No. H 024/09
For release - February 12, 2009
OTTAWA - Robert Ready has been appointed Canada's Chief Air Negotiator, Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, and International Trade Minister, Stockwell Day, announced today. He replaces Nadir Patel who was instrumental in expanding Canada's air relations with many countries around the world, including with the 27 Member States of the European Union.
"As Chief Air Negotiator, Mr. Ready will be responsible for conducting negotiations which are important to Canada's air carriers, airports and their communities," said Minister Baird. "We will no doubt benefit from his skills as a negotiator, planner and policy developer as well as his experience working with Canadian international business stakeholders. I am very pleased that he has agreed to take on this responsibility."
"International air agreements are essential components to developing global trade and investment," said Minister Day. "The agreements brokered by our chief air negotiator are of importance not only to Canadian airports, travellers and shippers, but also to our country's continued economic prosperity."
Robert Ready holds a bachelor of arts and a master of public administration from Queen's University. He has had an extensive public service career including positions with Industry Canada, Investment Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan. Upon joining Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Mr. Ready was Canada's lead services negotiator in the World Trade Organization's Doha Development Round. His most recent assignment there has been as Director, Investment Trade Policy Division. In this role he has been responsible for the conduct of Canada's trade policy in the area of international investment (Foreign Investment Protection Agreements, free trade agreements, and government procurement), including managing consultations, research and analysis, and negotiations.
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