Thomas Denton

CM, OM, CD, BA, LLB, LLD, FSJC

Honorary Doctor of Laws

Throughout a remarkable, varied, and decorated career, Thomas Denton has left an indelible mark on the city, province, and country in myriad ways, none greater than his ceaseless efforts to improve the lives of the oppressed and marginalized who have sought a higher station of life in Canada.

A graduate of Acadia University and Dalhousie University’s School of Law, Denton found his calling in 1984 when the International Centre of Winnipeg sought to replace its executive director. Denton — who served 14 years in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves, from which he retired as Lieutenant-Commander and for which he received the Canadian Forces Decoration — assumed the role and became the face of refugee sponsorship in Manitoba.

Through his work, he helped reshape Winnipeg’s downtown core into one of the most welcoming and culturally diverse in Canada, created transitional housing for those arriving in the city, and doggedly fought for government support of subsidized housing. But Denton was more than a behind-the-scenes figure to those he helped. He has been personally involved in the settling of more than 40,000 individuals in Canada and has at times been a one-man welcoming committee — on hand to greet many of those whose first destination was Winnipeg. After departing International Centre of Winnipeg at the turn of the millennium, Denton continued his work as a policy consultant and as executive director of the non-government organization Hospitality House Refugee Ministry.

Denton has been an integral contributor to the arts community in Winnipeg. In 1980, following the closure of the Winnipeg Tribune, he became the founding publisher of the Winnipeg Sun, a post he retained until its sale in 1983. Additionally, he was among the trustees who successfully endeavoured to save the Winnipeg Symphony. A generous volunteer who served on numerous committees, commissions, and boards — including those of the Prairie Theatre Exchange, Stage West, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Walker Theatre, and Manitoba Museum — Denton was also the first chairperson of the City of Winnipeg Arts Council.

For his tireless commitment to humanitarian efforts and advocacy for human rights, in addition to his services to Winnipeg’s arts community, The University of Winnipeg proudly bestows an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Thomas Denton.