The Canadian Association of University Teachers is mourning the passing of Howard Pawley, former premier of Manitoba and professor of law at the University of Windsor.

"On behalf of all of his colleagues at CAUT, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Howard's family and friends," said CAUT executive director David Robinson. "Howard made enormous contributions in public life, and later carried on his commitment to social justice in his work with academic staff associations."

After his political career, Howard Pawley joined academia and took on leadership roles within the University of Windsor Faculty Association and CAUT. He was the founding president of the Harry Crowe Foundation, a charitable organization established by CAUT in 2002 to carry out education and research on academic freedom.

"We've lost a true friend and colleague," said Robinson. "Our thoughts are with Howard's family and friends."