TORONTO, November 7, 2000 -- The Historica Foundation of Canada (Historica) is funding two Chairs at York University -- in Canadian History and Canadian Literature -- at a cost of $3 million. The Chairs have been made possible by the donation of The Canadian Encyclopedia to Historica by Avie Bennett, York Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of McClelland & Stewart Ltd. publishing company.

Historica will contribute a $1.5-million endowment over three years toward the Avie Bennett Historica Chair in Canadian History. Historica has also agreed to contribute another $1.5 million to fund a Chair in Canadian Literature in 2004. York will provide the equivalent of an additional $500,000 for each Chair. Details of the Chair in Canadian Literature will be announced at a later date.

"We are thrilled to be establishing Historica’s first academic Chairs at York," said Thomas S. Axworthy, Executive Director of Historica, noting that a rising historian of considerable promise in advancing the study of Canadian history would be sought for the new History Chair.

"York University’s History department has produced some of our nation’s most distinguished historians, and I am glad to be able to further that tradition through the endowment of this Chair," said Bennett, adding that the combined commitment of Historica and York to promote the study of Canada’s heritage in all its facets would ensure the vitality of the discipline. Bennett said the Chair in Literature would further enhance the already strong international profile of York’s English department in the field of Canadian Literature at a time of increasing interest around the world in the talents of Canadian authors.

York University President Dr. Lorna Marsden praised Historica for choosing York as the site of its first Chair in Canadian History. She said the Chair would be a lasting and fitting reminder of Avie Bennett’s contributions to preserving Canada’s historical and cultural record. "This endowment from Historica is a vote of confidence in the innovation and leadership demonstrated by York’s History department over the years, and in the achievements of our English department in advancing the study of Canadian Literature," said Marsden.

Historica is a new, charitable foundation dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of Canadian history and its importance in shaping the future. Through its support of interactive, leading-edge programs, Historica aims to bring Canadian history to life and become the central reference for historical Canadian information and resources.

Since its founding in 1959, York University has become nationally and internationally respected for its innovative research and award-winning teaching. The third-largest university in Canada, York offers its 40,000 students programs in 10 faculties and access to research flowing from the university’s more than 20 research centres. With its combination of dedicated and talented faculty, opportunities for bright and ambitious students, dynamic curriculum and modern campuses in one of North America’s most influential urban centres, York University is setting the contemporary standard in academic excellence.

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For more information:

Jennifer Nicol
Director of Marketing
Historica
T: (416) 506-1867, ext. 232
E: jnicol@histori.ca

Susan Bigelow
Media Relations
York University
T: (416) 736-2100, ext. 22091
E: sbigelow@yorku.ca
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