Thursday November 24, 2022, Peterborough

Trent University is taking an important next step in enhancing the education of current and future leaders in government, politics and the public service with the appointment of Dr. Cristine de Clercy to the prestigious role of Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership.

“Professor de Clercy is an excellent addition to Trent’s interdisciplinary environment bringing a dynamic perspective, robust research background, and respected thought leadership on the Canadian political landscape,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Through the support of the Jarislowsky Foundation, and in collaboration with our university partners, we look forward to advancing the education of the next generation of political leaders.”

The new Jarislowsky Chair at Trent is part of a national network of scholars set to engage with 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. This position, first announced in June, is supported by a $2 million gift from the Jarislowsky Foundation.

Trent students will benefit from the opportunity to learn across the partner universities through a combination of foundational courses and experiential learning opportunities that bring together students from across the country committed to addressing the challenges of 21st century political leadership.

“Trent is well-known for its strengths in the liberal arts – particularly in ethics and political theory,” Dr. Mark Skinner, dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, shared. “We are pleased to welcome Prof. de Clercy, with her outstanding reputation for astute political observation and insightful expertise that stands to reinforce the hallmarks of Trent’s student and scholarly experience.”

Prof. de Clercy is highly regarded for her work related to political leadership in fields of Canadian politics, comparative politics, political economy, and women in politics. She comes to the inaugural Jarislowsky position July 1, 2023 having previously held the role of associate professor and director of the Leadership and Democracy Laboratory at Western University.

"The Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Trent University offers a unique chance to build and transform our knowledge of trust and political leadership, goals which I have been sincerely pursuing throughout my academic career,” shared Prof. de Clercy. “I am deeply honoured to serve as the inaugural chair, and look forward to working with students and colleagues at Trent, as well as the other four chairholders, and members of the media and surrounding community, in undertaking an innovative program of scholarship and community awareness that will expand knowledge and training in the ethical practice of politics, fiduciary responsibility and democratic governance."

Prof. de Clercy’s academic career spans more than 20 years with an impressive research track-record that has involved millions of dollars in grant funding. She has served as an expert witness and commentator on a number of government committees, and is also sought-after by media nationally and internationally for her political expertise and commentary.

The network of Jarislowsky Chairs has been launched with the vision and generous support of prominent Canadian business leader, investor and philanthropist, Stephen A. Jarislowsky.

“This network of academics will be at the forefront of creating rigorous environments where reliable and ethical leaders can develop their skills and, ultimately, where democracy can thrive,” said Mr. Jarislowsky. “Through the Jarislowsky Chair, Prof. de Clercy and others in the chairholder network will be equipped to enhance training and mobilize knowledge to provide guidance through this defining chapter of Canadian and global history.”

This Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Trent University is supported by a $2 million gift from the Jarislowsky Foundation that will assist the development of an innovative program of scholarship, involving teaching, research, experiential learning, and the collaborative development of innovative programming and certification. The national network of Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership is 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.