Minister Joly Announces an Appointment to the National Museum of Science and Technology

From: Canadian Heritage

News release

GATINEAU, May 29, 2018

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced the appointment of Christina Tessier to the position of Director of the National Museum of Science and Technology for a term of five years, effective June 11, 2018. The appointment is the result of the Government of Canada’s open, transparent and merit-based selection process.

Ms. Tessier has been serving as Director General of the National Museum of Science and Technology since 2014, delivering a fast-tracked rebuild of the Museum on time and on budget. She joined the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation in 2013 as Director of Operations of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Ms. Tessier has also held numerous senior leadership positions, notably at Parks Canada. She possesses multi-faceted professional experience acquired in an array of different fields, including culture, high technology and public governance. She is a highly-respected senior executive working with a unique perspective and skill set, together with a corporate focus and a results-driven attitude.

Ms. Tessier is an active member of her community and has served on the boards of a number of committees and juries, including the Algonquin College Foundation Board (since 2017) and the Barbara A. Tyler Award in Museum Leadership of the Canadian Museums Association (2009–2014). She has received several awards and honours, including the Award of Excellence, Parks Canada National Historic Sites Directorate (2010), the Canadian Museums Association Award for Management for overseeing the Bytown Museum Renewal Project (2008), and Ottawa Magazine’s Top 50 People (2007).

Quotes

“I am pleased to announce that Christina Tessier will serve as Director of the National Museum of Science and Technology. Her proven leadership, along with her knowledge of the organization and outstanding contributions to the Museum, will continue to be of great benefit to this institution that proudly highlights our talents in the fields of science, technology and innovation. I would also like to thank Fernand Proulx for acting as Interim Director of the Museum since April 2017.”

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

Quick facts

  • The National Museum of Science and Technology is the legal name of the corporation that was established by the Museums Act of 1990. It encompasses three national institutions: the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

  • Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation has been the new corporate brand since June 2017 to pursue the important mission of preserving Canada’s scientific and technological heritage, and sharing its stories with Canadians. With the name derived from the Latin root for “ingenuity,” it still encompasses these three national institutions, as well as a host of national and international projects.

  • The national museums are governed by the Museums Act, which was passed into law in 1990. Pursuant to the Act, the directors—who are the chief executive officers of the national museums—are appointed by their respective boards of trustees with the approval of the Governor in Council.

  • In 2016, the Government of Canada adopted a new approach to Governor in Council appointments. This approach respects gender parity and is supported by an open, transparent and merit-based selection process: one that will result in the recommendation of exceptionally competent candidates who truly reflect Canada’s diversity. This new approach requires a selection process for the majority of full- and part-time positions.

  • All appointment opportunities for the 18 organizations in the Canadian Heritage Portfolio are posted as they become available on the Governor in Council Appointments website. Interested parties can apply online.

  • Canada’s national museums play a key role in preserving our heritage. In addition to promoting knowledge among Canadians of all ages and backgrounds, our museums also increase our sense of pride.

Associated links

Page details

Date modified: