Principal Emeritus Hugh Segal passed away on August 9, 2023 at the age of 72. Hugh was the fifth Head of Massey from 2014 to 2019 and exemplified so well the values of the College: he was committed to the Junior Fellows and their development. His life’s work was dedicated to serving the public good.
Prior to coming to Massey, Hugh had a long and illustrious career in public service. A senator from 2005 –2014, he served as Chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee and the Special Senate Committee on anti-terrorism. Early in his career he was Chief of Staff to the Ontario Premier Bill Davis, and later to former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. He was a Senior Strategic Advisor at Aird & Berlis LLP, Distinguished Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, and the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University.
Hugh was a champion of reform to income security in Canada with a Basic Income guarantee. He wrote seven books on public policy and wrote the proposal for an Ontario pilot project on a Basic Income.
A truly remarkable Canadian who will be deeply missed. Everyone at Massey sends along their condolences to his wife Donna and daughter Jacqueline. The College flag has been lowered to half-mast in his honour. We will be in touch with the community soon with information about a celebration of his accomplishments.
