No. H 077/07
For release May 3, 2007
OTTAWA - The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the appointments of Mr. Russell A. Mills, as chair of the 15-member board of directors of the National Capital
Commission (NCC) for a term of five years; and Mr. Jason Sordi, as a member of
the board of directors of the NCC for a term of three years.
"I am pleased to announce that Mr. Mills has agreed to become chair of the NCC.
This will ensure consistency in the leadership of the Commission while the
long-term mandate of the NCC is being defined," said Minister Cannon. "I am also
pleased to welcome Mr. Sordi to the NCC's board of directors. His experience in
community and public relations will be a significant asset to the board."
Mr. Mills, of St. Thomas, Ontario, holds a bachelor's degree in general arts and
a master's degree in sociology from the University of Western Ontario, as well
as an honorary doctor of laws degree from Carleton University for services to
the community and the newspaper industry. He was also Nieman Fellow at Harvard
University in 2002–03. He began his career as a reporter with the London Free
Press and the Oshawa Times, where he later became city editor. He then joined
the Ottawa Citizen as copy editor where he held increasingly senior positions,
becoming publisher of the newspaper 15 years later. Mr. Mills became president
of the Southam Newspaper Group in 1989 and returned to the Ottawa Citizen as
publisher in 1992. He is currently executive dean of the Faculty of Arts, Media
and Design at Algonquin College in Ottawa. Mr. Mills is also chair of the board
of Opera Lyra Ottawa, vice-chair of the Ottawa Health Research Institute, chief
judge of the Michener Award for public service journalism and serves on the
boards of the Ottawa Symphony, the Canadian Battlefields Foundation, ABC Canada
and the International Press Institute.
Mr. Sordi, of Richmond Hill, Ontario, holds a bachelor of arts with honors in
political science, with a minor in French, from the University of Toronto. Since
2003, he has been senior account manager, commercial financial services, for RBC
Financial Group. He has also worked as an event planner, regional project
manager and representative for the Canadian Unity Council. Mr. Sordi is a board
member, advocate and fundraiser on behalf of several community organizations,
including the Columbus Centre of Toronto, the National Congress of Italian
Canadians - Toronto District, the Canadian Italian Business and Professional
Association of Toronto, and the Vitanova Foundation.
On August 2, 2006, Minister Cannon created the NCC mandate review panel to
assess the continuing relevance of the mandate, mission and activities of the
NCC. The panel submitted its report to the Minister in December 2006, and has
made recommendations that are complex, affecting not only the NCC, but also
other federal government entities and local communities. Legislative changes
such as amendments to the National Capital Act would be necessary to implement
several of these recommendations if approved by the federal government.
"Mr. Mills' leadership as chair will be key while the Government of Canada takes
the necessary time to consider the recommendations very seriously, and provide a
timely and thoughtful response to the report," added Minister Cannon. "Now that
the chair has been announced, the process to find a chief executive officer can
begin."
"This is great news for the future of the National Capital Region," said the
Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment. "Mr. Mills' vast experience
and track-record will contribute to enrich the development of Canada's capital."
In accordance with the Federal Accountability Act, responsibility for the chief
executive officer (CEO) and chair of the board duties was split into two
separate postions, with the chair as a part-time position. Micheline Dubé was
appointed full-time CEO on April 4, 2007, until a new CEO is appointed.
The NCC is a Crown corporation that was created by Parliament in 1958 as the
steward of federal lands and buildings in the National Capital Region. The NCC
mandate is to prepare plans for the development, conservation and improvement of
the National Capital Region to reflect its national significance as the seat of
the Government of Canada and to organize, sponsor and promote public activities
and events in the National Capital Region to enrich the cultural and social
fabric of Canada.
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Contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
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