Public Statements & Op-Eds

We announce, with sorrow, the passing of Michael Kelway Oliver, O.C., Ph.d., LL.D., D.U.

Former President of UNA-Canada 1993-1996, Board Member 1990-1999, and a Friend of the Charter

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Oliver, former President of the United Nations Association in Canada, a Friend of the Charter, and distinguished academic. The National Board of Directors, staff and volunteers of UNA-Canada will always cherish our memories of Michael. He was a true gentleman; respected, respectful, thoughtful, learned and charming; with integrity, strong values, a quiet inner strength, an extraordinary knowledge of and dedication to the ideals of the United Nations, a deep faith in the character and capacity of humankind, a wonderful sense of humour, and a generous and adventurous spirit. He will be greatly missed.

Obituary, Ottawa Citizen and Montreal Gazette, October 1 2004:

OLIVER, Michael Kelway O.C., Ph.D., LL.D., D.U. It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Michael on September 29th, 2004 just after he gave a presentation on Trade Unions in Canadian Politics. Beloved husband to the late Joan Nelson, much-loved father and father-in law of David (Christine), James (Juanita), Victoria (Jean), Geoffrey (Robin) and Cynthia. Devoted grandfather to Rebecca, James, Philip, Leigh, Carla, Michael, Pascale, Sophie, Ada, Franck and Ayisha. Loving brother and brother-in-law of Joyce (the late Giff), Marie (Walter), Peter (Annie) and the late John (the late Jean). He will be remembered for his personal warmth, generosity and 'son grand esprit ouvert'. His many contributions, nationally and internationally, reflect his life long commitment to people and social justice. With his wife Joan and his children, he enjoyed bird-watching and exploring the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the world. Michael Oliver was formerly President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University (1972-1978) and Vice Principal (Academic) at McGill University (1967-1972) where he was professor of Political Science and founding Director of the French Canada (now Quebec) Studies Program. He was a Visiting Fellow at Laval (1958), at Sussex (1984) and at the Australian National University, Canberra (1989). He was founding Federal President of the New Democratic Party (1961-63), Research Director for the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism (1964-1967), Chairman of the Board of Canada World Youth and the World University Service of Canada, President of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, founding President, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, founding Director of the International Development Office, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, President, International Council on Social Welfare Canada, National President of the United Nations Association in Canada (1993-96) and Chair of the Group of 78 (1990-92). He spent four years (1984-1988) at the University of Papua New Guinea and as a member of the PNG Commission for Higher Education. He has written or edited several books on the politics of Quebec and Canada and on PNG. He was inducted as an Officer of the Order of Canada in October 2002. A service to celebrate his life will be held at St. Thomas Church, 6897 Somerled Avenue, (corner of Rosedale) N.D.G., Montreal, on Sunday, October 3rd at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the United Nations Association in Canada, (Ottawa), 300-309 Cooper St., Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0G5, (613) 232-5751.