Hon V. Peter Harder

Mr. Harder, who previously served on our Board from May 2012 to March 2016, brings to the Board a Canadian-centred, globally aware perspective that draws upon his extensive experience in foreign affairs and international trade. 

Mr. Harder currently serves as a member of the Senate of Canada and was the first independent Government Representative in the Senate (2016 – 2020). Prior to his appointment to the Senate, Mr. Harder was a long-serving Deputy Minister in the Government of Canada (1991 – 2007). While Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, he served as the Prime Minister’s Personal Representative to the G-8 and as the first co-chair of the Canada-China Strategic Working Group. After leaving the public service in 2007, Mr. Harder served as the President of the Canada-China Business Council (2008 – 2015) and as a director to a number of major Canadian corporations as well as charitable and not-for-profit organizations. He possesses a valuable understanding of the workings of China’s political establishment, as well as its economic drivers, in addition to Canada-China trade and investment issues. Mr. Harder also brings demonstrated expertise regarding compensation issues and corporate governance. Mr. Harder is a member of the King’s Privy Council of Canada.