The character and quality of this great Canadian is represented in his own words:

“Let us remember that no point of view nor any one way of life has any monopoly on virtue. Quite the contrary, the road to ultimate wisdom lies in the comparison, in mutual compassion and understanding.  Each of us, individually, has some element of truth, some glimpse of enlightenment to offer all of us.  Therefore, when we meet someone’s opinion that is new to us, or people with a tradition that we have not met before, let us look at them with respect, and perhaps with envy, for they know something perhaps we do not and they have achieved a further step towards truth.”

Both a soldier and a humanitarian, Georges Vanier was trained as a lawyer.  During World War I, he was a founding officer of the Royal 22nd Regiment, the “Vandoos”, one of Canada’s most renowned fighting units from World War I to the present.  Vanier later became commanding officer of this regiment.  Toward the end of the war, he was seriously injured and his right leg had to be amputated.  He was awarded the Military Cross for bravery. 

Despite his injury, Vanier went on to establish himself as a leading player in Canadian politics.  In 1939 he was named Minister to France and, after World War II, was appointed ambassador to that country.  Through the years, he became involved in numerous humanitarian causes and served his nation well.  Then, at an age when most people are retired, a 71-year-old Vanier was appointed Canada’s first French-Canadian Governor General and held the position for eight years.  In 1965, Vanier was among the dignitaries who opened York’s Keele Campus where, a year later, our college was named in his honor for he exemplified the qualities of tolerance, compassion and dedication that Canadians most admire.