Patrick Watson, Chair Emeritus

Patrick Watson has had a long affiliation with the Canadian Abilities Foundation and sits as the Chairperson Emeritus of the board.  Patrick is currently Creative Director of the HISTORICA Foundation's media activities. He began his broadcasting career as an actor, in 1943. In 1964 he became the first North American producer/director to film in The Peoples Republic of China. Watson's television and documentary productions have ranged from writing, producing and directing for The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, to his best-known Canadian series This Hour Has Seven Days. In addition to his work as an actor, writer and producer Patrick held the position of Chairman of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation from 1989 to 1994, and is the author of more than a dozen books. He has been an Officer of the Order of Canada since 1982, and promoted to Companion in 2002.