A well-known and respected Sault Ste. Marie entrepreneur and philanthropist has received special recognition from Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

A well-known and respected Sault Ste. Marie entrepreneur and philanthropist has received special recognition from Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Sunday February 15 marked 50th anniversary celebrations for Canada’s national flag, and the Sault’s Paul Dalseg is one of 50 individuals and organizations who will receive a Canadian flag from the government of Canada in recognition of significant contribution to the well-being of citizens.

“I am very honoured to be recognized along so many outstanding Canadians and organizations,” Dalseg said to SooToday.

“I will humbly accept the flag on behalf of many people in our community who have contributed so much to the well-being of our citizens.”

“We have much to be proud of in this country of ours. It is an honour to give back to the community and show appreciation for all that we have and to help others who are trying to make a better world and life for themselves.”

While the Governor-General, Prime Minister and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau have each issued statements in regards to what they feel the national flag stands for, Dalseg said “I think it qualifies you to show you where you’re from and it also carries with it a lot of history, and that’s very important.”

“My mother and my father were immigrants to this country (his father from Norway, his mother from Sweden) and they did very well over time and one thing they always said was to be good to your country which has helped you and let you accomplish things.”

Dalseg, 90, is a father of two and grandfather of four.

His wife Eleanor passed away in 2000.

Dalseg was born in Rainy River, Ontario in 1924.

Dalseg served with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War.

After returning to Canada, Dalseg owned and operated a Canadian Tire store.

As a local business owner, Dalseg served as President of the Sault Ste. Marie Rotary Club and the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.

The Paul Dalseg Community Achievement Award, awarded by the Chamber, recognizes a businessperson in Sault Ste. Marie who has demonstrated exemplary interest in the community, and in so doing, has made a major, outstanding and unique achievement or contribution to the life of the community.

Dalseg has also made generous contributions to both Sault College and Algoma University.