Leslie Raymond
Peterson - West Vancouver
![Click image for full-size version](/web/20061229024112im_/http://www.protocol.gov.bc.ca/protocol/prgs/obc/1990/1990_LRPeterson_sm.jpg) Few
British Columbians can claim the breadth of distinguished service
to this Province and its people as can Leslie Peterson.
Educated at
McGill and London University Mr. Peterson was called to the Bar
in British Columbia in 1949 and commenced the practice of law in
Vancouver.
In 1956, he
was first elected to the Legislative Assembly and served with great
vigor for 16 consecutive years in the Cabinet of W.A.C. Bennett,
first as Minister of Education, then as Minister of Labour and for
four years, as Attorney General.
During his term
as education minister, the Province experienced perhaps its most
dramatic extension of educational opportunities. Public universities
increased from one to three; the community college system was established
and BCIT was founded. As Attorney-General the Provincial Court system,
as we know it, was established; the Judicial Council was created,
as was the program to compensate the victims of crime.
Leslie Peterson
is living proof that there is life after the legislature.
In 1978 he first
became a member of the Board of Governors of UBC, a position which
he continues to hold, and its Chairman during the years 1979 to
1983. He was elected the University's Chancellor in 1987 and has
recently been elected to a second term.
The range of
his service to community organizations is too lengthy to recite
but includes the Canadian Child Health Association, the B.C. Historical
Association, the John Howard Society and the Vancouver Aquarium.
Through outstanding service with the Gizeh Temple and the Shrine
of North American he was instrumental in raising funds to build
a burn unit at the Children's Hospital.
He holds an
honorary Doctor of Laws from Simon Fraser University and an honorary
Doctor of Education from Notre Dame University of Nelson and is
Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lazarus.
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