The Honourable Tom Mulcair PC, a prominent voice in Canadian public life and former leader of the New Democratic Party, has been named Trent University's 46th Ashley Fellow, a prestigious annual visiting scholar who offers insight and ideas to members of the Trent community through one-on-one and group interactions.
"Trent University's Traill College and Champlain College are thrilled to be co-hosting the Honourable Mulcair as Ashley Fellow for this academic year," said Dr. Michael Eamon, principal of Catharine Parr Traill College. "The collegiate environment at Trent offers a rich interdisciplinary academic and social environment for this fellowship. "Traill is home to the School for the Study of Canada and the Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North, aligning with Mulcair's knowledge of Canada. At the same time, Champlain's founding principle of bringing together French- and English-speaking cultures provides an inviting platform for Mulcair's roots and connections in Quebec."
Mulcair brings a wealth of academic expertise in history, Canadian and international politics, and environmental issues, alongside his extensive experience in national politics. He has taught at several Quebec universities, and has held many notable roles including lawyer, provincial cabinet minister, federal parliamentarian, and party leader. Through the Ashley Fellowship, Mulcair will offer students, as well as the campus and broad community, insight into both yesterday's and today's political leadership, public administration, and the evolving landscape of Canadian federalism.
"I am honoured to be invited to return to Trent as the Ashley Fellow," said Mulcair. "When I was last hosted by the School for the Study of Canada, I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet with students in a variety of different ways, which I'll be doing again during this term. That experience left a lasting impression on me, and I am enthusiastic about returning to engage once again with Trent and Peterborough's vibrant community of learners, leaders, and changemakers."
Mulcair will make two visits to Trent during his Ashley Fellow residency. His first visit will run October 28-31 and will feature workshops, informal student sessions, and guest lectures in Politics and Canadian Studies courses. On the evening of Wednesday, October 29, he will deliver a public talk at Champlain College. With advanced registration, all members of the community are welcome to attend. Mulcair will return for his second visit as Ashley Fellow March 24-26, 2026, highlighted by more student engagement opportunities and a special college dinner. Full details and registration information is available online.
