OTTAWA, February 10, 2005 -- The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), today announced the appointment of Dr. Pierre Coulombe as President of the NRC. This appointment was reviewed by the Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology. As part of the government's policy of providing a greater role for parliamentarians in reviewing appointments, Dr. Coulombe appeared before the Committee on February 7, 2005. "I am pleased to welcome Dr. Coulombe as President of the National Research Council," said Minister Emerson. "With a wealth of experience in university, public and private sectors, Dr. Coulombe is well equipped to support the commercialization of science, making Canada more innovative and competitive in the development, deployment and use of new technologies. I look forward to the continued growth of Canada's research base and the success of the NRC under his leadership." As former Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec, Dr. Coulombe developed strong experience as a leader of a research organization committed to commercialization. In addition, he was President and CEO of Infectio Diagnostic Inc., where he helped showcase Canada's leadership in medical research and diagnostic technology, completing two rounds of private equity financing and negotiating major research contracts for the company. In the public sector, Dr. Coulombe held the office of Assistant Deputy Minister (Technology) with the Government of Québec. He earned bachelor degrees in arts and physics engineering, as well as a PhD in experimental medicine at Université Laval, and was Assistant Professor of Medicine at Université Laval. Recognized globally for research and innovation, the National Research Council of Canada 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 Pierre Naud Media Relations National Research Council of Canada (613) 990-6091
