On Wednesday, Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane announced that former Senator Murray Sinclair has been appointed as Queen’s University‘s new chancellor. The university has been searching for a new chancellor since fall 2020 and will begin his role on July 1st.
“I am thrilled to announce that The Honourable Murray Sinclair will be joining Queen’s as the 15th Chancellor of our university,” says Principal Deane. “As Queen pursues a strategic vision that embraces social impact, I cannot think of anyone better suited to advise us on that course than His Honour, one of Canada’s most significant advocates for Indigenous peoples. We feel privileged to work with him.”
Recently retiring from his post as senator, the Chancellor-Designate Sinclair has had an extensive legal career and has solidified himself as an advocate for indigeonous people in Canada.
Sinclair led the Truth and Reconciliation Commision in 2015, which outlined 94 calls to action to improve reconciliation between Canada and Indigeonous peoples. He is currently serving as general counsel with Cochrane Saxberg LLP, Manitoba’s largest Indigenous law firm.
The role of chancellor is considered the ceremonial head and highest officer of the university. The chancellor sits on the University Council, Board of Trustees and a number of other committees. Most recently, the chancellor played a central role in selecting the incoming principal of Queen’s University.
“The advisory committee, chaired by Principal Deane, developed a list of 10 attributes the next chancellor should possess, including demonstrated commitments to sustainability, equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity, according to the statement,” said the University in a news release. “After the advisory committee recommended Sinclair, the nomination was confirmed by Queen’s University Council.”
Sinclair is the first person of colour to be appointed to the role and will succeed current chancellor James Leach.
