OTTAWA, December 9, 2004 -- The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the National Research Council (NRC), today proposed the appointment of Dr. Pierre Coulombe as President of the NRC for a five-year term. Dr. Coulombe would replace Interim President Dr. Michael Raymont. The proposed appointment will be referred to the Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology for review. "As a seasoned executive and visionary, I am confident his leadership will help keep Canada at the forefront of research and innovation. His wealth of experience in managing public and private enterprises, along with implementing science and technology related policies and programs, will be a great asset to this organization," said Minister Emerson. Currently a consultant in business strategy and finance, Dr. Coulombe was Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec and former Assistant Deputy Minister (Technology) with the Government of Québec. He earned bachelor degrees in arts and physics engineering from Université Laval. He also earned a Ph.D. in experimental medicine and was Assistant Professor of Medicine at Université Laval. His extensive accomplishments include forming a joint venture with a U.S. traded company, obtaining an ISO 9001 certification for the Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec, and negotiating $15-million in research contracts for five products in the field of molecular diagnostics. Recognized globally for research and innovation, Canada's National Research Council is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Stéphanie Leblanc Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson Minister of Industry (613) 995-9001 Manon Lechasseur Media Relations, NRC (613) 998-7352
