From the rink to Rideau Hall: Law school congratulates former professor and new GG, David Johnston

Dean Mayo Moran applauds the appointment of former U of T law professor, David Johnston, as Canada’s next Governor General.

“Professor Johnston is indeed a perfect fit for this role, one that encapsulates his life-long commitment to public service. For decades, he has served the academy and beyond with excellence, passion and humility,” says Moran.

Born in northern Ontario, Johnston’s path took him to Boston where he attended Harvard University on scholarships, and led the hockey team as an All-American defenseman. His legal studies took him to Cambridge, UK, then to Queen’s University, where he became a lawyer and started his professional career.

The University of Toronto Faculty of Law recruited him to this law school, where he served with distinction for many years in the 1960s, before he took the dean’s role at the University of Western Ontario. This launched a high-level academic leadership career of more than 30 years, including 15 years as principal of McGill University, and 10 years at head of the University of Waterloo.

Fully bilingual and a star academic, Johnston received an honorary doctor of laws degree from U of T in 1985. He is a Companion of the Order of Canada and is a renowned legal scholar, particularly in the area of public policy.

He has advised or led government commissions on a significant variety of challenging issues. “His strong independence of judgment and deep understanding of constitutional matters may also be valuable assets as he discharges his new responsibilities,” says Prof. David Naylor, U of T president. “His consensus skills and equanimity are legendary.”

And he’s good in the corners, too.

The law school congratulates its former colleague, David Johnston, and his family on such a prestigious appointment.