Carl Emerson Beigie

OBITUARY CARL EMERSON BEIGIE American-born Carl pursued PhD studies in economics at MIT in the mid-1960s focusing on the Canada-US Automotive Agreement. Carl began his career on Wall Street but his expertise and interest in Canadian economics drew him to Canada in 1970 where he has been a proud resident ever since. Carl became a Canadian citizen in 1981. He always felt Canada fostered a culture of humanity that appealed to him as an economist and citizen. In the 1970s, Carl became widely known in Canada as the founding executive director and president of the C.D. Howe Institute in Montreal. Under Carl's stewardship, the institute pursued research on short-term economic policy with emphasis on international trade and major federal budgetary issues. The institute ranked as one of the most influential economic policy groups in Canada. Much of the work attracted attention in Ottawa and was highly regarded by MPs and those in government service. Carl wrote several publications while at C.D. Howe including his 1972 "The Canada-US Auto Pact" and his 1979 book "Inflation is a Social Malady." In the 1980s, Carl worked in the Toronto Financial District at chief economist at Dominion Securities and McLean McCarthy. He appeared frequently on television to comment on budgetary issues and economic policies. He became increasingly engaged in politics serving on the Council of Economic Advisors to the P.C. Party. Carl was a born teacher and throughout the 1970s and 1980s he was a member of the Faculty of Management at McGill University and the University of Toronto. In 1988, Carl became academic director of the Executive MBA program at the University of Toronto. In the 1990s, Carl pursued teaching as a full-time vocation, returning to the much-loved setting of Montreal and McGill University. Carl was drawn to communicating about economics, giving numerous talks throughout Canada and the world. He was a prolific writer during his career with more than 30 publications to his credit. In May 2001, while still quite active as a teacher and economist, Carl suffered a major stroke. He retired to his home in Niagara-on-the-Lake with his wife Kathy who helped him live out the rest of his years with dignity and peace. Carl had always taken great pride in his self-reliance, intellectual energy and productivity. The debilitating effects of his stroke were a challenge for Carl which he met with courage and quiet resolve. Carl, his siblings, his wife and two sons could not have been more grateful for the patient and generous help of the many health professionals and support workers in the extended Niagara Region. The caring and humane Canadian character, which initially drew Carl to this country, was a great source of comfort to him during his time of greatest need. Carl once wrote, "People alive today are becoming so adamant about having their wants satisfied now that it takes a rare politician to reflect for more than a brief moment on the needs of the yet unborn." When he was alive and at full capacity, Carl strove to help Canadians look to the future and to make his new country a better place. Carl is survived by his wife Kathy, his sons Darin and David and David's wife Sue as well as his grandchildren Aidan and Matthew, brother Robert, sisters Jackie and Barbara. Cremation has taken place. memorial service to celebrate Carl's life will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 342 Simcoe Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to The Juravinski Cancer Centre Dr. Mark Levine Fellowship through Morgan Funeral Home, 415 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Online guest register www.morganfuneral.com