Over the past two months, Cisco Canada has been in search of notable Canadians who through their vision and leadership have helped to transform the lives of others in Canada and around the world. Hundreds of nominations were made by the public, and Cisco celebrates 25 Transformational Canadians, among which David Suzuki, James Cameron, Guy Laliberté, Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis. From humanitarians and climate change activists, to child-rights advocates, and business champions, the list spans leaders in six categories: business, science and technology, environment, education, healthcare and community.

A judging panel composed of journalists and, community and business leaders selected and profiled these Transformational Canadians at twentyfive.ca and 25visionnaires.ca, in print and online in The Globe and Mail, Cyberpresse and on CTV’s CANADA AM.

In recognition of the 25 Transformational Canadians, Cisco has donated $25,000 worth of technology to the non-profit or charitable organization of each winner’s choice to help the honorees extend their scale and productivity. The technology was donated in partnership with Allstream to help ensure that the organizations receiving the gift of the technology are able to use it in the most effective manner.

"2010 marked Cisco’s 25th year of leading and shaping the way the world interacts, shares ideas and solves problems," says Nitin Kawale, president, Cisco Canada. "Transformational Canadians allowed us to recognize and celebrate Canadians who have transformed businesses, lives and communities in this country. We thank them for their contribution and dedication, and for making a difference in Canada."

25 Tranformational Canadians was a success with The Globe audience, generating over 150,000 visitors to the site and 400,000 page views. More than 700 hundred nominations and stories were received, inspiring thousands of Canadians from coast to coast.

"The Globe and Mail has long celebrated innovation and achievement across Canada, and we’re excited to see Cisco push Canadians, too," said John Stackhouse, Editor-in-Chief, The Globe and Mail. "Together, we developed the Transformational Canadians program, not just to recognize achievements already made but in the hope it will inspire Canadians to be the sort of 21st-century pioneers our country needs."

"Canada has thousands of success stories, innovators and leaders to share, and we’re delighted to have been a part of the celebration that is Canada’s 25 Transformational Canadians," said CTV’s Seamus O’Regan. "We’ve helped reveal a bit more insight into the difference these Canadians have made through their generous and thought leading contributions to business, science and technology, environment, healthcare, education and community work."

"It’s remarkable to hear so many proud stories told by Canadians, about Canadians. Transformational Canadians has led us to a list of outstanding citizens who stand together, bound by their commitment to this country, their communities and our future," said Pierre Duhamel, Cyberpresse. "Congratulations to Cisco on 25 years of success and bringing this country together."

In addition to coverage in The Globe and Mail, Cyberpresse and on CTV’s CANADA AM this week, Cisco’s 25 Transformational Canadians will be honoured later this year in a private ceremony.

The complete list of winners includes:

• James Orbinski: co-founder of Dignitas International, helping resource-strapped communities gain access to treatment for HIV and AIDS
• Gordon Keller: leader in the field of regenerative medicine
• Sheila Watt-Cloutier: climate change/Arctic activist
• Geoff Green:environmental conservation advocate and arctic explorer
• Paul Martin: active member of the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors
• John Furlong: former VANOC CEO, responsible for boosting Vancouver and Canada’s international standing
• Wendy Cukier: president and co-founder of the Coalition for Gun Control, promoting public safety and violence prevention
• Craig & Marc Kielburger: child-right’s activists, focused on eliminating childhood poverty and exploitation
• Henry Morgentaler: progressive and controversial pro-choice advocate
• David Suzuki: renowned environmentalist and promoter of sustainable living, climate change activist and respected geneticist
• Tom Chau: champion in pediatric rehabilitation and engineering, advocate for children with physical challenges
• Jim Balsillie/Mike Lazaridis: co-CEOs of Research in Motion, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and generous donors
• James Cameron: recognized Hollywood director and digital technology innovator
• Stephen Lewis: former NDP leader and ambassador to the UN, humanitarian
• Monique Leroux: business leader, president and CEO of Desjardins Group
• Samantha Nutt: dedication humanitarian, Doctors Without Borders volunteer, leading activist
• Clarence Louie: Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band, advocate for the Band, Aboriginal Business Leader of the Year
• Guy Laliberté: founder of Cirque du Soleil, entrepreneur and philanthropist
• Jim Chu: Chief Constable of the Vancouver Police Department, leader in crime prevention
• Brenda Milner: neuropsychologist and major contributor to the science of memory and cognitive functioning
• Rick Hansen: Paralympian athlete and activist for people living with physical challenges
• Edward Brown: early founder of telemedicine in Canada, responsible for establishing an integrated strategy for telehealth services in Ontario
• Prabhat Jha: inaugural University of Toronto endowed professor in disease control, expert adviser to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on HIV/AIDS
• Kathy Knowles: founder and director of Osu Children’s Library Fund, responsible for building six libraries and 200 other facilities in African communities
• Scott Gilmore: co-founder and executive director of Peace Dividend Trust

Other IT news about Cisco