We at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Honourable Donald Macdonald on Sunday, October 14, 2018.
A Companion of the Order of Canada, Donald Macdonald had a lifelong dedication to political affairs and public service. Elected to the House of Commons in 1962, Macdonald served under the governments of both Lester B. Pearson and Pierre Trudeau. Throughout his long and distinguished career, Macdonald served as Government House Leader, Minister of Defence, Minister of Energy and Minister of Finance. He was later appointed Chairman of the Royal Commission on the Economic Union and Development Prospects for Canada (the “Macdonald Commission”), whose recommendations ultimately led to the creation of NAFTA.
Macdonald’s commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders was evident during his tenure as co-chair (with his wife, Adrian Macdonald) of the Advisory Board of the Munk School’s Trudeau Centre for Peace, Conflict and Justice.
In recognition of their extraordinary leadership, the Trudeau Centre Board established the Adrian and Donald Macdonald Intern Scholarship to support research and travel opportunities for students, allowing them to gain meaningful real-world experiences in government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.
We send our deepest condolences to the Macdonald family and are grateful for Donald’s commitment and contributions to the University of Toronto and beyond.
A funeral service will be held in Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church, 78 Clifton Road, Toronto, at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 19, 2018.
Should you wish to make a donation in Donald’s memory, we would appreciate support to enhance the Adrian and Donald Macdonald Internship Scholarship.
