OTTAWA, April 11, 2007 - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, today announced the appointment of Françoise Bertrand, of Montreal, Quebec, as Canada's Member to the Board of Directors of TV5 Québec Canada.
"Ms. Bertrand brings a strong background in the communications field to this Board. I look forward to her contribution, and I am certain she will continue to help TV5 Quebec Canada achieve its objectives for Canadians," said Minister Oda.
Ms. Bertrand has an extensive background in management and a depth of understanding with respect to the issues and challenges of the Canadian broadcasting and telecommunications industry.
Ms. Bertrand completed her Master's degree in environmental studies at York University in 1975. Following her studies, she worked as Director of Communications for the Société des Jeux de Quebec and as Director of Projects for the marketing research firm SORECOM Inc. Between 1980 and 1988, she held successive positions at the University of Quebec in Montreal, including the Dean of Resource Management. From 1988 until 1995, Ms. Bertrand was Chief Executive Officer for the Société de radiodiffusion du Québec (Radio-Québec, now Télé-Québec). From 1995 to 1996, as Principal at KPMG Inc., she was responsible for the communications sector.
In 1996, Ms. Bertrand was appointed Chair of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), and she remained in that position until 2001. From 2001 to 2003, she was with Groupe Secor. Since 2003, she has been president and director general of the Fédération des Chambres de commerce du Québec.
She has been a member of several boards of directors, including the Association for Tele-education in Canada, TV5 Amérique latine, and TV5 Québec Canada.
TV5 is the world's first French-language international television network, and it is managed by two operators. TV5 Québec Canada, in Montreal, manages the signal in Canada, and TV5MONDE, in Paris, is responsible for broadcasting seven TV5 signals around the world. TV5 Québec Canada has two objectives. The first is to offer Canadians a cross-section of the international Francophonie, and the second is to contribute to Canada's international profile by providing Canadian Francophone artists and producers with a special showcase abroad.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian
Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
