For his contributions to business education and public policy development, and for his leadership on various governmental panels and corporate boards.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Fred Gorbet is sought out nationally and internationally for his expertise in public policy issues. For York University’s School of Business, he designed a new academic stream for financial services and created a national research program in financial services and public policy. His broad experience and wise advice have benefited many governmental panels and organizations, as well as the insurance industry and the credit union movement. More recently, as chair of the board of trustees for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, he has been at the forefront of safeguarding North America’s electricity grid.
Member of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2000-11-15
Invested on: 2001-05-31
He has been called one of Canada's outstanding public servants. Described as a brilliant strategist, he was the principal author of major economic and financial policies for the federal government. A former Deputy Minister of Finance, he has also held senior executive positions in the private sector. He is currently a consultant and director of the financial services program at York University's Schulich School of Business. His community involvement includes Governor of York University, and Director of the North York Harvest Food Bank and the Institute for Research into Public Policy.