Remarks at the inauguration of the Ottawa Debating Society, Rideau Club, Ottawa
It was a pleasure to present opening remarks at the inaugural meeting of the Ottawa Debating Society at the Rideau Club in Ottawa on January 22. My text extols the centrality of Parliament in our national life and the importance of informed and respectful public debate. My comments include some observations drawn from a lifetime of debating important national issues in Canada.
Designation of d’Aquino Residence as a National Historic Site
One of the highlights of the past year was the designation of our residence in the Heritage Village of Rockcliffe Park in Ottawa as a National Historic Site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. The house, designed by architect Hart Massey for his own use, is a superb example of mid-century modernism. My wife Susan and I have had the great privilege of living in the house since 1977. Over the decades, we have taken extensive measures to restore and conserve the house and we have surrounded it with extensive gardens where none before existed. The House and Gardens of Thomas and Susan d’Aquino
Fly-fishing with the late President George H.W. Bush who passed away on November 30, 2018
Looking back on 2018, I reflected on the passing of one of the most impressive Americans and I had the privilege of knowing, President George H.W. Bush. Among the number of occasions that I met him as Vice-President, as President and as former President, none is more memorable than the fly-fishing adventure we shared on the incomparable rivers of northern Labrador. Attached is my reminisce of these fascinating days.
Salute to National Gallery of Canada Director Marc Mayer on the occasion of his retirement
What a pleasure to salute National Gallery of Canada Director Marc Mayer on the occasion of his retirement from the Gallery. The following are my words of tribute at a gala evening in his honour at the Gallery on December 5, 2018. See my remarks.
National Gallery of Canada Foundation Salutes Gallery Director Marc Mayer and Announces $3 Million in Gifts Supporting the Gallery’s National and International Outreach Efforts
At a gala evening at the National Gallery of Canada on December 5, 2018 saluting retiring Director Marc Mayer, the Gallery Foundation announced $3 million in gifts supporting the Gallery’s national and international outreach efforts. See news release
Ivey-Thomas d’Aquino Lecture on Leadership Presented by The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice of Canada 2000-2017
The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin presents the Ivey-Thomas d’Aquino Lecture on Leadership — “Leading in a Diverse World”. It was a privilege to have The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin present the 2018 Ivey lecture in my name. Her thoughtful analysis linking the role of leadership in advancing diversity could not be more timely. Her address was presented as well to the Ivey student body at Western University.
Why Good Public Policy Matters – My address on the occasion of being presented with the Distinguished Policy Fellow Award by The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
I was privileged to receive this recognition in conjunction with Nancy Southern, Chief Executive Officer of ATCO Group Ltd. The two previous recipients of the honours were The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, former Prime Minister of Canada, and Tom Jenkins, Executive Chairman of OpenText Corporation. Why Good Public Policy Matters
Saluting philanthropists Fred and Elizabeth Fountain, National Gallery of Canada
On March 28, 2108, I had the pleasure of saluting philanthropists Fred and Elizabeth Fountain at a special recognition dinner at the National Gallery of Canada. The occasion, hosted by the National Gallery of Canada Foundation, celebrated the naming at the Gallery of the splendid garden court in honour of the Fountains. The garden, designed by iconic Canadian landscape architect Cornelia Oberlander, offers an oasis of beauty and repose within Moshe Safdie’s architectural masterpiece.
Tribute to Chief Justice of Canada, The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin
Tribute to Chief Justice of Canada, The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, at a dinner on the occasion of her retirement. Hosted by the National Gallery of Canada Foundation, November 27, 2017.
Induction into the Order of Ottawa
It was a privilege to be inducted into the Order of Ottawa this week by Mayor Jim Watson. While the focus of my activities during my lifetime has been on national and global issues, there have been many rewarding areas of engagement in my home community of Ottawa. They have included Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, the National Gallery of Canada and the National Arts Centre and the Heritage Village of Rockcliffe Park where my wife Susan and I reside.
