January 30, 2007
No. 17
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced the appointment of Barbara
McDougall to the Board of Governors of the International Development Research
Centre (IDRC).
“Ms. McDougall brings with her a wealth of experience, having held several ministerial
portfolios, as well as a reputation for expertise in foreign policy and international
relations,” said Minister MacKay. “I am certain that she will make a significant
contribution to the continued success of IDRC.”
The International Development Research Centre is a public corporation created by the
Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology
to find practical, long-term solutions to the social, economic and environmental
problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research
capacity to sustain policies and technologies that developing countries need to build
healthier, more equitable and more prosperous societies.
A Crown corporation, IDRC works collaboratively with many federal government
departments, especially Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and the
Canadian International Development Agency. Guided by a 21-member international
Board of Governors, IDRC reports to Parliament through the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
For more information on IDRC, consult their website at http://www.idrc.ca.
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A biographical note is attached.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
Chantal Schryer
Director of Communications
International Development Research Centre
613-236-6163, ext. 2598
cschryer@idrc.ca
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Barbara McDougall resides in Toronto and is an advisor with Aird & Berlis, counselling
clients on international business development and government relations. A graduate of
the University of Toronto and a chartered financial analyst, Ms. McDougall was a
Member of Parliament for nine years and held several cabinet posts, including
Secretary of State for External Affairs, Minister of Employment and Immigration,
Minister of State (Privatization and Regulatory Affairs), and Minister of State for
Finance. In addition, she is a director of several Canadian corporations, including Bank
of Nova Scotia, the Independent Order of Foresters and Stelco Inc.
