Jack Austin

Biography

Jack Austin was a member of the Senate of Canada for 32 years, representing British Columbia. Throughout his years in public service, Austin has championed stronger relations between Canada and Asia. In 1971, as the serving deputy minister of Energy, Mines and Resources he was part of the first Canadian trade mission to China. He consequently served as president of the Canada China Business Council and co-chair of the Canada China legislative Association. He was instrumental in establishing the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. The centre is named to recognize his outstanding contribution to Canada-Asia relations.