Toronto - The Honourable David Peterson, former Premier of Ontario, has been elected to serve a second term as Chancellor of the University of Toronto, the University announced today.

"I am deeply honoured to serve my great alma mater as Chancellor. I love the University of Toronto and am enormously gratified to be able to work on its behalf and on behalf of the wider cause of higher education and advanced research. The knowledge generated by universities has never been more essential, and sharing that knowledge with the next generation has never been more important."

Peterson, a graduate of UofT's Faculty of Law in 1967 and currently Chairman of the Toronto law firm of Cassels Brock and Blackwell LLP, officially begins his second term on July 1, 2009. He is UofT's 32nd Chancellor since the University's founding in 1827.

Elected by the alumni's College of Electors for a three-year term, the Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University, presiding at convocations, conferring all University degrees and acting as ambassador to more than 400,000 graduates worldwide and to the wider community. The Chancellor also plays an essential role in advancing the University's interests within the local, provincial, national and international arenas - a role that Mr. Peterson has fulfilled with enthusiasm and distinction.

"Chancellor Peterson's intelligence, warmth, and humour have enlivened countless University events. The Chancellor's passion for higher education and his commitment to the University of Toronto is remarkable. And his influence in communities connected to the University and his skill in bridge-building have greatly benefited the University," said David Naylor, President of the University of Toronto. "Especially noteworthy is his record of personally presiding over all of the University's thirty annual convocation ceremonies, exhibiting a genuine interest in each graduate he greets."

The University of Toronto conferred an honorary degree on Peterson in 1994, in recognition of his contributions to public policy and innovation. Since 1999, he has played an important role on the University's Governing Council.

"The Chancellor has worked closely with the President and me to advocate for University priorities. He has brought an extraordinary commitment to inclusiveness, particularly with respect to enhancing the student experience, and whenever possible, he draws attention to the range of achievements of University community members," said John F. (Jack) Petch, Chair of the University of Toronto's Governing Council.

Peterson is highly respected and speaks often on national and international issues in a variety of venues. He serves as a director for a number of major non-profit organizations such as St. Michael's Hospital, a well-known academic health science centre affiliated with the University and the Shaw Festival, as well as public companies including Rogers Communications Inc. and Shoppers Drug Mart.

The election of a chancellor follows a rigorous search process conducted by the University's Alumni College of Electors. Established in 1971 by the Governing Council, the College comprises members representing the constituent alumni associations of the University of Toronto Alumni Association (UTAA) and is charged with the election of alumni governors and of the Chancellor.

"David Peterson's wise counsel on University issues, helpful involvement in the University's fundraising initiatives, and enthusiastic participation in many University functions worldwide, has made him a highly visible and effective leader of the broad community of the University's alumni and friends," said Paul Cadario, President of the UTAA. "The UTAA is delighted that the Chancellor will be returning for another term."

Peterson was elected in 1975 as a Member of the Ontario Legislature, and became the leader of the Ontario Liberal party in 1982. He served as Premier of the Province between 1985 and 1990, overseeing a very active period of reform and playing a major role in the country's constitutional discussions. Regarded as a senior statesman in the world of politics, Peterson enjoys the respect of elected politicians in all parties at the Federal and Provincial government levels, as well as among members of the public service.

Internationally, Peterson has an impressive profile. In 1992, he served as chairman of the Commonwealth Team observing the 1992 elections in Guyana. In 1994, the government of France appointed him a Knight of the Order of the Legion of Honour of France, the highest award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France. That prestigious honour was followed in 1995 by the Ordre de la Pléiade which recognizes distinguished individuals who have advanced the ideals of l'Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie.

The University of Toronto has assembled one of the strongest research and teaching faculties in North America, presenting top students at all levels with an intellectual environment unmatched in breadth and depth on any other Canadian campus.

U of T faculty co-author more research articles than their colleagues at any university in the US or Canada other than Harvard. As a measure of impact, U of T consistently ranks alongside the top five U.S. universities whose discoveries are most often cited by other researchers around the world. The U of T faculty are also widely recognized for their teaching strengths and commitment to graduate supervision.

U of T attracts undergraduate, graduate and professional program students from across Canada and abroad. Our students have unique opportunities to learn from top researchers. Off campus, they can enjoy the extraordinary amenities and attractions of the Toronto region, Canada's pre-eminent urban cluster. On campus, students are able to craft intimate learning communities within a unique undergraduate college system, participate in more than 1000 clubs and co-curricular activities, and compete on a wide variety of intra-mural and inter-collegiate sports teams.

Established in 1827, the University of Toronto today operates in downtown Toronto, Mississauga and Scarborough, as well as in ten renowned academic hospitals.