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Monique Bégin
Visiting professor, Master of Health Administration program, Telfer School of Management
What is your most important function at the University and why?
Mentoring—and by that I mean helping students and colleagues push themselves to new limits and reach their goals; opening doors to the world around me; and using the public voice I have acquired over the years. I consider myself an “elder,” to borrow an Aboriginal concept.
What is it about your job that inspires you most?
To see C. Wright Mill’s “sociological imagination” take shape in group projects, as everyday life is linked to sociopolitical phenomena and ideas emerge on how we can work to bring about greater social justice in the world.
What is the best thing about being retired?
Having exciting personal projects that allow me to travel to other parts of the world and discover these places. And having time to just take it easy!
What are you most proud of?
My seven years as Minister of National Health and Welfare and the battles won: the Child Tax Credit, the Canada Health Act (1984) and eliminating poverty among seniors.
What would you change in the world today if you could?
I would like to see a more equitable distribution of Canada’s collective wealth so there is increased social equity, full governing authority transferred quickly to First Nations people and I would like to see us use our money and our governance to make urgent changes needed in Sub-Saharan Africa’s education, social and healthcare sectors.
Who is the most influential person in your life?
I greatly admire the wisdom, the courage and the perseverance of Simone Weil, Nelson Mandela and Thérèse Casgrain.
What would your co-workers be most surprised to know about you?
My shyness.
What is your favourite pastime?
Reading (for pleasure, not only for work!), listening to Baroque classical music and great jazz, taking it easy on Tybee Island in Georgia and going about day-to-day life in the streets of Paris.
Which five people (living or dead) would you like to invite to a dinner party?
Willa Cather, Stefan Zweig, Harriet Tubman, Barack Obama and Oscar Arias Sánchez for their poetic or political vision and for their courage.
What is your greatest hope for the future?
That the Institute of Population Health (IPH) takes its proper place, that it is self-managed, has its own budgets and has visionary and capable leadership. I would like to see the Institute play an important national and international role in the areas of education, research and field work.
