Ralph Goodale receives honorary degree from U of R, credits institution for opening doors

Longtime MP Ralph Goodale received an honorary degree from the University of Regina. (Katy Syrota / CTV News)

Longtime MP Ralph Goodale received an honorary degree from the University of Regina (U of R) this week and credited the institution for opening the doors that started his career.

“I first arrived at the University of Regina as a freshman student in 1967 … and it’s a wonderful honour to return all these years later,” he told CTV News.

When the university reached out to him about the degree, Goodale said he was surprised but pleased, as the institution continues to be a big part of his life.

• Ralph Goodale to receive honorary degree from University of Regina

“I really believe this institution is extremely important to Regina and to Saskatchewan. It is a public institution of higher education that opens so many doors and really prepares young people for great futures,” he said. “To receive an honour from that degree is very meaningful.”

Throughout his career, Goodale served in the federal cabinet, as well as the Canadian High Commissioner in the United Kingdom, which he called a distinct privilege.

“It’s a heavy responsibility as well, because you must always ensure that on behalf of your country, you’re always putting your best foot forward, and leaving a strong, favourable impression,” he said. “Those distinct opportunities that I’ve had were all enabled fundamentally by that original education that I obtained at the University of Regina.”

Goodale said he has seen the university change over the years, both physically and through academic offerings, noting that he is pleased to see it take on issues of real importance.

“Issues about energy and the environment, for example, the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative, based at the University of Regina, the Petroleum Technology Research Centre, based at the University of Regina are doing extremely important work on that critical intersection between energy and the environment,” he explained.

“As well, the university has developed the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment, which is the world’s best research facility for issues related to PTSI and mental health amongst first responders and emergency workers,” he added.

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Goodale continued to speak highly about the U of R, calling the institution relevant and important in dealing with things that matter in people’s lives.

“It’s always a pleasure when you have a responsibility in cabinet in the federal government to be able to support those initiatives at local institutions like the University of Regina, and that partnership between the university and the Government of Canada, I think has been a very healthy, helpful thing,” he said.

When asked if he had a message for graduating students, Goodale shared his recipe for success.

“First of all, be ambitious about your future, dream big, and make your plans be nothing small,” he said. “Secondly, along the way, in pursuing your career, treat everyone you meet with great personal kindness.”

“Those two things, I think, ambition and kindness, are two critical ingredients for ultimate success.”