Canada.

Jacques has been elected as an Officer for his outstanding contributions to the field of engineering. Its a tremendous honour to be selected among thousands of outstanding citizens, says Jacques. Canada is a great country and I am proud to have the opportunity to contribute to its growth, with the support of so many exceptional colleagues and friends. The Order is Canada’s highest honour for lifetime achievement.

Born and raised in Goa, India, Jacques began his career in geotechnical engineering after completing his masters degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia, today part of Dalhousie University.

In 1972, he and fellow graduate Michael Whitford founded the firm of Jacques Whitford, which has its head office in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Starting with only a handful of employees, the firm has become one of the largest in the environmental engineering industry. Jacques served as president and chief executive officer from the firms inception until 2003. He is currently chairman of the company’s board of directors.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michalle Jean, Governor General of Canada, announced the appointment of 87 new members to the Order of Canada on Tuesday, February 20, 2007. A ceremony will be hosted at a later date to present the appointees with their insignia – a maple leaf on a stylized snowflake inscribed with the motto of the Order, Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam, meaning, They desire a better country.