Statements by Andrew Petter

I am writing to inform you of my decision to change the name of Simon Fraser University’s varsity athletics teams, following an extensive stakeholder engagement process.

Thank you Madam Chancellor … and welcome everyone … especially graduands who join us today. As I acknowledged earlier, this celebration is not how you expected to mark this milestone in your lives.

If there is a silver lining to be found in the COVID-19 pandemic, it could be that the enormous pain and dislocation caused by the worst global crisis in recent memory offers us an historic opportunity to shape a more humane and resilient future.

Recent incidents of anti-Black violence and discrimination in Canada and the United States provide a disturbing reminder of the prevalence of racism within our societies, and have caused much pain, anger and distress for Black students, faculty and staff.

Simon Fraser University has long valued its relationship with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and I’m pleased to participate in this virtual alternative to normal Board programming.

President Petter spoke with Pragalis CEO Shaheen Chaudhary about how COVID-19 has impacted SFU, how the commitment to social purpose continues to hold true, and how SFU leadership builds awareness and understanding of change across the university.

Recent reports of anti-Asian racism are deeply disturbing to us at Simon Fraser University. Today, I join with others across Canada and around the world in condemning all forms of racial hatred and discrimination.

The COVID-19 pandemic has tested our society and its institutions as few other events have.

Simon Fraser University commends the federal government on yesterday’s announcement of $9 billion in federal funding to support post-secondary students and recent graduates.

Like other universities across Canada, we at SFU have transformed our institution in a way that, a month ago, I might have thought impossible.

Interview with the Talloires Network for their series on Adapting to the New Reality: Civically Engaged Universities Offer Strategies and Hope.

We stand amidst an unprecedented global crisis, an urgent test of humanity’s capacity to work together to resolve a threat to our collective health, our social cohesion and our economic welfare.

Yesterday the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 an international pandemic. While this has not changed the Provincial Health Officer’s assessment that the risk of transmission in B.C. remains low, it is cause for serious concern.

Our hearts go out to members of Canada’s Iranian community over the loss of so many of their loved ones as a result of the crash of Ukraine Airlines 752.

Madam Chancellor, honoured guests, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty members, staff, and – most especially – graduands, family and friends.

In my nine plus years as President of SFU, speaking with the Surrey Board of Trade has been a great and consistent pleasure.

Having received numerous enquiries about Global Climate Strike activities taking place from September 20-27, 2019, I am writing to clarify the university’s position in relation to these activities.

Having helped Canadian universities become global leaders in the production of research, federal governments have fallen short in supporting those universities to transform their research discoveries into marketable innovations – much to the disadvantage of the Canadian economy.

In an age of disinformation, it is not possible to point the finger of blame in any one direction. In advertising, on websites, through social media, we are bombarded with everything from self-serving distortions to outright falsehoods.

In light of yesterday’s horrific violence in Christchurch, New Zealand, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families and to Muslim communities.

British Columbia faces two challenges – one that threatens the future of our economy and another that threatens the future of our youth. There is, however, a single solution that can address both.

Good afternoon, and thank you. It is, as always, a pleasure to be here – in Surrey generally and, more specifically, with the Surrey Board of Trade.

Madam Chancellor, honoured guests, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty members, staff, and – most especially – graduands, family and friends.

In a world of globalized commerce and communications, but localized problems, where can we turn for the relationships and social structures that our communities need to thrive?

Op-ed published in the Vancouver Sun.

Canada is a country of extraordinary good fortune, well-resourced and, by global standards, highly educated.

The work we do – and the way we do it – is changing rapidly, and while these changes hold much promise, there is no guarantee that they will be all for the good.

British Columbia is poised for success. We enjoy low unemployment and Canada’s leading economic growth. Yet our greatest potential rests with our people.

Madam Chancellor, honoured guests, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty members, staff, and – most especially – graduands, family and friends.

It’s always tempting, when you’re wrestling with a problem, to seek a single solution — like a software patch that will update your phone or restore your computer.

Why should institutions of higher learning immerse themselves in the broader community?

One of the challenges facing a new administration is to find the time and focus to seize upon great opportunities while contending with the day-to-day pressures of governing.

Recent events in Charlottesville have drawn attention to the threats posed to society by those who advocate racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism.

Madam Chancellor, honoured guests, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty members, staff, and – most especially – graduands, family and friends.

I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples on whose traditional territories we are privileged to gather. I always welcome the chance to speak to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade...

From the Community Jam to the Walk The Talk, from the large group gatherings to the concurrent sessions, from the site visits to the Cultural Mash Up, this has been an amazing conference...

Article published in University World News.

University administrators are often feverishly preoccupied with domestic and international university rankings...

“The world needs more Canada.” When then-U.S. president Barack Obama spoke these words during an address to Canada’s Parliament in June 2016,...

Hello and welcome. I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Kwikwetlem First Nations on whose traditional territories we are privileged to gather.

I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Coast Salish peoples on whose traditional territories we are privileged to gather...

The United States government’s executive order imposing a 90-day ban on individuals from seven Muslim-majority countries visiting the U.S. has generated fear and anxiety on the part of many members of our community, and has implications that are real and disturbing.

It's wonderful to be here. As President of Simon Fraser University, I have been honoured to address the Board of Trade every year. Indeed, it's a significant event on the SFU calendar.

Our condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims of the terrible mass shooting in Orlando, Florida over the weekend.

Madam Chancellor, honoured guests, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty members, staff and, especially, graduands, family and friends: It is my privilege to preside at this culminating celebration...

We are at risk of wasting our most precious resource. This is no criticism of any particular sector...

As read at We The City: An Evening at the Centre.

Great cities are not built with bricks alone. They are alive and organic, and their greatness depends less on their physical infrastructure and location than on their cultural assets and social networks.

Madam Chancellor, honoured guests, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty members, staff … and, most especially, graduands, family and friends.

Op-ed article published in the Globe and Mail.

Madam Chancellor, honoured guests, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty members, staff and, especially, graduands, family and friends: It is my privilege to preside at this culminating celebration of your education at Simon Fraser University.

It’s a privilege to address the Burnaby Board of Trade. I greatly appreciate the Board’s commitment to fostering conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing our province and our country.

This week’s Conversation that Matters features Simon Fraser University President and Vice-Chancellor Andrew Petter.

It is with a sense of resolve and responsibility that we have decided to speak out about the coming plebiscite on the Mayor’s Council plan on transportation and transit.

I am responding to communications I have received recently from faculty and other members of the SFU community asking me to take a stance as president of the university concerning Kinder Morgan’s plans for pipeline expansion...

Good evening … it’s my privilege to welcome you to SFU Public Square’s Third Annual Community Summit. This is a special evening – the largest in a week of events focusing on the theme of innovation …

Can innovation inspire a new generation of imaginative thinkers and be harnessed to bring about a bright future of enlightenment, health and prosperity? Or will innovation exacerbate inequality, destabilise public institutions, and lessen efforts to tackle the major challenges we face.

Madam Chancellor, honoured guests, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, and most especially, graduands, family and friends.

Madam Chancellor, honoured guests, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty members, staff … and, most especially, graduands and friends.

Thank you and good evening. It’s my honour to welcome you to this – the 97th Canadian Chemistry Conference.

I’m delighted to be back with the Surrey Board of Trade, an organization that has done so much to promote the development of Surrey, and to support the role of Simon Fraser University as part of that development.

Warm congratulations to Dr. Arvind Gupta on his appointment as the next President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia.

Revised text of a speech delivered at a public lecture hosted by the Canadian Association for the...

Article included in Conference Proceedings Cities Learning Together - Local Communities in the...

Madam Chancellor, honoured guests, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty members,...

Address to the Vancouver Probus Club Marine Drive Golf Club, Vancouver Professor Andrew Petter ...

Introductory Comments Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver Andrew Petter President and...

Op-Ed submitted to the Vancouver Sun Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Simon Fraser...

Professor Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Simon Fraser University Madam Chancellor,...

Link to CBC: 2017 Starts Now presentation (YouTube)

Presentation to the Vancouver Board of Trade Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver  Andrew...

Presentation to the Surrey Board of Trade Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Thank...

Op-ed article published in the Globe and Mail

Presentation to the Sixth Annual World Universities Forum Vancouver, BC Andrew Petter President...

Op-ed submitted to the Vancouver Sun Edited version available online Andrew Petter President and...

Edited version of Op-ed article published in the Vancouver Sun

Sheraton Wall Centre Vancouver, BC Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor I am honoured...

Crown Palace Banquet Hall Surrey, British Columbia Andrew Petter President and...

Presentation to the Downtown Vancouver Association Segal Graduate School of Business, Vancouver ...

Canada needs more, not less, of all post-secondary training Op-Ed written for The Globe and...

Edited version of Op-Ed Article published in The Globe and Mail.

Edited Remarks SFU Surrey Gala Dinner Dale B. Regehr Grand Hall SFU Surrey Andrew...

Professor Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Simon Fraser University Madam Chancellor,...

Keynote Address at MOSAIC AGM Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Van Dusen...

SFU Public Square - a new space where minds can meet The Vancouver Sun Op-ed (Page A11) Andrew...

Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Westbank Woodward's Atrium SFU Vancouver It is...

The Vancouver Sun Op-ed Andrew Petter, President and Vice-Chancellor and Carole Taylor,...

Professor Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Simon Fraser University Madam Chancellor,...

SFU Vision Remarks Launch Event Bill Reid Gallery Andrew Petter President and...

The Vancouver Sun Op-ed Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Canada is more than a pretty...

My condolences go out to the families of the two shooting victims at the Blacksburg campus of...

Professor Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Simon Fraser University Madam Chancellor,...

The plight of famine victims in East Africa is beyond comprehension. Millions of people are at...

Professor Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Simon Fraser University Forty-six years...

Article in the Surrey Now  

Remarks to the Surrey Board of Trade Eaglequest Golf Course, Surrey Professor Andrew...

Remarks to the Vancouver Board of Trade Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver Professor Andrew...

Remarks at envision>SFU launch SFU Vancouver Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor Thanks...

Remarks to the Global Civic Society's Public Salon Playhouse Theatre, Vancouver Andrew...

Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chancellor It is the nightmare of all prospectors to bypass a rich...

Your Education Matters interview

Opinion page of the Vancouver Sun, in collaboration with David H. Turpin, University of...

Professor Andrew Petter President and Vice-Chanceller Simon Fraser University