Former Ontario deputy premier Christine Elliott is joining Western University in a role that will see her mentor law students and provide advice to the president.
The university announced Monday that Elliott will work as a Distinguished Leader in Residence at Western Law. The retired provincial politician graduated from Western with a Bachelor of Laws in 1978. Western said Elliott will work with the faculty to provide “guidance and professional mentorship” to law students in areas such as healthcare law and policy, advocacy, leadership, and public service.
“I am honoured to be once again associated with Western University, this time as Distinguished Leader in Residence,” said Elliott in a statement. “My undergraduate years, as well as my years at Western’s Faculty of Law, prepared me well for my future. I look forward to speaking with potential Western students about the high quality of education and life at Western University and connecting with current students about their studies and their opportunities for the future.”
Western said Elliott’s formal activities at the university include interacting with students and alumni, and promoting the versatility of a legal education to prepare students for a wide range of careers. The university said some of those interactions will be in impromptu conversations, fireside chats, and guest lectures. Western also noted that Elliott will be available for guest lectures and seminars on health care, public service, and social justice-related topics.
“I will be speaking to the students about aspects of their studies, as well as future opportunities in legal careers. I have worked in various capacities in my career, and my experience as a lawyer set me up for work in public life. I look forward to sharing my experience and insights,” said Elliott.
In addition to her role within the law school, Western said Elliott will serve as an advisor to President Alan Shepard on Western’s mental health and wellness strategy.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Christine back to campus in this new and exciting role,” said Shepherd. As a Distinguished Leader in Residence, she will contribute to the intellectual life of the university while offering our students an incredible opportunity to benefit from her wide-ranging legal expertise and dedication to public service.”
Elliott served as Ontario’s eleventh deputy premier and Minister of Health under Premier Doug Ford’s government from 2018 to June 2022 and oversaw most of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario.
