June 10, 2020

In recognition of his service and contributions to the region, province and Prairies, Medicine Hat College (MHC) is pleased to acknowledge David J. Carter as the recipient of the 2020 honorary applied baccalaureate degree.

“David Carter has been a distinguished citizen of southern Alberta and Canada for many years, having served as an MLA and Speaker of the Legislature, as well as being a notable historian, particularly about prisoners of war in our area,” remarks Graham Kelly, chair of MHC’s Board of Governors.

“He has been a significant supporter of education and the college, and it is a great pleasure for us to honour him with this award.”

From holding various religious and political leadership positions, to active and revolutionary involvement in social affairs, Carter has dedicated his life to serving people.

Carter’s talents and passion for leading others became apparent early on in life, having filled various presidential roles during his time as a high school and post-secondary student. His educational background includes a Licentiate in Theology from St. John’s College, which later became the University of Manitoba, a Bachelor of Arts from the same institution, and a Sacred Theology Bachelor from the Vancouver School of Theology. In 1976, Carter received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from St. John’s College – University of Manitoba.

Carter was ordained as a Deacon and Priest at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral in Winnipeg in the early 1960s and was later appointed the youngest Dean of the Anglican Church in the world. He went on to serve his faith in many ways, from filling the role of chaplain at various post-secondary institutions, building and restoring places of worship, and conducting services for his supporters on holidays and special occasions.

In 1979, Carter made his way into politics and was elected as MLA for Calgary-Millican. He also served as MLA for Calgary-Egmont for an additional three terms and was twice selected as a Speaker of the Legislature, a position he held until his retirement in 1993.

Carter played an integral role in enhancing the city through the construction and restoration of many historic and monumental landmarks. In conjunction with the Anglican Cathedral of the Redeemer and St. Francis Roman Catholic Church, he developed a 150-unit senior citizens facility entitled Carter Place, along with King Tower, Murdock Manor, Edwards Place, and the Coyle Treatment Centre facility, which is Calgary’s largest provider of self-contained and affordable housing for lowincome seniors.

Carter has also made a significant contribution to the fields of history and literature as an author and researcher, having written 18 books, as well as works of poetry and historical journals.

“I believe that David represents all that is best in terms of his personal and public life. The words family, integrity, devotion, service, volunteer, and honesty all apply to the manner in which he lives his life,” says James Horsman, who served alongside Carter during his time in government.

Upon retirement, Carter and his wife settled down in the Cypress Hills region where he worked with others to restore St. Margaret’s Church and Cemetery near Elkwater. He was awarded the City of Medicine Hat Cultural Award in 2008, and will forever be recognized as a “man of the community.”

Carter will be formally recognized by Medicine Hat College at the 2020 Convocation Ceremony, which has been postponed until June 11, 2021.