James Simpson Palmer, BA, LL.B. '52, LL.D. (Hon), QC, CM

James Simpson Palmer is a native of Prince Edward Island.  He received his early education in Charlottetown and at King’s Collegiate School, Windsor.  He then studied at Prince of Wales College, Charlottetown, McGill University and Dalhousie University obtaining the degrees of B.A. and LL.B. respectively from the latter two institutions.  In 1987, he was awarded Dalhousie’s honorary LL.D. degree.  At Dalhousie, he was a member of the rugby team.

After articling, he entered the practice of law.  He helped build and is now the senior partner of Burnett, Duckworth and Palmer, one of the leading law firms of Calgary.

Mr. Palmer has had an outstanding career as a lawyer.  He has been particularly active in the service of his profession, having served as Director of the Alberta Institute of Law Research and Reform from 1964 to 1967, as a member of the joint Committee on Taxation of the Canadian Bar Association and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants from 1973 to 1976 and as Governor of the Canadian Tax Foundation from 1982 to 1986, being its Chairman in 1984/85.  He has presented papers on taxation to the Canadian Tax Foundation, the Canadian Petroleum Tax Society, and the New York Bar Association.  In 1975 he was made a Queen’s Counsel.

He has continued his association with Dalhousie as an active alumnus, epitomizing the support that the Alberta alumni have unfailing given to Dalhousie Law School.  Mr. Palmer has been active in his community in ways not directly concerned with his profession; he is regarded as one of Calgary’s finest citizens.  He has established an impeccable reputation as a corporate lawyer but, more importantly, he has contributed in a significant way to the life of his city and his country.  Many prominent companies list him as a director.  He has been a leader in supporting the arts in Calgary.  He is a director and former President of the Calgary Philharmonic Society, and has been a member of the Fathers of Confederation Buildings Trust (Prince Edward Island).  The widespread respect and recognition in which he is held in his community was confirmed by his appointment as Chancellor of the University of Calgary.  As Chancellor he also served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors, responsibilities which he took very seriously and to which he contributed a great deal.  He was chair of the Building on the Vision campaign, the first national fundraising effort of the University of Calgary.  He is a man of vision, integrity, and intellect; he possesses great business skills and, at the same time, maintains a sense of humour. 

With his wife, Barbara, he has four daughters:  Valerie, Noelle, Jane, and Sarah.  James Simpson Palmer exemplifies the ideals of community and professional service which the Weldon Award seeks to recognize.