Publication

This paper explores the life and times of John Nelson, who in 1925 led the first Canadian delegation to a meeting of the Institute of Pacific Relations (IPR) - a nongovernmental precursor of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and summit. The author examines Nelson’s activities as a journalist, politician, social commentator, opinion leader, founder and Rotarian. The paper details the transformation in Nelson’s attitudes toward persons of Asian decent and emphasizes his roles as a founder of the IPR, the Canadian Instititute of International Affairs, and the influence of his involvement in Rotary International.