# David Johnston > Governor General of Canada from 2010 to 2017 **Wikidata**: [Q41564](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q41564) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Johnston_(governor_general)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-johnston ## Summary David Johnston is a Canadian academic, lawyer, and former Governor General of Canada, serving from 2010 to 2017. He is known for his leadership in higher education, particularly as the 21st President of the University of Waterloo, and for his contributions to law, public policy, and national unity. ## Biography - Born: June 28, 1941, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Nationality: Canadian - Education: - Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Waterloo (1963) - Master of Arts, University of Cambridge (1965) - Doctor of Philosophy, University of Cambridge (1968) - LL.B., Harvard Law School (1976) - Known for: Serving as the 28th Governor General of Canada (2010–2017) and as President of the University of Waterloo (1999–2010) - Employer(s): - University of Waterloo (President, 1999–2010) - Harvard University (Visiting Professor) - McGill University (Visiting Professor) - University of Toronto (Visiting Professor) - Field(s): Law, Public Policy, Education, Constitutional Studies ## Contributions David Johnston significantly contributed to Canadian public service, education, and law. As President of the University of Waterloo (1999–2010), he led the institution through a period of rapid growth and innovation. During his tenure, he championed research excellence, student engagement, and global partnerships. As Governor General of Canada (2010–2017), he promoted Canadian values of inclusion, education, and volunteerism. He authored or co-authored several scholarly works, including "The Governor General’s Innovation Awards" (2011) and "A Smart and Caring Nation" (2012), which emphasized the importance of innovation and community service in Canada. ## FAQs ### What role did David Johnston play in Canadian governance? David Johnston served as the 28th Governor General of Canada from 2010 to 2017. In this role, he represented the Crown and promoted national unity, education, and innovation. He also initiated programs like the Governor General’s Innovation Awards to recognize Canadian excellence. ### What institutions did David Johnston lead or work with? Johnston served as President of the University of Waterloo from 1999 to 2010. He also held visiting positions at Harvard University, McGill University, and the University of Toronto. His leadership at Waterloo was marked by a focus on research, innovation, and student engagement. ### What are some of David Johnston’s notable publications? Johnston co-authored "The Governor General’s Innovation Awards" (2011) and "A Smart and Caring Nation" (2012). These works emphasized the importance of innovation, education, and community service in shaping Canada’s future. ### What awards and honors has David Johnston received? Johnston received numerous honors, including the Order of Canada, the Order of Military Merit, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from multiple institutions, including the University of Ottawa and Nanjing University. ### What is David Johnston’s educational background? Johnston earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Waterloo (1963), a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge (1965, 1968), and a law degree (LL.B.) from Harvard Law School (1976). ## Why They Matter David Johnston’s tenure as Governor General and his leadership in academia left a lasting impact on Canadian society. His emphasis on innovation, education, and volunteerism helped shape a national narrative around these values. As President of the University of Waterloo, he elevated the institution’s profile and research output. His initiatives, such as the Governor General’s Innovation Awards, continue to inspire Canadian innovators and community leaders. ## Notable For - Serving as the 28th Governor General of Canada (2010–2017) - Leading the University of Waterloo as its 21st President (1999–2010) - Receiving the Order of Canada, Order of Military Merit, and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal - Authoring influential works like "The Governor General’s Innovation Awards" and "A Smart and Caring Nation" - Promoting national unity, education, and innovation through public service - Being the first Canadian Governor General to hold a PhD - Establishing the Governor General’s Innovation Awards to recognize Canadian excellence - Advocating for community service and volunteerism throughout his tenure ## Body ### Early Life and Education David Lloyd Johnston was born on June 28, 1941, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 1963. He then moved to the University of Cambridge, where he completed a Master of Arts in 1965 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1968. Johnston later earned a law degree (LL.B.) from Harvard Law School in 1976. ### Academic Career Johnston began his academic career as a professor of law at the University of Waterloo, where he also served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts. In 1999, he became the 21st President of the University of Waterloo, a role he held until 2010. During his presidency, he focused on research excellence, student engagement, and global partnerships. His leadership helped elevate the university’s reputation and academic output. ### Governor General of Canada Johnston was appointed as the 28th Governor General of Canada in 2010, succeeding Michaëlle Jean. His tenure emphasized Canadian values of inclusion, education, and innovation. He launched the Governor General’s Innovation Awards in 2011 to recognize and celebrate Canadian innovators. His initiatives also included promoting volunteerism and community service across the country. ### Publications and Thought Leadership Johnston co-authored several influential works, including "The Governor General’s Innovation Awards" (2011) and "A Smart and Caring Nation" (2012). These publications highlighted the importance of innovation, education, and community service in shaping Canada’s future. His writings continue to influence Canadian public discourse and policy. ### Honors and Recognition Johnston received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Canada, the Order of Military Merit, and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from institutions such as the University of Ottawa and Nanjing University. These recognitions underscore his contributions to law, education, and public service. ### Legacy and Impact Johnston’s legacy includes his transformative leadership in academia and his advocacy for innovation and community service. His initiatives as Governor General continue to inspire Canadian innovators and leaders. His emphasis on education and inclusion has left a lasting impact on Canadian society and governance. ### Affiliations and Networks Throughout his career, Johnston was affiliated with leading institutions such as Harvard University, McGill University, and the University of Toronto. These connections enabled him to foster international collaborations and academic excellence. His work continues to influence Canadian education and public policy. ## References 1. Czech National Authority Database 2. [The Gazette. 2010](https://web.archive.org/web/20100713191410/http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Wife+next+Governor+General+likes+write+shuns+spotlight+friends/3251917/story.html) 3. [Source](https://archivalcollections.library.mcgill.ca/index.php/david-l-johnston-fonds) 4. [The Globe and Mail. 2016](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/cbc-appoints-womens-advocate-alex-johnston-as-new-vp-of-strategy-and-public-affairs/article28671805/) 5. [Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada](https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/2033) 6. [Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China](http://www.moe.gov.cn/s78/A22/xwb_left/moe_829/201802/t20180228_328136.html) 7. Virtual International Authority File 8. CiNii Research 9. SNAC 10. Munzinger Personen 11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013