(No. 28 - January 18, 2010 - noon ET) The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced the appointment of Darlene Thibault and the reappointments of Norman Betts and John Rooney to the Board of Directors of Export Development Canada (EDC).
“Ms. Thibault’s extensive experience in Canada’s world-class banking sector brings important depth to EDC’s Board of Directors,” said Minister Day. “Her contribution will be invaluable as Canadian companies look to grow their business around the world.
“Messrs. Betts and Rooney have made tremendous contributions over the past three years to EDC’s success in supporting Canadian companies, especially during the global economic downturn. I am very pleased that both have agreed to serve for another three years.”
Ms. Thibault, who is replacing Lise Lachapelle on the EDC Board of Directors, is from Montreal, and has been the director of Scotiabank’s Leasing Division in Quebec since 2005. Prior to this, she held a number of senior positions within various institutions in Canada’s banking sector. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University.
Mr. Betts, of Fredericton, has been an associate professor with the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of New Brunswick since 2003. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick and sworn in as minister of finance in 1999. In 2001, Mr. Betts became minister of Business New Brunswick and minister responsible for Service New Brunswick. He holds a PhD in management from Queen’s School of Business and is a chartered accountant.
Mr. Rooney, of Calgary, is the president and chief executive officer of Northern Blizzard Resources Inc., a private oil and gas company. He has over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry at the senior executive level. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Western Ontario, and is a charted accountant and chartered business valuator.
EDC is Canada’s export credit agency, offering innovative commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC’s knowledge and partnerships are used by more than 8,300 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is financially self-sustaining and is a recognized leader in financial reporting and economic analysis.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-6186
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
