Ralph Goodale to receive honorary degree from University of Regina

Longtime MP Ralph Goodale is set to receive an honorary degree from his alma mater.

The University of Regina (U of R) will award Goodale an Honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causa on June 18.

“Mr. Goodale has devoted more than five decades to public service, representing Saskatchewan and Canada with distinction,” read a U of R media release Thursday.

“From his roots at the Regina Campus to his dedication as one of Canada’s longest-serving parliamentarians, cabinet ministers, and most recently High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr. Goodale’s career reflects extraordinary commitment to public life and the values of democracy and service.”

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

Goodale was born and raised in Regina and attended the U of R when it was the Regina-based campus of the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). There he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1971 before earning a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1972 at the U of S.

He was elected to parliament in 1974 at the age of 24 representing Assiniboia. In the 1980s, he went on to serve as the leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party.

Goodale served as a Member of Parliament for Regina-Wascana from 1993 until 2019, serving in numerous cabinet positions until his defeat in the 2019 federal election to Conservative Party candidate Michael Kram.

More recently, Goodale has been appointed to the Advisory Committee on Canada-US Economic Relations.

The U of R is also set to present honorary degrees to Mr. Sol and Mrs. Elsie Sanderson, both receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causa (LLD).

The two are being recognized for their “transformational contributions to Indigenous governance, education and community leadership.”

Additionally, they’re being honoured for advancing First Nations sovereignty, preserving traditional knowledge and supporting families and communities across the province.

Also receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causa is Dr. Bob Steadward, for being a global leader in “sport, inclusion and accessibility”.

The U of R is awarding the Saskatchewan-born Steadward for his efforts in transforming opportunities for athletes with disabilities around the work through pioneering adapted physical activity. He is also a founding president of the International Paralympic Committee.