Allan Rock, Director
Rector and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ottawa
In July 2008, Allan Rock became the University of Ottawa’s 29th President and Vice-Chancellor. He is a three-time University of Ottawa alumnus, having graduated from the institution's high school before completing a bachelor of arts in 1968 and a law degree in 1971. He also served as president of the student federation.
For 20 years, Allan Rock led a stellar career in civil, commercial and administrative litigation. In 1993, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Centre and named Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. In that capacity, he significantly improved the Criminal Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act and other federal legislation.
Mr. Rock became Minister of Health in 1997, spearheading the creation of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and more than doubling annual health-research funding nation-wide.
Later, as Minister of Industry and Minister of Infrastructure, he oversaw Canada’s three granting councils and introduced legislation promoting applied research in the social sciences and the humanities.
Allan Rock was appointed Ambassador of Canada to the United Nations in December 2003. As the voice of Canadians there, he was an outspoken advocate of human rights, human security and UN reform.
Mr. Rock has garnered a number of awards, including honorary degrees from the Law Society of Upper Canada (1996) and the University of Windsor (1997). He received the Meritas-Tabaret Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Ottawa in 2007, presented to graduates who have made a significant contribution to Canada.
