The University of Lethbridge is proud to celebrate the nation-building contributions of Canada’s 21st prime minister, the Right Honourable Paul Martin, by presenting him with an honorary degree at the Fall 2019 Convocation ceremony.
A key figure in helping to erase Canada’s deficit in the late 1990s while serving as minister of finance, Martin’s term as prime minister was marked by a dedication to ensuring the health and welfare of all Canadians, with a distinct focus on improving the lives of First Nations peoples across the country.
“Mr. Martin has long been a strong advocate for eliminating the gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians in the areas of health, education, housing and economic opportunity,” says U of L Chancellor Charles Weaselhead. “His work since leaving office has largely been focused on the Martin Family Initiative and its support of Indigenous communities across the nation. We’re extremely pleased to honour his vision of a strong, inclusive nation for all Canadians.”
The University will present Martin with an honorary doctor of laws, honoris causa, at the Fall 2019 Convocation ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium.
Paul Martin
As Canada’s 21st prime minister, the Right Honourable Paul Martin made immeasurable contributions to the prosperity of our country and advanced the international reputation of Canada. His legacy continues with his foundation, The Martin Family Initiative, which stewards programs to empower Indigenous children and youth with the education and health care they need to succeed.
Martin had a distinguished career in the private sector before entering public life in 1988 as the member of Parliament for LaSalle-Émard in Montreal, QC, eventually serving as minister of finance (1993-2002) and prime minister of Canada (2003-2006).
As minister of finance, Martin is credited with erasing Canada’s deficit and recorded five consecutive budget surpluses while paying down the national debt.
As prime minister, Martin set in place a 10-year, $41-billion plan to improve health care and reduce wait times, and signed agreements with the provinces and territories to establish the first national early learning and child care program. He also brokered the Kelowna Accord, achieving consensus between the federal government and Canada’s provinces and territories, as well as First Nations, Métis Nation and Inuit leaders to end the gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians in the areas of health, education, housing and economic opportunity.
Since leaving office, Martin and his family founded the Martin Family Initiative (MFI). It’s guiding premise is that Indigenous communities and schools should be given the necessary tools required to provide their children and youth with every opportunity possible.
Martin is respected for his reasonable, common-sense approach to finance and his commitment to ensuring the health and welfare of all Canadians. In 2001, he was appointed as a Companion to the Order of Canada.