Fonds F0150 - H. Ian Macdonald fonds

Hugh Ian Macdonald (1929- ) was born in Toronto, Ontario, and received his B.Comm. from the University of Toronto in 1952. He attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, earning his M.A. there in 1954 and B.Phil. (Econ.) in 1955. He began teaching at the University of Toronto in 1955, and was made Assistant Professor of Economics in 1962. In 1965 Macdonald joined the Government of Ontario Department of Economics and Development as Chief Economist, becoming Deputy Treasurer in 1967, Deputy Minister of Treasury and Economics in 1968, and Deputy Treasurer and Deputy Minister of Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs in 1972. He left the provincial government to serve as President of York University from 1974 to 1984, and was later named President Emeritus. From 1984 to 1994 Macdonald was the Director of York International, which administered projects in Kenya and other countries and sought to widen York University's international involvement. He continued to work at York University as Professor of Public Policy and Economics and Director of the Master of Public Administration Program. Macdonald has served as president, chairman, director, or member of numerous organizations. He was Chairman of the Ontario Advisory Committee on Confederation from 1965 to 1971 and from 1977 to 1982, and Chairman of IDEA (Innovation Development for Employment Advancement) Corporation from 1982 to 1986. His many other positions in community service include President of the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs, Chairman of Hockey Canada, Trustee of the Lewis Perinbam Award, Board Member of the International Association of Universities, Governor of York-Finch Hospital, President of the Ticker Club, President of the Empire Club of Canada, Director of Aetna Canada, President of the World University Service of Canada, Board member of the North-South Institute, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Theatre Plus, and member of the Economic Council of Canada. Macdonald was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Toronto in 1974. He was named Officer of the Order of Canada in 1977 and a Knight of Grace of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem in 1978, and has received many other honours.