1958, degree (Hons) in Law and studies in Arts, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; studies at the University of Grenoble, France. 1963-76, Professor of Fiscal Law, McGill University. 1972, Co-Founder, own legal practice; 1978-88, Member of Parliament; in the Cabinet as President, Treasury Board; Minister of State for Economic and Regional Development; Minister of Science and Technology; Minister of Justice; Attorney-General of Canada; after the 1984 defeat of the Liberal government, in the official opposition as Critic (or Shadow Minister) for Finance and then Foreign Affairs; 1988, resumed legal practice; 1990, President, Liberal Party of Canada; 1992, served a second term. Since 1996, current position. Holds Honorary Doctorates in Law, McGill University and King's College and in Economics from Bratislava.