The Honourable Frank Iacobucci
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
Faculty of Health Sciences
For his distinguished career, his contribution to Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and his dedication to promoting mental wellness in society, the university proudly confers upon The Honourable Frank Iacobucci the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.
After starting his career practising corporate and securities law in New York City, in 1967 Mr. Justice Iacobucci joined the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto, later becoming Dean and the university’s Vice-President and Provost. In the early 1980s he served on the Ontario Securities Commission.
In 1985, he entered the public service and was appointed federal Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General. Three years later, he became Chief Justice of the Federal Court. In 1991, he was named a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Since retiring from the bench in 2004, Mr. Justice Iacobucci has offered his expertise to various provincial and federal government agencies. He has led discussions related to Indigenous reconciliation, including framework agreements and the legacy of residential schools. He was appointed to the Law Commission of Ontario, and has chaired the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
He has led numerous inquiries, arbitrations, mediations and independent reviews, including a report to the Toronto Police Service relating to police shootings involving mentally or emotionally disturbed persons. Mr. Justice Iacobucci’s many former or current directorships include serving on the boards of Torstar Corporation, General Motors of Canada and Tim Hortons.
Iacobucci’s numerous distinctions include the Order of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award, the Justice Medal for lifetime achievement from the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice, and honorary degrees from universities in Canada and abroad.
