John James Deutsch

Deutsch, John James

John James Deutsch, educator, public servant (b at Quinton, Sask 26 Feb 1911; d at Kingston, Ont Mar 1976). He was educated at Queen's (B Com), and spent over half his life in the federal public service: as a member of the research department of the Bank of Canada 1936-42, although often on loan to government departments and especially the Rowell-Sirois Royal Commission; as special assistant in External Affairs 1942-44; as director of the International Economic Relations Division of the Department of Finance 1946-53; as secretary of the Treasury Board 1954-56; and finally, as first chairman of the Economic Council of Canada 1963-67. In addition, he was a member of several other royal commissions, commissions of inquiry and advisory commissions or committees.

As an educator, he was head of the department of economics at the University of British Columbia 1956-59; vice-principal administration and professor of economics at Queen's 1959-63; principal designate 1967 and principal and vice-chancellor of Queen's, 1968-74; professor of economics, Queen's 1967 to his death. He was coauthor or coeditor of 3 books and author of many articles. Unassuming and warmly regarded, Deutsch had the ability to recognize the core of a problem at once, and his greatest achievements may be found in his influence on government economic policy over 40 years. A Companion of the Order of Canada, he received 17 honorary degrees.