OTTAWA, May 10, 2005 -- The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), today announced the appointment of Jean-René Halde as President of the BDC. This appointment was reviewed by the Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology on May 5, 2005. "I am pleased to welcome Mr. Halde as President of BDC," said Minister Emerson. "He has demonstrated strong leadership abilities, and has extensive experience in business, finance and corporate governance. I am confident his knowledge, experience and vision will advance the BDC's mandate of fostering the development and growth of Canada's entrepreneurs." Mr. Halde brings extensive management experience to the BDC, with more than 30 years of management experience in the private sector. Mr. Halde previously was chief executive at Irwin Toy Limited, Livingston Group Inc., Culinar Inc., Atlantique Video and Sound Inc., and Metro-Richelieu Inc. He offers extensive experience in providing strategic direction as well as financial expertise. Throughout his career, Mr. Halde has been both a board member and chair of a number of companies and organizations. He is currently a director of two Toronto-based companies, CCL Industries Inc. and OMERS Capital Partners. Mr. Halde holds a Masters degree in economics from the University of Western Ontario as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School. Mr. Halde will assume his duties June 20, 2005. The BDC is a financial institution wholly owned by the Government of Canada. It plays a leadership role in delivering financial, investment and consulting services to Canadian small businesses, with a particular focus on the technology and export sectors of the economy. Visit BDC at: http://www.bdc.ca. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Christiane Fox Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson Minister of Industry (613) 995-9001 Jason Moscovitz Vice-President, Public Affairs Business Development Bank of Canada (514) 283-5059
