May 8, 2020 – The C.D. Howe Institute’s staff and community mourn the passing of Dr. Sylvia Ostry.
“Sylvia was an extraordinary public servant and academic, with a passion for factual accuracy and logical thought,” said William B.P. Robson, President and CEO. “She also enjoyed lively debate, and had a delightful wit. It was a privilege and a pleasure to know her, and we will all miss her.”
Among many other accomplishments, Dr. Ostry was Chief Statistician of Canada, deputy minister in the department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, and deputy minister of International Trade. She later served as Head of the Department of Economics at the OECD. She was the first woman to hold a deputy minister position in the federal government – an inspiring example for her generation and those that followed. She received more than 40 honorary degrees, and was a Companion of the Order of Canada.
Dr. Ostry also held the title of Distinguished Research Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute. The Institute hosts the annual Sylvia Ostry Lecture, featuring eminent experts on topics related to global affairs and Canada’s external relations. “Sylvia’s engagement with public affairs at home and abroad was life-long,” said Robson. “The C.D. Howe Institute is honoured to be the custodian of this tribute to her life and career.”
The C.D. Howe Institute extends its condolences to Dr. Ostry’s sons Adam and Jonathan, and to her extended family, colleagues and friends.
Pictured: Dr. Sylvia Ostry (right) with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank