OTTAWA, June 23, 2008 - The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced the appointment of Michael J. Tims as Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Gallery of Canada.
"Mr. Tims' wealth of corporate and investment experience is a welcome addition to one of Canada's treasured cultural institutions," said Minister Verner.
Mr. Tims is the Chair of Canadian investment firm Peters and Co. Limited. He joined Peters and Co. Limited in 1980 and has been part of their growth as a leader in the securities brokerage, investment research, and advisory services sectors to Canada's energy industry. He has also taught several finance and business policy courses at the University of Calgary.
In addition, Mr. Tims is very active in his community, including as Past Chair of United Way Calgary, as a member of the Poverty Reduction Coalition, and as a trustee for the University of Calgary Foundation. He also works on the National Business Advisory Committee's French for the Future, a program to promote bilingualism in Canada. Mr. Tims holds a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction from the University of Calgary. He was recently named Citizen of the Year by the City of Calagary.
The Minister is also pleased to announce the reappointment of Fred Fountain, a lawyer by profession, whose philanthropy is appreciated by all.
The National Gallery of Canada Corporation is responsible for the management of the National Gallery of Canada and its affiliate, the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography. It develops, maintains, and promotes, throughout Canada and internationally, a collection of both historic and contemporary art with special, but not exclusive, reference to Canada. It furthers knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of art in general among all Canadians. The Corporation's website address is www.gallery.ca
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
