Honorary degree citation - Victor C. Goldbloom*
By: Martin Kusy, November 1993
Mr. Chancellor, I have the honour to present to you Victor Goldbloom, Federal Official Languages Commissioner and a man committed to environmental and public health and the promotion of interfaith dialogue.
Pédiatre de formation, le Dr Goldbloom a consacré le début de sa carrière à soigner les jeunes Québécois.
He served as Chairman of Medical Economics for the Association of Pediatricians of the Province of Québec and later for the Canadian Medical Association. This latter position allowed him to travel across Canada familiarizing himself with health care systems and social issues affecting Canadians.
En 1966, le Dr Goldbloom entre dans la vie politique en devenant le premier député élu dans le nouveau comté de D'Arcy McGee, qu'il représentera à l'Assemblée législative du Québec pendant près de 14 ans.
A graduate of McGill University, Dr. Goldbloom was named to the cabinet in 1970, the first member of the Jewish community to be so recognized, and in December was appointed this province's first Minister of the Environment, a post which he held for six years. He was responsible for the Environment Quality Act and created the Environment Protection Services.
His knowledge and abilities are extensive and were put to good use in other areas. In 1973, he was named Minister of Municipal Affairs as well. Then in 1975, just eight months before the opening of the 1976 Olympics, he was given the additional responsibility of Minister Responsible for the Olympic Installations Board. In 1991 he was appointed to his current post, Commissioner of Official Languages in Ottawa.
L'engagement du Dr Victor Goldbloom envers la communauté juive est également un fait saillant de sa vie. Très actif dans nombre d'organismes juifs, il est particulièrement connu pour son travail en faveur du dialogue oecuménique. De 1979 à 1987, il a été président du Conseil canadien des Chrétiens et des Juifs.
Mr. Chancellor, it is a privilege to present to you, on behalf of the Senate and by the authority of the Board of Governors, Victor Goldbloom, so that you may confer on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
