Canadian Association of Geographers Awards Wallace

Iain Wallace, a professor with Carleton’s Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, is the recipient of the 2011 Award for Service to the Profession of Geography from the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG).

The award recognizes a member of the CAG for “exceptional professional service over a period of years “that has “significantly advanced the profession and practice of geography in Canada.”

“It is the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award,” notes Mike Brklacich, chair of the department. “It was an easy decision for us to nominate Iain as he is such an outstanding person in his field.”

Wallace has dedicated over 40 years of service to Canadian geography, as a researcher, colleague, teacher and role model.

He is known across Canada, having published a key text on the global economy called The Global Economic System, as well as the definitive textbook on Canada’s economic geography A Geography of the Canadian Economy.

He has taught at Carleton since 1970, teaching notable courses such as Global Connections: Economy, Culture and Environment, a training ground for more than 200 undergraduate students each year and core courses at the PhD level. During the 1990s, he helped to shape the highly innovative doctoral program that promotes the spanning of “human geography” and “physical geography.”  He has held key administrative posts ranging from departmental chair and chair of Graduate Studies, to chair of the Graduate Programs and Planning Committee.

“Iain’s contributions will continue to shape geography programs across Canada for many years to come,” notes John Osborne, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Wallace has also served with distinction in many capacities within the CAG, including president and local events co-ordinator; has served on the awards committee and the board of directors at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society; and he has been a valuable member of the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies.

“Iain has continuously championed the development and promotion of geography as a discipline that thrives on looking forward and, when necessary, re-inventing itself to take on new challenges,” says Brklacich. “His current work on Space, Place and the Gospel continues to break new ground and, given his ability to grapple with emerging areas of geography, it is not surprising that he has embraced a new geographic field at this stage of career.”