UPEI past president honoured as influential Atlantic Canadian

The University of Prince Edward Island congratulates President Emeritus Wade MacLauchlan, CM, who was recognized this week by Canada's Public Policy Forum as one of three influential Atlantic Canadians.

Canada's Public Policy Forum's first Atlantic Dinner & Awards held on Thursday, January 17, in Halifax, Nova Scotia recognized MacLauchlan; the Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, former Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick; and John Risley, President, Clearwater Seafoods for their inspirational work in improving government, business, and civil society in Canada.

MacLauchlan, who was UPEI's President and Vice-Chancellor from 1999-2011, was actively involved in provincial, regional, and national collaborations showing great leadership and passion, in addition to serving as the University's fifth president for 12 years.

'While at UPEI, Wade was dedicated to collaborating with other universities and partners in the region to cultivate integrated teaching and research, both locally and globally,' said Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor. 'Wade was also passionate about supporting our students in their pursuit of excellence and that continues to this day through his many endeavours. On behalf of the entire UPEI family, I congratulate Wade on this well-deserved and prestigious honour.'

Under MacLauchlan's leadership, UPEI embarked on a very successful ‘Building a Legacy' capital campaign, rose in Maclean's annual university rankings, and saw unprecedented growth in research funding. He was instrumental in developing partnerships such as with the National Research Council and in establishing events like the Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership to increase the debate and dialogue on topics important to Islanders and other Canadians.

Since 1987, the Forum has recognized leaders who have helped advance public policy and good governance in Canada. Each year, public servants, business leaders, elected representatives, and journalists are honoured at a Testimonial Dinner & Awards, Western Dinner, and Gordon Osbaldeston Lecture. The new Atlantic Dinner & Awards builds on this tradition.

The Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, and the Honourable Darrell Dexter, Premier of Nova Scotia, delivered opening remarks at the Atlantic dinner and ceremony.