THE TITLE AND DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF LAWS, (honoris causa) CONFERRED AT CONGREGATION, NOVEMBER 21, 2007
MICHAEL FRANKLIN HARCOURT
MR. CHANCELLOR: There are few individuals who truly understand the nature and power of cities – that they are living entities with both body and soul.
Michael Harcourt is such an individual. His commitment to making choices that create livable and resilient cities has made him one of Canada’s leading proponents on planning for sustainability.
A UBC alumnus, Mike Harcourt served as British Columbia’s Premier from 1991 to 1996, Vancouver’s Mayor from 1980 to 1986, and as a Vancouver Alderman from 1972 to 1980. Career accomplishments include shaping a vision for the city leading up to Expo 86; helping to establish B.C.’s Treaty Commission; and introducing the Growth Strategies Act, which promoted regional sustainability.
After serving as Premier, Mr. Harcourt returned to UBC to act as an advisor in many areas, including sustainable development research and Asia Pacific affairs.
Between 1996 and 2004, he was a member of the National Round Table on the Environment and Economy. He also chaired the National External Advisory Committee on Cities and Communities and serves as honorary chair of the International Centre for Sustainable Cities, based in Vancouver.
Recipient of the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, he was awarded in 2006 the Canadian Urban Institute’s Jane Jacobs Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mr. Harcourt is co-author of Plan B: One Man’s Journey from Tragedy to Triumph, which chronicles his remarkable recovery from a near fatal accident in 2002. He recently co-authored City Making in Paradise: Nine Decisions that Saved Greater Vancouver’s Livability.
Mr. Chancellor, for his role in promoting the quality of life in our cities, I ask you to confer the degree Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, upon Michael Franklin Harcourt.