Honourable Perrin Beatty named new UOIT 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."

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