University of Alberta stands by decision to give David Suzuki honorary degree — in spite of online backlash
By Hamdi Issawi StarMetro Edmonton
Thu., April 19, 2018
EDMONTON—The University of Alberta is set to give David Suzuki an honorary doctorate of science, but not everybody is on board.
The university announced last week that it would grant Suzuki and 12 others — including former NDP leader Raj Pannu and CBC journalist Nahlah Ayed — honorary degrees to recognize their achievements.
The University of Alberta is getting some heat for giving scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster David Suzuki an honorary degree. (Chris Young / The Canadian Press)
But as the debate between Alberta and British Columbia heats up over the Trans Mountain pipeline, some say Suzuki's dim view of Alberta's oilsands shouldn't be in the spotlight.
Notably, Alberta economist Andrew Leach took to Twitter to say that he is glad his students won't be convocating on June 7, the day Suzuki is scheduled to receive the award.
"There's no way I'd share a stage with David Suzuki as he receives an honorary degree from (the University of Alberta)," the associate professor at U of A's School of Business wrote. "Not a chance."
"I'm done with you," tweeted Amish Patel, a sales director with ATB Financial, in response to the release. "Unfortunately I hold two degrees from your institution. Please don't call or send me any more letters asking for money or to give any more of my time towards initiatives."
In response, the university issued a press release acknowledging "some have expressed displeasure with the announcement," and attempted to justify the award.
"The conferral of an honorary degree by the University of Alberta is not a signal of institutional agreement with any individual perspective on a controversial issue; rather, it honours the contributions and full body of work of those who represent diverse backgrounds and fields of endeavour," read the statement.
The release went on to say that Suzuki was being recognized for his accomplishments as a public educator in science.
Suzuki was not available to comment on the award.
In a statement to StarMetro Edmonton, Suzuki Foundation CEO Steve Cornish said that while he recognizes the oilsands are a divisive topic, evidenced by the standoff over the Kinder Morgan pipeline, the degree is not a blind endorsement of Suzuki's perspectives.
"It's a tribute to Dr. Suzuki's incredible career as an awarded geneticist, broadcaster and author," Cornish said.
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