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The Donald J. Savoie Institute has lost a friend in Stephen A. Jarislowsky, a distinguished Canadian financier and great philanthropist. On behalf of the Institute, its President and CEO, Jacques Paul Couturier, along with Donald J. Savoie, Clément-Cormier Research Chair in Economic Development, wish to express their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Through his exceptional leadership in the financial services sector and his unparalleled philanthropic commitment, Stephen A. Jarislowsky left a profound mark on Canadian society. His generous support for research and institutions dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, among other causes, constitutes a lasting legacy whose impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.

In particular, the Donald J. Savoie Institute received financial support from the Jarislowsky Foundation for the production and publication of a book of international scope examining the decline of political and administrative institutions in eleven countries across North America, Europe, and Asia. Edited by B. Guy Peters and Donald J. Savoie and bringing together a team of internationally renowned researchers, the book, titled What Happened? The Decline of the Public Service in Democratic Governments, concretely illustrates Mr. Jarislowsky’s commitment to research as a driving force for reflection and understanding of the major challenges facing contemporary societies.

Professor Donald J. Savoie, who dedicated his most recent book to the life and contributions of Stephen A. Jarislowsky, expressed his sorrow at the loss of a friend. “I lost a friend yesterday, and Canada has lost a giant. He contributed in so many ways to building a strong Canada, a country he had made his own. He also supported me in my work on governance from an international perspective. I was in frequent contact with him over the past few weeks, and his mind was as sharp as ever. I take some comfort in knowing that Stephen was able to hold my book, Stephen A. Jarislowsky: An Uncommon Business Titan, in his hands and sign a few copies for his loved ones, shortly before he passed away.”

About the Donald J. Savoie Institute

An independent research organization, the Donald J. Savoie Institute’s mission is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge on regional development—particularly in the Atlantic region—related public policies, and the economic, social, and political issues facing Atlantic Canada and l’Acadie. It fulfills this mission by funding fundamental research projects and activities and disseminating their findings. The Donald J. Savoie Institute, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1983.

Source: Céline Basque, Administrative Director, Donald J. Savoie Institute.
Email: [email protected]