Momentous impact on Canada’s future political leadership

Jarislowsky Chair to educate next generation of politicians and public sector leaders in ethics, democratic values and responsible governance within the contexts of Canada’s diverse citizenry

Trent University will soon be recruiting for the inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership - one of five prestigious academic appointments at universities across Canada to lead a first-of-its-kind collaboration focused on educating future leaders in government, politics and the public service.  

“Trent is excited to be a part of the Jarislowsky Chair initiative,” says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor at Trent University. “The eminent scholar we are looking to appoint will build upon Trent’s strengths in interdisciplinary scholarship, helping us foster an environment in which our students think critically and consciously about ethics and politics.” 

Trent’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, to be appointed September 1, 2022, will be supported by a $2 million gift from the Jarislowsky Foundation that will assist the development of an innovative program of scholarship (teaching, research, and experiential learning) that will expand knowledge and training in the ethical practice of politics, fiduciary responsibility and democratic governance.  

“We are honoured to work in collaboration with the Jarislowsky Foundation and our university partners across the country to bring a new Chair position to Trent that builds on our liberal arts strengths in political theory and ethics,” says Dr. Mark Skinner, dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Trent University. “We look forward to enhancing a learning environment that inspires generations of professionals in politics, government, and public service with integrity and a commitment to ethics, democratic values and responsible governance.” 

Trent’s Jarislowsky Chair will be a founding member of the national Network of Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership made up of five endowed Chairs at Acadia University, l’Université du Québec à Trois Rivières (in collaboration with l’École Nationale d’Administration Publique), Trent University, the University of Lethbridge, and Vancouver Island University.  

Once appointed, this academic leader is set to engage with a national network of scholars to educate the next generation of politicians and public sector leaders in ethics, democratic values and responsible governance within the contexts of Canada’s diverse citizenship, democracy, and commitment to meaningful Truth and Reconciliation. The Jarislowsky Chairs will offer innovative academic programs and experiential learning opportunities, while working to promote communities of practice in political and governance decision making across Canada. 

Trent students will benefit from the opportunity to learn across the partner universities through a combination of foundational and experiential learning courses that bring together students from across the country. 

Information about Trent’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership can be found at trentu.ca/artsci/jarislowsky.