Ottawa (September 4, 2008) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced the appointment of Brian Schmidt to the Inndian Oil and Gas Co-Management Board.
"Mr. Schmidt's leadership skills, work experience and dedication to Aboriginal relations will make him a valued addition to this Board," said Minister Strahl. "We are all looking forward to his contributions and future achievements."
Recently retired as president of Apache Ltd. Canada, Mr. Schmidt helped to build effective business relationships with First Nations leadership. He also held a number of management and engineering positions with Shell Canada and has been the recipient of numerous awards for his work in the oil and gas industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary.
The Indian Oil and Gas Canada Co-Management Board was established to co-manage Indian Oil and Gas Canada's operations, focusing on areas of collective interest, such as Indian Oil and Gas Canada issues, policies, plans, priorities and resources. The Board may have up to nine members. Six members are selected by the Indian Resource Council. There are two federal positions named in the Memorandum of Understanding (the CEO of Indian Oil and Gas Canada and an Assistant Deputy Minister from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) and one federal position from industry selected by the Minister.
Minister's Office
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
