OTTAWA, May 14, 2004 -- The Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced the appointment of Esmeralda M.A. Thornhill to the Board of Directors of the National Film Board of Canada.A lawyer by profession, Ms.Thornhill is a tenured Professor of Law at Dalhousie University. Well known for her teaching and training, Professor Thornhill is sought after locally, nationally, and internationally. Over the course of her career, she has worked with educators, academics, practitioners, public servants, benchers and members of the judiciary. She has also offered advice and services to trade unions representatives, managers and governments, as well as professional, youth, feminist, and community organizations.Professor Thornhill has chaired many working groups, and has authored several ground-breaking writings, many of which are used as core course readings in academic institutions across Canada. She is also a recipient of numerous certificates of merit and appreciation from international, national and local organizations. In 1992, Salon de la femme du Quebec awarded her the coveted title of Quebec Woman of the year in recognition of her humanitarian and social action.Created in 1939 by an Act of Parliament, the National Film Board has a mandate to produce and distribute distinctive, culturally diverse, challenging and relevant audio-visual works that provide Canada and the world with a unique Canadian perspective.Information:Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788
