UOIT honorary doctorate recipient becomes Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

Elizabeth Dowdeswell, OC, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) 2013 honorary Doctor of Science (honoris causa) recipient, has been appointed the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on June 26.

“On behalf of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Elizabeth on becoming Ontario’s newest Lieutenant Governor,” said UOIT President and Vice-Chancellor Tim McTiernan, PhD. “Her inspirational leadership and dedication to environmental advocacy, to education and scholarship, and to public service will serve Ontarians well.”

Ms. Dowdeswell has had a number of successful careers in public policy, the energy industry, education and the public service. She is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Council of Canadian Academies. Prior to that, Ms. Dowdeswell was the founding President and CEO of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto, the Under Secretary General of the United Nations, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, and Executive Director of UN-Habitat. She has also occupied senior positions within Environment Canada, federal Treasury Board Secretariat and the Government of Saskatchewan.

Lieutenant Governors are appointed by His Excellency the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. They serve five-year terms, during which they act as their provinces' vice-regal representatives. Ms. Dowdeswell replaces Honourable David Onley who held the position of Lieutenant Governor of Ontario since September 2007.

Learn more about Elizabeth Dowdeswell.