In the September 2010 issue of Best Health, fresh food chef Paul Finkelstein wrote about being asked, along with his students (pictured above), to help prepare an awards dinner hosted by Governor General Michelle Jean at Rideau Hall. The newly established Governor General’s Award in Celebration of the Nation’s Table recognizes and celebrates the ongoing efforts of advocates of our country’s food. Winners were chosen from six categories. Here are the winners of the awards.

Creativity and Innovation:
Christian Barthomeuf, Quebec
Alfred E. Slinkard, Saskatchewan

Education and Awareness:
John Bishop, British Columbia
Robert McLaughlin, Ontario

Leadership:
James and Linda Gourlay, Nova Scotia
Jamie Kennedy and Michael Stadtlander, both of Ontario

Mentorship and Inspiration:
Jean-Luc Boulay, Quebec
Sinclair and Frederique Philip, British Columbia

Stewardship and Sustainability:
Avataq Cultural Institute, Quebec
David Cohlmeyer, Ontario

Youth (a young person who inspires other young people):
Ricky Sze Ho Lam, Sakatchewan

Do you know someone who inspires a love of food in others? Share your story in the comments below.

Related:
• What's online from Best Health's September 2010 issue
• The travelling chef: Paul Finkelstein's adventures in Italy
• Paul Finkelstein's Best Brisket