Trent University’s groundbreaking new Jarislowsky Chair in the Trust and Political Leadership program received a $375,000 gift from Scotiabank to help build ethical leadership in those studying for a life in public service.  

Trent’s inaugural Jarislowsky Chair, Dr. Cristine de Clercy, is at the forefront of this first-of-its-kind network of endowed chairs that aims to build greater trust in public institutions. 

“Thanks to Scotiabank’s support, Trent University students will gain an even richer experience when studying politics, fiduciary policy and responsible governance,” says Dr. Mark Skinner, dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Trent University. “This program is helping Trent create the leaders of tomorrow in public service.” 

Maria Saros, vice president and global head, Social Impact at Scotiabank, says now, more than ever, Canada will benefit from a renewed effort to improve trust in public institutions by making those institutions more accountable and effective to the Canadians they serve.  

“Scotiabank is proud to support the development of future leaders through this program and we look forward to the strengthened leadership, governance and accountability they will bring to bear for our country,” Ms. Saros says. 

Professor de Clercy will lead the development of an innovative program of scholarship (teaching, research, and experiential learning) that will expand knowledge and training in ethical politics, fiduciary responsibility, and democratic governance. Through the Jarislowsky chair position she is set to enrich Trent's strengths in student-centered, research-informed, and interdisciplinary approaches. 

Trent is a founding member of the national Network of Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership that includes endowed chairs at Acadia University, l’Université du Québec à Trois Rivières (in collaboration with l’École Nationale d’Administration Publique), the University of Lethbridge, and Vancouver Island University.   

The Jarislowsky Chairs will offer innovative academic programming, experiential learning opportunities and promote communities of practice in political and governance decision making across the country. 

The program is supported by a $2 million investment from the Jarislowsky Foundation, which was founded in 1993 by prominent Canadian philanthropist and business leader Stephen Jarislowsky. The Foundation's mission is to promote, support and foster excellence and ethics in education, medicine and the arts, and the environment and climate change.