Eric Sprott, founder and chairman of Toronto-based money manager Sprott Inc., received the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honor, for his philanthropic work in health care and education.
Mr. Sprott's philanthropic efforts since 1997 include total contributions of C$25 million (US$23 million) to University Health Network, a Toronto-based hospital chain; C$7 million to create a permanent endowment for the Ottawa Hospital Foundation's Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, and C$5 million to Carleton University Endowment Fund, Ottawa.
“I have been fortunate to be in Canada during a time when investment opportunities abounded, and due to that success it was a simple conclusion that I should give back part of that opportunity to support charitable endeavors in this country,” Mr. Sprott said in an e-mail. “I'm deeply honored to receive the Order of Canada.”
The Order of Canada is a lifetime achievement award recognizing dedication to the community and service to the nation. It is to be awarded by David Johnston, governor general of Canada, the designated representative of the U.K.'s Queen Elizabeth II, Canada's head of state.
Mr. Sprott was among 61 recipients of the order, announced Dec. 30. The awards ceremony has not yet been scheduled, said Glen Williams, Sprott spokesman.
Sprott has a total of C$9.9 billion in assets under management.
