Bill Clinton, McGill University Honorary Doctor of Law
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton brought his trademark plain-spoken and easy-going style to Montreal as he received McGill University's highest honour.
He joins the ranks of other honorary doctorate recipients such as fellow ex-U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt, British PM Winston Churchill, ex-Montreal mayor Jean Drapeau and Canadian folk icon Joni Mitchell.
Ushered in by the traditional bagpiper and ceremonial procession, Clinton charmed the socks off the invitation-only audience of over 700 people, joking about his new red honorary doctor of law robe and hood.
"I have been studying the robed men and wondering how they wear this without choking," Clinton told the crowd.
"And I learned that what they did was to put their ties through."
And he also won applause for remarks about Quebec referendums on separation.
"I'm glad you didn't get a divorce."
It was in this same easy-going, plain-spoken manner that Clinton stayed on message, praising Canada's community attitude and the importance of acting and acting together to fight things such as global poverty and global warming.
"You don't have to be president, or a member of the parliament, or congress or prime minister to have a positive impact on the world and you don't have to be rich either."
In an hour-long speech, Clinton said only a community mentality can help bring change to a changing world.
"It is both unequal and unstable, and finally because of climate change, it is unsustainable."
Clinton says we can't hang onto yesterday's way of doing things, referring briefly to the ongoing debate on healthcare reform in the U.S., and warned of the dangers of a Me generation in the face of global poverty, hunger, disease, financial crises and other challenges.
"They cannot be met unless we meet them together."
Alumnus and MP for Mont Royal Irwin Cotler was among the crowd who praised Clinton's speech.
"Not only inspiring but also a call to action, our need and ability to act to change the world," Cotler told CJAD News.
McGill officials say they did not pay Clinton for his appearance, which usually commands thousands of dollars. They credit Dr. Victor Dahdaleh, who participated in the ceremony, for helping snag Clinton, calling the McGill alumnus a "friend" of the former U.S. president.
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