Andrew Petter

Andrew Petter
CM OBC KC
Petter in 2010
9th President and Vice-Chancellor of Simon Fraser University
In office
September 1, 2010 – August 31, 2020
Preceded byMichael Stevenson
Succeeded byJoy Johnson
Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly
for Saanich South
In office
October 17, 1991 – May 16, 2001
Preceded byRiding Established
Succeeded bySusan Brice
Personal details
Born1953 (age 70–71)[1]
Victoria, British Columbia
Political partyNew Democrat
Domestic partnerMaureen Maloney
ChildrenDylan
Alma materNotre Dame University
University of Victoria
Cambridge University
ProfessionProfessor
Lawyer

Andrew J. Petter CM OBC KC (born 1953) is a former academic and provincial politician in British Columbia, Canada. He represented the electoral district of Saanich South in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 1991 to 2001. A member of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (BC NDP) caucus, he served in various cabinet posts under premiers Mike Harcourt, Glen Clark, Dan Miller and Ujjal Dosanjh, including as Attorney General of British Columbia from February to November 2000.

After politics, he worked as the dean of the University of Victoria Faculty of Law from 2002 to 2008, then served two terms as president and vice-chancellor of Simon Fraser University from 2010 to 2020. He served as board chair of provincial Crown agency Innovate BC from 2021 to 2024, and was elected to be a director of Coast Capital Savings Credit Union in April 2024. He has written extensively about the role of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its effect on government powers and decision making.[1]

Background and education

Andrew Petter was born in Victoria, British Columbia in 1953, and grew up in the adjacent suburb of Oak Bay.[1][2] His grandfather Ernest Petter was an English industrialist who unsuccessfully ran for the House of Commons of the United Kingdom on three occasions before moving to the Vancouver Island town of Comox in 1938; he then lived for a while in Saanich before moving back to the UK in 1954.[2][3]

Andrew's Jewish mother Elizabeth graduated from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in the 1930s, then joined the Tanzgruppe Bodenwieser as a dancer.[4] She was on tour in London when she met Ernest Petter's son Gordon; the couple married in Vienna and lived there until the Anschluss.[4] After escaping Austria, the couple and Andrew's three elder siblings moved to Vancouver Island in 1946 to join Ernest.[2]

In the 1960s the family moved to the interior city of Nelson,[5] where Gordon Petter taught history at the now defunct Notre Dame University College.[2] Andrew graduated from the city's L.V. Rogers Secondary School as valedictorian, then pursued undergraduate studies at Notre Dame.[1][4] He also hosted an open-line show at radio station CKKC, interviewing figures such as then-premier Dave Barrett and former premier W.A.C. Bennett, before leaving the station to work as an executive assistant to Nelson-Creston member of the Legislative Assembly Lorne Nicolson.[1][4]

He began studying political science at the University of Victoria (UVic) in 1976, then entered the school's law program in 1978, graduating with an LL.B. in 1981 and winning the Law Society of British Columbia gold medal for his top-of-class standing.[1][4][6] He subsequently attended Cambridge University on a Commonwealth Scholarship,[7] receiving an LL.M. in 1982 and graduating with first class honours.[1][4][8]

Career

Petter briefly worked at the Saskatchewan Department of Justice, serving as the Constitutional Branch's adviser.[6] He then taught at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto as an assistant professor between 1984 and 1986, before joining his alma mater, the University of Victoria Faculty of Law in 1986,[1][4] becoming associate professor in 1988.[8]

Politics

Recruited by BC NDP leader Mike Harcourt to enter politics,[1][4] Petter was twice elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the provincial elections of 1991 and 1996, representing the riding of Saanich South.[7] His constituency work included establishing the Galloping Goose Regional Trail for cyclists.[1][9]

He was named Minister of Aboriginal Affairs in November 1991 by Premier Harcourt.[10] In that role, he worked alongside Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Tom Siddon and Harcourt in the First Nations Task Force, which created and put into effect the Treaty Commission Act in British Columbia in May 1993. He then served as Minister of Forests from September 1993 to February 1996,[10] with the BC Forest Practices Code being established during his term.[11]

After Glen Clark took over as premier in February 1996, Petter was appointed Minister of Health, Minister Responsible for Seniors, and Minister Responsible for Intergovernmental Relations.[12] That June he was named Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations, while holding on to the intergovernmental portfolio and dropping the health and seniors file.[12] He then served as Minister of Advanced Education, Training and Technology and Minister of Intergovernmental Relations from February 1998 onwards,[12][13] adding the role of Minister Responsible for Youth in August 1999 after Clark resigned and Dan Miller took over as premier and interim NDP leader.[14]

Following Ujjal Dosanjh's election as new NDP leader, Petter was named Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Human Rights in February 2000.[15][16] He declined to run again in the 2001 provincial election, and was dropped from the cabinet in November 2000, replaced in both roles by Graeme Bowbrick.[15][17]

Higher education

Subsequent to his career in politics, he served as dean of the University of Victoria's faculty of law from 2001 until 2008 (the first year as acting dean),[8] before returning to teaching.[1][2] During his time as dean, the UVic Faculty established a new graduate law program, created a national aboriginal economic development chair and supported the first cohort of the Akitsiraq Law School in Nunavut.[18]

He was named president and vice-chancellor of Simon Fraser University in January 2010,[1][11] starting his term on September 1 that year.[8] He was succeeded by Joy Johnson in 2020.[19]

Innovate BC

From 2021 to 2024, Petter was served as chair of the board of directors of Innovate BC, a provincial Crown agency responsible for supporting innovation and growth in the technology sector in British Columbia.[20] He took over the position from Alan Shaver. The appointment was announced by Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.

Honours and awards

Country Order Class or position Year Citation
 Canada Order of Canada Member 2018 [21]
 Canada Order of British Columbia Member 2021 [22]

Other distinctions

Selected publications

Electoral results

1991 British Columbia general election: Saanich South
Party Candidate Votes % Expenditures
New Democratic Andrew Petter 10,254 44.63 $42,789
Liberal Lorne Peasland 8,309 36.17 $7,035
Social Credit Allen L. Vandekerkhove 4,218 18.36 $92,822
Western Canada Concept Douglas Christie 193 0.84 –
Total valid votes 22,974 100.00
Total rejected ballots 300 1.03
Turnout 23,274 79.87
1996 British Columbia general election: Saanich South
Party Candidate Votes % Expenditures
New Democratic Andrew Petter 11,394 46.11 $46,181
Liberal Frank Leonard 10,867 43.98 $42,352
Progressive Democrat Cherie Dealey 1,198 4.85 $6,794
Reform Colin Knecht 676 2.74 $2,842
Green Jack Etkin 343 1.39 $1,081
Natural Law Gail Anderson 86 0.35 $100
Western Canada Concept Douglas Christie 66 0.27 $100
Libertarian Ken Wiebe 40 0.16 –
Common Sense Laery Braaten 38 0.15 $100
Total valid votes 24,708 100.00
Total rejected ballots 141 0.57
Turnout 24,849 77.16

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Andrew Petter: backgrounder". Simon Fraser University. January 20, 2010. Archived from the original on January 23, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e Hawthorn, Tom (January 29, 2010). "Yet another path for 'minister of rails and trails'". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  3. ^ Osborn, Bob. "Sir Ernest Willoughby Petter: Engine & Aircraft Manufacturer". Yeovil's Virtual Museum. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Blennerhassett, Patrick (January 12, 2016). "Profile of Andrew Petter, president and vice-chancellor, Simon Fraser University". Business in Vancouver. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  5. ^ Ovenell-Carter, Julie (November 2010). "SFU's new president is a listener who leads, a leader who listens". AQ Magazine. Simon Fraser University. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. "36th Parliament Members at dissolution on April 18, 2001: Mr. Andrew Petter". Retrieved December 2, 2009.
  7. ^ a b Mondo Politico. "Short Biography of Andrew Petter". Retrieved December 2, 2009.
  8. ^ a b c d University of Victoria Official Web Page. "UVic Law Faculty Directory". University of Victoria. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved December 2, 2009.
  9. ^ University of Victoria Official Web Page. "UVic Alumni Profile". 2003 Distinguished Alumni Award Page. Retrieved December 2, 2009.[dead link‍]
  10. ^ a b "Harcourt Cabinet: 35th Parliament 1991-1996" (PDF). Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Bellett, Gerry (January 20, 2010). "SFU picks former B.C. attorney general Andrew Petter as next president". Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on January 24, 2010. Retrieved January 24, 2010.
  12. ^ a b c "Glen Clark Cabinet: 35th Parliament (5th Session) 1996; 36th Parliament (1st - 3rd Session) 1996 - 1999" (PDF). Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  13. ^ "MacPhail takes over B.C. finances". CBC News. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  14. ^ "Miller Cabinet: 36th Parliament (3rd Session) 1999-2000" (PDF). Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  15. ^ a b "Dosanjh Cabinet: 36th Parliament (3rd - 5th Session) 2000 - 2001" (PDF). Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  16. ^ "New B.C. cabinet". CBC News. February 29, 2000. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
  17. ^ "NDP cabinet gets a major shake-up". CBC News. November 1, 2000. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  18. ^ Staff Reporter for The Province Newspaper. "Former MLA Petter will become Simon Fraser University president". Archived from the original on January 22, 2010. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  19. ^ Carrigg, David (January 8, 2020). "Joy Johnson appointed new president of Simon Fraser University". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  20. ^ Innovation, Jobs Economic Recovery and (March 19, 2021). "New Innovate BC board chair appointed | BC Gov News". news.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  21. ^ "Dr. Andrew Petter". Governor General of Canada. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  22. ^ Skrypnek, Jane (August 2, 2021). "Three Greater Victoria residents awarded Order of B.C." Victoria News. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  23. ^ "Peter Lougheed Award". Public Policy Forum. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  24. ^ "Education leader receives honorary degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University". Kwantlen Polytechnic University. June 2, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Andrew Petter.
British Columbia provincial government of Ujjal Dosanjh
Cabinet posts (2)
Predecessor Office Successor
Ujjal Dosanjh Attorney General of British Columbia
February 29, 2000–November 1, 2000 		Graeme Bowbrick
Ujjal Dosanjh Minister Responsible for Human Rights
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British Columbia provincial government of Dan Miller
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Predecessor Office Successor
cont'd from Clark Ministry Minister of Advanced Education, Training and Technology
August 25, 1999–February 24, 2000 		Graeme Bowbrick
cont'd from Clark Ministry Minister of Intergovernmental Relations
August 25, 1999–February 24, 2000 		Greg Halsey-Brandt[1]
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August 25, 1999–February 24, 2000 		Graeme Bowbrick
British Columbia provincial government of Glen Clark
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Predecessor Office Successor
Position re-titled[2] Minister of Intergovernmental Relations
February 18, 1998–August 25, 1999 		cont'd into Miller Ministry
Tom Perry[3] Minister of Advanced Education, Training and Technology
February 18, 1998–August 25, 1999 		cont'd into Miller Ministry
Elizabeth Cull Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations
June 17, 1996–February 18, 1998 		Joy MacPhail
Position established Minister Responsible for Intergovernmental Relations
February 28, 1996–February 18, 1998 		Position re-titled[4]
Paul Ramsey Minister of Health
February 28, 1996–June 17, 1996 		Joy MacPhail
Paul Ramsey Minister Responsible for Seniors
February 28, 1996–June 17, 1996 		Joy MacPhail
British Columbia provincial government of Mike Harcourt
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Predecessor Office Successor
Dan Miller Minister of Forests
September 15, 1993–February 22, 1996 		Dennis Streifel
John Savage[5] Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
November 5, 1991–September 15, 1993 		John Cashore
  1. ^ Ministry did not exist under Ujjal Dosanjh, Halsey-Brandt took position in the Campbell Cabinet as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations on June 5, 2001
  2. ^ from Minister Responsible for Intergovernmental Relations
  3. ^ Ministry was inactive from 1993-1998
  4. ^ to Minister of Intergovernmental Relations
  5. ^ As Minister of Native Affairs