Ian D. Shugart Visiting Scholar Initiative

To help strengthen a culture of learning, leadership, and integrity across the federal public service, the Canada School of Public Service has established the Ian D. Shugart Visiting Scholar Initiative, which is dedicated to values and ethics and promoting ethical leadership across federal government departments and agencies.

Background

Honourable Ian D. Shugart, P.C., Former Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to Cabinet — The **Honourable Senator Ian D. Shugart, P.C.**, Former Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to Cabinet

This initiative honours the legacy of the late Honourable Senator Ian D. Shugart, former Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to Cabinet, and serves to recognize his distinguished 40-year career in government.

Senator Shugart's other senior positions across the public service included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada, and Deputy Minister of Environment Canada. In each of these roles, he exemplified an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and to serving Canadians with integrity. He passed away on October 25, 2023.

Benefits and intent

The Ian D. Shugart Visiting Scholar Initiative is designed to strengthen the Government of Canada's capacity for values-based decision-making and ethical governance. It is dedicated exclusively to exploring, teaching and promoting values and ethics.

The initiative focuses on enhancing and supporting the development of existing learning and training that encourages decision-making rooted in values and ethics principles—particularly at the executive leadership levels—and promotes the importance of ethical leadership throughout the public service.

The role also builds stronger links between the public sector and academia to help infuse the public service with the latest insights and research. It explores best practices in ethics and governance, both within Canada and internationally, and provides guidance on ethical frameworks in response to emerging challenges.

List of visiting scholars

Abdi Aidid (2025–2026) Abdi Aidid, BA, JD, LLM, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and a Canada Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Access to Justice. His research and teaching focus on civil procedure, torts, privacy law, and the intersection of law and technology. He holds a BA from the University of Toronto, a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, and a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto.