Claude A. Edwards , O.C. , Honorary / 01

Claude A. Edwards was a teacher and member of the Royal Canadian Air Force who had a long and distinguished career with the federal public service.

In addition to his contributions on numerous government committees and boards, he served as president of the Civil Service Federation of Canada, founding president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada and vice-president of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Edwards was an active volunteer in the Ottawa community, devoting his talents to organizations promoting health care, higher education and public policy debate. He was honoured for his contributions with the Order of Canada in 1976.

Edwards joined the Carleton University Board of Governors in 1969, serving several three-year terms as a member, as well as serving as Chair (1985-1987). The university continues to benefit from his expertise in labour relations through his membership on the Board’s personnel committee.

Carleton presented Edwards with the Founders Award for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of the university in 1997. He received an honorary doctorate in 2001. He died in May 2010.