The 2026 Symons Medal Presentation & Lecture

The Confederation Centre of the Arts has announced that the Honourable Bob Rae, PC, CC, OOnt, and KC will join the Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella, CC, FRSC when she receives the 2026 Symons Medal, for a conversation on Canadian confederation, moderated by veteran journalist Steve Paikin. The Honourable Marie Deschamps, CC, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, along with Robert Sear, co-chair of the Symons Medal Committee and board chair for the Confederation Centre of the Arts, will present the award to Justice Abella. This year's presentation also marks the inaugural convening of the Palmer Institute for Canadian Leadership at the Centre, bringing together leaders and thinkers to build on the dialogue sparked by the Symons Lecture. The medal presentation will take place on September 25 at 1 pm during a public ceremony at Sobey Family Theatre in Charlottetown, with a free livestream available for those joining remotely. The event is free to attend, in person or via livestream. Tickets for the Symons Medal Presentation and Lecture are available now. Since 2004, the Symons Medal Presentation and Lecture series has provided a national platform for diverse and distinguished Canadians to share their thoughts on the current state of Confederation, giving all Canadians the opportunity to reflect upon our country and its future. The medal is named in honour of the late Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, founding President of Trent University and a passionate advocate for Canadian Confederation, widely recognized for his contributions to public policy, heritage and education. Medallists are invited to engage Canadians in thoughtful dialogue about the nation's past, present, and future.