Ottawa, Ontario (November 3, 2010) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, today announced new appointments to the Canadian Polar Commission (CPC) Board of Directors. The new Board of Directors includes Chairperson, Bernard Funston, Vice Chairperson, Nellie Cournoyea, and Directors Barrie Ford, Dr. Martin Fortier, Robert Gannicott, Dr. David Hik, Robert Huebert, Maxim Jean-Louis, Dr. John Nightingale and Darielle Talarico.
"I am pleased to announce the appointment of new members to the Canadian Polar Commission's Board of Directors. Chairperson, Bernard Funston, Vice-Chairperson, Nellie Cournoyea, and the eight new members bring tremendous diversity of experience and expertise to the Commission's Board of Directors," said Minister Duncan.
"These high calibre individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their respective roles and I look forward to working with them. I am confident that their expertise and combined experience with polar issues will strengthen and advance Canada's Northern Strategy."
As the lead agency for the promotion of polar research, the Canadian Polar Commission has a broad mandate related to the monitoring, development, and dissemination of knowledge with respect to the polar regions. It carries out this mandate by coordinating with organizations, institutions, and associations, in Canada and elsewhere, engaged in polar research and knowledge development and dissemination.
The Canadian Polar Commission's promotion of polar research is particularly significant as Canada prepares to host the 2012 conference "From Knowledge to Action" in Montreal, which is the final event to conclude research conducted during International Polar Year.
Through its Northern Strategy, the Government of Canada is working to ensure Canada's North achieves its true promise as a healthy, prosperous region within a strong and sovereign country. World-leading Arctic science and technology underpin that Strategy and contribute to sound decision-making. The Board will ensure that the Commission can contribute significantly to the delivery of the Government's Northern Strategy.
Minister's Office
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
