Toronto, July 17, 2008 – In acknowledgment of his many notable achievements and contributions in politics, public service, and international business and trade, the U.K.’s University of Warwick today recognized the Honourable Pierre Pettigrew with an Honourary Doctorate of Law at its summer degree congregation.

“Pierre has a formidable reputation as someone who understands the practical problems of implementing change on a global level, and the opportunities and constraints facing the private sector under conditions of contemporary globalization,” says Professor Richard Higgott, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Warwick University. “In conferring this degree on Pierre, the University of Warwick is making a very public statement of thanks for his contribution to the work of the Commission and a permanent recognition of the esteem in which the University holds him.”

Pettigrew is currently Executive Adviser, International, for Deloitte, where he is a valued resource to senior Deloitte leaders in Canada and throughout Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu globally. Over the last year he chaired The Warwick Commission, organized by the University of Warwick. This was an international commission of policy makers and researchers tasked with examining the global trading system and making recommendations about its future shape and direction. The Commission took evidence from a wide range of experts from around the globe. It launched its report in December 2007.

"When such a prestigious university as Warwick asked me to chair their first Commission on the future of the multilateral trade regime, I was thrilled,” remarked Pettigrew. “And choosing to acknowledge my chairmanship and career in international trade, by honouring me with this doctorate in law, is just wonderful. Receiving this honorary degree along with my good friend Pascal Lamy makes this moment all the more special, as does receiving it at the very moment the Doha round is at a critical juncture with the July 21 meeting of trade ministers in Geneva. I certainly wish them and the WTO well.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Thrift conferred the doctorate to Pettigrew, as well as to Pascal Lamy, Director General of the World Trade Organization. Pettigrew also delivered the keynote address at Warwick’s Graduands Dinner on July 16.

A world of experience
The Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, PC, LLD, has had a distinguished career with success in both public and private sectors. He has led a number of senior departments in his 10 years as a minister in successive governments of Canada. From 1985-95, Mr. Pettigrew was an International Business Consultant with Deloitte. During his tenure, he emerged as a strong voice for business and an articulate analyst of GATT, World Trade Organization (WTO) and North American free trade negotiations in the media. His visibility on international trade issues garnered an appointment to the federal cabinet prior to his election to parliament. As a minister of the crown, he would go on to chair several working groups on tough international trade negotiations, and lead trade missions to China, India, Russia, Germany, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, Mexico, and other countries.

His international insight led to his appointment as foreign affairs minister. One of his crowning achievements in this role was leading the nationally and globally lauded international policy review that provided the government of Canada with a fully integrated approach of diplomacy, defence, trade and development in international affairs.

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