UBC president applauds appointment of David Johnston as Governor General

Prof. Stephen Toope, president and vice-chancellor of the University of British Columbia, warmly welcomed today the announcement of the appointment of David Johnston as the next Governor General of Canada.

Currently serving as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo, Prof. Johnston was educated at Harvard University, Cambridge University and Queen’s University. He is a legal scholar who has taught and served at many Canadian universities, including as former principal of McGill University, as well as given leadership on many public policy issues.

“I am delighted with the choice of Prof. David Johnston as Governor General,” said Prof. Toope. “I had the pleasure of working with him during my time as dean of the faculty of law at McGill University. His understanding of the inner workings of government and the diverse nature of Canada has prepared him extraordinarily well to take on this position.

Johnston received a honorary doctor of laws degree from UBC in 1989. Upon conferring the degree at that time, UBC welcomed Johnston’s appointment to chair a national taskforce on the economy and the environment. In fact, Johnston has served on many federal and provincial task forces during his career.

“Prof. Johnston will bring a strong blend of constitutional knowledge, academic acumen and global perspective to this important role,” said Toope. “I look forward to witnessing the perspective and adeptness that he will bring as the Governor General.”

To view UBC’s 1989 honorary degree citation:
http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/hdcites/hdcites9.html#johnston

Contact

Scott Macrae
UBC Public Affairs
Cell: 604.764.7508
Email: scott.macrae@ubc.ca