Ian Shugart appointed to Senate of Canada
September 27, 2022
On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Ian Shugart to the Senate of Canada. The decision came after Shugart was recommended by the federal government’s independent advisory board for Senate appointments. Dr. Flordeliz “Gigi” Osler, former head of the Canadian Medical Association, was also named in Trudeau’s announcement.
“I am pleased to welcome Flordeliz Osler and Ian Shugart as Parliament’s newest independent senators,” said Trudeau in a September 26 statement. “I am confident that their dedication, unique perspectives and stellar careers will help them best serve Canadians from all walks of life.”
Shugart is also a Professor (Teaching Stream), at the Munk School and teaches students in the Master of Global Affairs (MGA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs. He will continue in that role.
Shugart’s career in the federal public service spans over 30 years, during which time he has held leadership positions from Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Most recently, Shugart was the 24th Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, where he led the federal public service’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He retired from the public service in May 2022 and joined the Munk School in September 2022.
“Ian Shugart is a model of expertise, commitment and ethics with a reputation for his deep knowledge and devotion to Canada’s interests,” says Peter Loewen, director of the Munk School. “We are extremely fortunate to have him teach at the Munk School and share his considerable experience and insights with our students.”
Shugart is an alum of the University of Toronto’s Trinity College, where he earned a degree in political economy. In Trudeau’s announcement, he also named Shugart a privy councillor. “Ian Shugart’s advice and leadership in service of Canadians have been invaluable,” said Trudeau. “I am pleased to appoint him as Canada’s newest Privy Councillor to recognize his contributions and dedication to making Canada a better place for everyone.”