J. C. Sproule Memorial Plaque - Winner 2000
John H. Parker, O.C.Sidney, BC
“In recognition of his lifelong contribution to the development of northern Canada.”
A graduate of the University of Alberta in engineering geology, John Parker’s association with the north began in 1949 working in northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories with the exploration department of Eldorado Mining and Refining. He later worked with Norman Byrne in Uranium City and Yellowknife for 13 years.
In 1964 he bought a controlling interest in Byrne’s consulting and expediting business and operated it until 1967 when he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. This appointment followed five years on Yellowknife’s council and three years as mayor. He was a member of the Carrother’s Commission whose report in 1966 as a blueprint for political and constitutional developments in the NWT. He was appointed Commissioner of the Northwest Territories in 1979. Throughout his time as Commissioner, his main thrust was to move the Northwest Territories towards responsible government. An important constitutional change occurred in 1986 when he turned over the chairmanship of the Executive Council to the elected Government Leader.
Mr. Parker is chairman of Aber Resources Limited, and a director of various companies. He is a Life Member of CIM and of the Association of Professional Engineers of Alberta, and a Fellow of the Arctic Institute of North America. He became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1986, and a Member of the Aboriginal Order of Canada.