Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce today that future students of medicine and health science at the University of Western Ontario will benefit from the legacy of the late Dr. Charles Drake.
The Drake family has committed a gift of $1 million to Western to establish the Charles Drake Student Awards in Medicine. The gift, to be matched by a combination of university based and government sponsored programs, will boost the awards to a total of $2.13 million.
A Companion of the Order of Canada, Dr. Charles Drake was an internationally renowned neurosurgeon at the University of Western Ontario. He pioneered surgical procedures that are now taught around the world.
Dr. Drake passed away in September 1998 at the age of 78. Dr. Charles Drake's son John recently stated, “My father was committed to building excellence in medical education and research in London. We are pleased this gift will help the next generation of students and faculty to pursue that dream”.
I am sure that all members will join me in celebrating the generosity of the Drake family.