Dr. J. Fraser Mustard

Dr. J. Fraser Mustard has had a diverse career in the health sciences, medical research, and the private sector.

After earning his MD from the University of Toronto, and PhD from the University of Cambridge, Mustard joined the medical faculty at the University of Toronto. In 1966 he moved to McMaster University to help establish the new school of Medicine and Health Sciences and became the Vice President, Health Sciences [Medicine and Nursing]. During his tenure at the University of Toronto and McMaster, he developed a major research career in platelets, thrombosis, and cardiovascular disease.

In 1982, Mustard took on the task of creating and establishing a unique Canadian institution, the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.

Mustard has been a leader in Canada on the socioeconomic determinants of human development and health. A particular emphasis has been on early child development and the role of communities. He co-chaired a report for the Government of Ontario on early child development with specific community recommendations (The Early Years Study). Recognition of this has led Mustard and his colleagues to emphasize to all sectors of society the crucial nature of the early years to provide a healthy and competent population.

Mustard is involved with governments in Canada, Australia, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, UNICEF, and the Aga Khan University in Pakistan in emphasizing the enormous importance to society of early child development for competent quality populations. He is a Companion of the Order of Canada, and is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Council for Early Child Development.