SFU DCLA 2011: Jack Austin

The President's Distinguished Community Leadership Award provides Simon Fraser University an opportunity to recognize and honour individuals or organizations for distinguished service in our community.

Jack Austin's career in public life spanned from 1963 to 2007 and included representing British Columbia in the Senate of Canada and in two Federal Cabinets. In 1982 he brought the Federal government into Expo '86 and as Minister for Expo '86 was responsible for the construction and operation planning of the Canadian Pavilion, now Canada Place. This gave Vancouver public access to its own waterfront for the first time and sparked decades of economic activity. He played a key role in Aboriginal policy, including responsibility for ensuring the passage of the Nisga'a Final Agreement legislation, the first modern land settlement and self government treaty in BC. He was ahead of his time in recognizing the importance of Asia for BC, serving as president of the Canada China Business Council, co-chair of the Canada China Legislative Association and helping to establish the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. In 2009, SFU and the Asia Pacific Foundation created the Jack Austin Centre for Asia Pacific Business Studies to recognize these exceptional contributions. In 2010, he received the Order of BC.

See also: http://www.sfu.ca/advancement/dcla/

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