Ian Wilson
Strategic Advisor
Stratford Institute
In 2004, Mr. Ian E. Wilson was appointed Librarian and Archivist of Canada. In his former position as National Archivist of Canada, appointed July 1999, he and National Librarian, Roch Carrier, developed and led the process to create a new knowledge institution for Canada in the 21st century. Mr. Wilson had previously served as Archivist of Queen’s University, Provincial Archivist of Saskatchewan and Archivist of Ontario.
Library and Archives Canada gathers and preserves Canada’s multi-media documentary heritage, with a unique collection spanning fragile maps dating to 1508 to the extensive official records of government, books and newspapers, over 22 million photographs, portraits and documentary art, films and the personal papers of Canadians in all walks of life. More recently, the LAC has been developing a trusted digital repository, acquiring digital publications and preserving web sites of enduring interest to Canadians. This national resource is increasingly available online.
On his retirement at the end of April, 2009, he was named Librarian and Archivist of Canada Emeritus. He has recently accepted a new challenge as founding director of the Stratford Institute, an initiative of the University of Waterloo, Open Text Corporation and many other partners to develop graduate studies and advanced research in digital media. The intent is to bring together the arts disciplines with government, the universities and the private sector to foster innovation and creative use of the new media.
Ian Wilson was named to the Order of Canada in 2002 and both York University and Queen’s University have recognized his work, conferring honorary doctorates. In 2003, he was appointed Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the Government of France. He is the President of the International Council on Archives.