Canada nominates Mr. Bill Morneau as a candidate for Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

September 25, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the nomination of Mr. Bill Morneau, Canada’s former finance minister, as Canada’s candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In an increasingly complex and evolving international context, the OECD provides a unique forum for its members to discuss pressing social, economic and environmental issues. The discussions have helped member states to chart a course toward post-pandemic economic recovery, to conduct evidence-based policy analysis, to promote greener and more inclusive global growth and to support the creation of best practices and measurable international standards.

As a member-led organization, the OECD needs a leader who recognizes the importance of all member states’ views, has the capacity to build consensus and understands the intricacies of government policy-making. It needs a leader who can think strategically, innovate and engage diverse stakeholders in finding new ways to address complex, multi-faceted issues. It also needs a leader with management experience and the expertise required to support the important work of the organization.

Mr. Morneau’s experience between 2015 and 2020 as finance minister in an avowedly feminist government and his previous leadership roles in think tanks, philanthropic organizations and the private sector have given him a deep understanding of the major challenges facing the world’s economies. He has been a key decision-maker in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for inclusive growth, the effects of rapid digitization and the fight against climate change.