WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg will honour former Manitoba Lieutenant-Governor Peter Liba with its Global Citizenship Award tonight at the school’s Autumn Convocation Dinner at the Hotel Fort Garry. The University is giving Liba the award posthumously for his contribution to both Manitoba and the global community. Liba’s wife Shirley will accept the award at the ceremony.
The late Honourable Peter Michael Liba, CM, OM (1940-2007) – a founding member of the University’s Global College Advisory Board who provided sage advice and solid leadership in that role – was well known for his social and philanthropic efforts, working in many areas for the betterment and unity of the Winnipeg community. With his ability to organize and raise funds, Liba cofounded the Variety Telethon of Manitoba, which supports work for handicapped and disadvantaged children. He also helped to expand pediatric cardiology at the Children’s Hospital.
“The contributions of Peter Liba to the local and global communities cannot fully be measured,” said UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy. “Peter touched the lives of many people with his hard work and dedication to making conditions better for everyone. He is missed greatly today.”
A former journalist with impressive stints at the Portage Daily Graphic, the Neepawa Press and the Winnipeg Tribune, Liba later joined the CanWest group of companies under the leadership of Israel “Izzy” Asper. At CanWest, Liba would advance into positions as President & CEO of CKND-TV in Winnipeg, executive vice-president of CanWest Global Corporations and executive director of corporate affairs at CanWest.
Liba was Manitoba’s Lieutenant-Governor from Mar. 2, 1999 to June 30, 2004, which spanned governments led by Gary Filmon and Gary Doer. Liba was named to the Order of Canada in 1984, was the first member of the Order of Manitoba in 1999 and received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Award in 2004.
The University of Winnipeg Global Citizenship Award is presented annually to an individual or group embodying the spirit and drive of a passionate, committed member of society that lives out the responsibilities of a global citizen.
This award is a symbol of The University of Winnipeg’s commitment to its own international responsibilities. Previous recipients include the Mennonite Central Committee (2004), Dr. Eric Hoskins of War Child Canada (2005) and Abdou Diouf, the former president of the republic of Senegal (2006).
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ilana Simon, Communications Officer, University of Winnipeg
P: 204.786.9930, C: 204.782.3279, E: i.simon@uwinnipeg.ca
