MONTREAL – British Columbia Representative for Children and Youth Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond was granted an Honourary Doctor of Laws degree today at McGill University’s Spring Convocation ceremony.
“I thank McGill University for this award,” said Turpel-Lafond. “It is truly a privilege to be recognized by a nearly 200-year-old post-secondary institution that ranks among the world’s finest universities.”
The Representative said the honourary degree at McGill recognizes the national calibre of the work at the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth, including the contribution made to the periodic review of Canada’s implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as a member of the Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates (CCCYA), of which Turpel-Lafond is past president. As well, Turpel-Lafond added it is a positive sign that RCY’s work on Aboriginal child welfare continues to receive national recognition and support.
“I accept this honour on behalf of my Office, as there is no individual success but our collective work to support improvements for the human rights of children and youth,” said Turpel-Lafond.
Fourteen Canadians are receiving honourary degrees from McGill at this year’s Spring Convocation ceremony:
http://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/14-individuals-receive-honorary-degree-mcgill-235514 This is Turpel-Lafond’s seventh honourary degree since 2003.
Media Contact:
Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Cell: 250-216-4725
Office: 250-356-0835 (Jeff.Rud@rcybc.ca)
