M. Ann McCaig, C.M., A.O.E., LL.D.

Ann McCaig is one of Canada's most prominent community leaders, a passionate champion of arts and culture and a well-known advocate in education, health and youth development. Her background includes helping further the impact of a variety of arts and cultural organizations such as the Banff Centre, Alberta Ballet, Heritage Park and the Esther Honens Piano Competition. As well, Ann served as the co-Chair of a very successful capital campaign for the Calgary Stampede Foundation which raised $130 million to build contemporary performing arts facilities for the youth of southern Alberta.   

Born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, Ann completed her education degree at the University of Saskatchewan and shortly thereafter moved to Calgary where she raised her family. She served as a member of the board of governors for the University of Calgary, chaired two capital campaigns, became Chancellor in 1994 and is now Chancellor Emeritus. She is also Chair Emeritus of the Calgary Health Foundation, Chair Emeritus of the Calgary Stampede Foundation and the Honorary Chair of the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute. 

For over 20 years Ann was a trustee of the $400 million Killam Estate and she was also a director of the Gairdner Foundation. She helped raise funds for the expansion of a successful youth addiction program in Calgary as well as serving on the cabinet of the Calgary Homeless Foundation’s Resolve Campaign. Ann has passed on her love for community service to her children who are all active in the charitable sector and share their mother’s love for art, culture and travel. Ann and her daughters were the first to support the Famous 5 Foundation’s installation of bronze monuments in Ottawa and Calgary to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the ‘Persons’ Case. 

Ann’s contributions have been recognized at local, provincial and national levels. She is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence, and she has received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta and Mount Royal University. She has received the Grant MacEwan Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Calgary and the Generosity of Spirit Award for Outstanding Lifetime Philanthropist. In recognition of her support for Alberta’s First Nations people, Ann has been given the name ‘White Wolf Woman.’  

Ann lives in Calgary. She joined the National Arts Centre Foundation Board of Directors in 2013.