The Honourable Peter Milliken, PC, OC, FRSC

Habitat for Humanity Community Ambassador

Peter Milliken is a name very well known to residents of this region and no stranger to actively supporting his community. His exemplary record of service to Canada, particularly as the longest serving Speaker of the House of Commons in our nation’s history, is simply inspiring. Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region is honoured and delighted that he has consented to be the Habitat for Humanity Community Ambassador. As such, he will be representing Habitat Kingston at numerous events in the future, and furthering awareness of how communities can come together to support local working families.

Born and raised in Kingston, Peter was initially educated at Queen’s University (BA ’68), and later obtained additional degrees from Oxford University in England (BA ’70), and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia (LLB ’71). Called to the Ontario Bar in 1973, he was a partner at the prestigious firm of Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham, and lectured part-time at the Queen’s University School of Business and was a member and trustee on numerous charitable and not-for-profit boards, including becoming a governor of the Kingston General Hospital in 1977, before entering political life. Long active in political matters, he served as President of the Frontenac Addington Provincial Liberal Association Kingston in the 1980s and famously subscribed to the Canadian House of Commons Hansard at sixteen, and once wrote a thesis paper on Question Period. Once elected to the House of Commons in 1988 as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, he was already extremely well-versed in parliamentary procedure. He was therefore the best choice when elected Speaker of the House of Commons, an appointment which he held from 2001 until his retirement from politics in 2011, making him the longest serving Speaker in Canadian history. Peter is a fan of classical music and has sung with the Pro Arte Singers and the Chalmers United Church Choir and served on the board of the Kingston Symphony. An avid canoeist, he enjoys long trips to northern Canada in pursuit of this endeavour. He possesses an honorary Doctor of Laws from the State University of New York, Queen’s University and the Royal Military College of Canada, an Honorary Patron of Choirs Ontario and the current Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment.

“Having long represented the fine people of this region, I care deeply about ensuring their well-being and access to affordable housing for all families. It is for this reason that I am deeply passionate about Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region, and their model of helping Homeowner Partner Families realize the dream of owning their own home, which brings communities together, and further strengthens them. I encourage you to join me and adding to the great fabric of our region through the support of Habitat for Humanity.”