Canadian Senator
The first person of Chinese descent to sit in the Canadian Senate, the Hon. Vivienne Poy, born, Hong Kong, 1941, came to Canada as a university student, 1959, graduating in History from both McGill University and University of Toronto, before entering the business world as a fashion designer. Member of the Canadian Senate, since 1998, Vivienne Poy, author of two books, is active in the Chinese community as Honorary Patron, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, is advisor to the Canadian Multicultural Council on contemporary issues concerning Asian countries, and is an Advisory Board member, Canada-Hong Kong Resource Centre for Asia Pacific Studies, University of Toronto – York University. Formerly Trustee, Art Gallery of Ontario and the National Gallery of Canada, and former Director, Canadian Stage Company, the Hon. Vivienne Poy has served as a fundraiser for the Kidney Foundation and, Member, Famous People Players (U.S. Board). In 1997, the sister-in-law of current Governor General of Canada, Adrienne Clarkson, Vivienne Poy received the Arbour Award for outstanding volunteer service to the University of Toronto. [Photo, courtesy the Hon. Vivienne Poy]