Paikin resigns as LU chancellor

By: Hugh Kruzel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: The Sudbury Star

Steve Paikin has stepped away from the chancellorship at Laurentian University.

The popular host of TVO’s The Agenda was granted an honourary degree in 2012 and was to begin his new term in July. Originally appointed in 2013 for a five-year period, his position was renewed in 2018 for three more years.

At the time Paikin acknowledged the appointment with these words: “I am passionately committed to collaborating with our talented board of governors, senate, and many institutional partners and supporters to consolidate and shape these next years at Laurentian.”

On his renewal in 2018 Jennifer Witty, then chair of the board, stated: “Mr. Paikin embodies the shared values identified in our strategic plan entitled Ensemble, Together, Maamwi, and we look forward to his continued leadership as an ambassador for Laurentian.”

The 60-year-old Canadian journalist, documentary producer and author is an officer of the Order of Canada, invested in the Order of Ontario and has a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his significant contributions to Canadian society.

Paikin said through Twitter on Monday that he resigned from his position a week ago.

When prompted to speak out on the cuts and firings at Laurentian, Paikin tweeted: “I actually don’t have a platform. I resigned a week ago.”

Laurentian president Robert Hache confirmed Paikin’s tenure had ended on April 12 “due to competing professional obligations at this time.”

On Monday evening Nam Kiwanuka, co-host of the Agenda, also alluded to the resignation in advance of a panel discussion on the crisis at Laurentian University.

“Before we start, in the interest of full disclosure, we just wanted to let you know Steve isn’t doing this interview because for the past eight years Steve has been the chancellor of Laurentian University,” Kiwanuka said. “The chancellorship is a ceremonial position. He presided over convocations and special events. So given the current situation at Laurentian he decided to step down as chancellor a week ago. Just thought you should all know that and put it on the public record so to speak.”

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