Ian E. Wilson

Honourary Doctor of Letters - Spring 2010

Ian E. Wilson was appointed the national archivist of Canada in 1999. Along with Roch Carrier he led the amalgamation that created a new knowledge institution for the digital age: Library and Archives Canada. In 2004, Wilson was appointed as the first librarian and archivist of Canada.

During a distinguished 40-year career that included university teaching and government service, Wilson has worked to make archives accessible and interesting to a wide range of audiences. He has published extensively on history, archives, heritage and information management and has lectured nationally and internationally. He is now working with the University of Waterloo to establish the Stratford Institute, an innovative think tank focused on the impact of digital media in modern society.

Included among Wilson’s honours are: member of the Order of Canada, fellow of both the Canadian and American archival associations, and Commandeur de I’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France).