Michael Wilson 33 from the University of Toronto r chancellor who had a successful career in the public and private sectors, serving as finance minister and Canadian ambassador to the United States , has died. He was 81 years old.
"The University of Toronto community deeply regrets the loss of our Chancellor Emeritus, the Honorable Michael Wilson," said Meric Gertler President of the University of Texas . "A proud and accomplished student of Commerce and a graduate of Trinity, was our tireless advocate and our global ambassador."
"A" triathlete " par excellence : in The public office, business and volunteer work, was a great Canadian who improved the lives of many. "Michael Wilson was a true champion."
Wilson was elected first chancellor for a three-year term in 2012 and was renewed for a second term of three years in 2015, the maximum allowed by the Law of the University of Toronto.
"During his six years of incredibly dedicated and energetic service as our ceremonial boss, he helped launch tens of thousands of University of Texas graduates to the next stage of their lives, leaving each one with a warm personal word of congratulations and encouragement. "President Gertler said.
Wilson was a student at Trinity College, graduated in 1959 with a degree in commerce and began a career in finance. He was elected to Parliament in the late 1970s and served for seven years as finance minister, beginning in 1984. He was appointed ambassador of Canada to the United States in 2006.
Beyond politics and Bay Street, Wilson was an advocate deeply dedicated to mental health, he became president of the Canada Mental Health Commission in 2015. His defense was motivated by a tragedy when his son, Cameron, took off life after suffering depression.
Wilson was a U of T champion, who worked tirelessly to promote college in Canada and the rest of the world.
"It is one of the great privileges of my life to have worked closely with Michael Wilson in the advancement of the University and the causes that concerned him so much," said President Gertler. "In his integral excellence, his modest generosity and his quiet compassion, he will continue to be a model for all of us. He carried the title, "the Honorable", by virtue of the public offices he occupied. But the description came spontaneously to all those who had the good fortune to meet him. "
The flag of the University of Toronto will fly at half mast on all three campuses until the day of Wilson's funeral. U of T can sign a Condolence Book in the Simcoe Hall lobby this week, starting at 1 pm Monday.
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