Former Canadian Prime Minister Mulroney to receive Baker Prize April 17

MEDIA ADVISORY

Jeff Falk
jfalk@rice.edu
713-348-6775

Former Canadian Prime Minister Mulroney to receive Baker Prize April 17

HOUSTON – (April 10, 2019) – Statesman Brian Mulroney, the former Canadian prime minister, will be awarded the James A. Baker III Prize for Excellence in Leadership April 17 to honor his decadeslong career as a global leader and visionary. The event marks just the seventh time the award has been conferred in the 25-year history of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Mulroney’s distinguished career in public service created a legacy of achievements that will shape Canada’s future for generations, according to the Baker Institute. During his tenure as the country’s 18th prime minister from 1984 to 1993, Mulroney’s government advanced policies that continue to foster economic growth and environmental sustainability, and pursued bold new initiatives such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement.

Mulroney has also been lauded for his commitment to social justice and equality, receiving high honors from multiple governments for his efforts to combat apartheid in South Africa and to promote rights for Canadians with disabilities.

The cost of attendance is $15 for the public. Registration is at www.bakerinstitute.org/events/2000.

Who: Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III, the honorary chair of the Baker Institute.

What: Presentation of the James A. Baker III Prize for Excellence in Leadership.

When: Wednesday, April 17, 6:30-8 p.m. A reception will be held at 6.

Where: Rice University, James A. Baker III Hall, Doré Commons, 6100 Main St.

A live webcast will be available at the event page, www.bakerinstitute.org/events/2000.

The James A. Baker III Prize for Excellence in Leadership recognizes nationally and internationally renowned individuals for outstanding achievements in government, business, science, education or philanthropy. It is awarded to those who exemplify the vision of building “a bridge between the world of ideas and the world of action,” conceived by Baker when he established the Baker Institute. Recipients embody the institute’s mission to nurture the ties between academia, government and the private sector.

Past recipients include Marguerite Barankitse (2017), L.E. and Virginia Simmons (2015), Hushang Ansary (2013), Robert McNair (2009), retired Gen. Colin Powell (2007) and Charles Duncan (2006).

Members of the news media who want to attend should RSVP to Jeff Falk, associate director of national media relations at Rice, at jfalk@rice.edu or 713-348-6775.

For a map of Rice University’s campus with parking information, go to www.rice.edu/maps. Media should park in the Central Campus Garage (underground).

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Founded in 1993, Rice University’s Baker Institute ranks among the top three university-affiliated think tanks in the world. As a premier nonpartisan think tank, the institute conducts research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute’s strong track record of achievement reflects the work of its endowed fellows, Rice University faculty scholars and staff, coupled with its outreach to the Rice student body through fellow-taught classes — including a public policy course — and student leadership and internship programs. Learn more about the institute at www.bakerinstitute.org or on the institute’s blog, http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog.