OISE human development expert Charles Pascal receives Order of Canada
December 28, 2014
OISE human development expert Dr. Charles E. Pascal has been invested as a Member of the Order of Canada, announced by his Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada on December 26.
On getting the call, “I was quite surprised and naturally felt some pride with this recognition. But it is clear to me that my journey to date has not been a solitary one. If I have accomplished anything professionally, it is because of the remarkable colleagues and mentors I have had – and continue to have. In a sense, the award is a proxy for the talents of so many others with whom I work and from whom I continue to learn,” said Pascal.
Pascal is an internationally respected Canadian educator with expertise in early and higher education, public policy and leadership development. With a well-noted track record as a former college president and deputy minister in Ontario, Pascal also has demonstrated highly regarded expertise in strategic philanthropy. He has published extensively in the fields of psychology and education and has received extensive and diverse awards and recognitions.
“No one has done more to bring bold policy to life for young children here in Canada and around the world than our colleague Charles Pascal. His unparalleled leadership and advocacy have brought to Ontario’s children a plan and an action to improve early human development and to support families. Ontario’s unique two-year full-day kindergarten program co-taught by a kindergarten teacher and a registered early childhood educator is making a difference to young children and their parents. It is a milestone step toward Dr. Pascal’s vision for early learning,” explained OISE colleague Janette Pelletier, who studies early learning and literacy.
Pascal joined OISE in 1977, where he is Professor of Applied Psychology & Human Development and coordinator of Canada’s first flexible delivery PhD Program in Early Learning. He teaches in a PhD program in leadership that he developed for post-secondary and community leaders, and also serves as Senior Advisor to the Chagnon Foundation in Montreal, and special advisor to Australia’s Good Start Early Learning organization. He is a regular contributor to the Toronto Star newspaper and conducts seminars and workshops on lifelong learning, leadership, policy-making, strategic philanthropy and strategic communications.
“This is a wonderful tribute to Charles and a well deserved recognition of his contributions to education,” added OISE Dean Julia O’Sullivan.
Established in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Since its creation, more than 6,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.
