Skip to main content
Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Honourable Perrin Beatty named new UOIT chancellor

President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to become the university's second chancellor

OSHAWA, ON. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced today that the Honourable Perrin Beatty, a distinguished former federal cabinet minister and the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Canada's largest business association, has been named the university's new chancellor.

Beatty is the university's second chancellor, assuming the role from Lyn McLeod, who during her four-year term helped the university achieve tremendous growth and establish its reputation for a leading-edge learning environment that is educating Canada's next-generation professionals.

"On behalf of UOIT's Board of Governors, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to Mr. Beatty as the university's new chancellor," said Dr. Phillip 'Rocky' Simmons, chair of UOIT's Board of Governors. "We are delighted to have such a distinguished Canadian join us as we continue to grow and build our national reputation."

A Fergus native, Beatty graduated from Upper Canada College, Toronto, Ontario in 1968 and continued his education in London at the University of Western Ontario, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences in 1971. His lengthy political career began only one year after obtaining his degree, when he was elected to the House of Commons as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party. In 1979 he was appointed by Prime Minister Joe Clark as minister of state for the Treasury Board, making Beatty the youngest person ever to serve in federal cabinet to that time. He continued to play a prominent role in subsequent governments, including being named minister of National Revenue in 1984, solicitor general in 1985, minister of National Defence in 1986, minister of National Health and Welfare in 1989, minister of Communications in 1991 and finally secretary of state for External Affairs in 1993.

"I am honoured to be invited by UOIT to support its vital mission," said Beatty. "Canada's ability to compete in the global economy will require a world-leading workforce. Through its talented faculty and innovative curriculum, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology can make a vital contribution to equipping a new generation of Canadians with the skills they need to succeed."

Following his political career, Prime Minister Jean Chretien appointed Beatty as president and CEO of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1995, a position he held until 1999 when he became president and CEO of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. In 2005 he became the business co-chair of the Canadian Labour and Business Centre and two years later joined the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as president and CEO. Beatty has also taught a course in Communications Technologies and Public Policy at the University of Western Ontario as an honorary visiting professor.

"All of us at UOIT are extremely pleased to have such a respected Canadian statesman join us as chancellor," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president of UOIT. "Mr. Beatty's extensive career in government and business will provide our students, faculty and staff with an outstanding role model and a wealth of experience to draw upon."


About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.