Sylvia Ostry*
The Group of Thirty notes the passing of Sylvia Ostry, a longstanding member of the Group, who was active in debates and discussions on trade and international cooperation throughout her decades-long career. Widely recognized as one of the leading Canadian international economists of her generation, Sylvia served in numerous senior ministerial roles in trade and economics, as well as overseas, leading research at the OECD. Within the Canadian Federal Government, Sylvia served as Chief Statistician, Deputy Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Chairman of the Economic Council of Canada, Deputy Minister of International Trade, Ambassador for Multilateral Trade Negotiations, and the Prime Minister's Personal Representative for the Economic Summit. Sylvia’s contributions were significant and led to numerous honorary degrees and awards, including the Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest award in the Canadian national system of honors.
Sylvia joined the Group of Thirty in 1986 and remained an active member for many years. Throughout her time with the G30, she worked on several study groups and published numerous Occasional Papers including interventions on the World Trade Organization, developments in foreign direct investment and rising trade policy regimes at the turn of the new century, and expansion of European and transatlantic trade following the Cold War.
Sylvia was a dedicated public servant and a person of the highest integrity, demonstrating professional and personal qualities we all seek to emulate. Our thoughts and sympathies are with her family at this time.