March 28, 2012 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced one appointment and three reappointments to Export Development Canada (EDC)’s board of directors.
The Minister named Elliot Lifson, a senior executive from Quebec, to the board of EDC and reappointed Jeff Burghardt, Adam Chowaniec and Donald MacLeod. The appointments are for three-year terms.
“The appointments of these members ensure the continuity of EDC’s strong governance and success,” said Minister Fast. “Their varied experience has brought private-sector perspectives to EDC as it continues to serve the interests of the Canadian business community. I am particularly pleased to welcome Elliot Lifson as a new member who brings with him a wealth of experience.”
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 benefit more than 7,700 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.
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Biographical notes on the appointees follow.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
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Jeff Burghardt, currently of Oakville, Ontario, is a senior executive with comprehensive knowledge of the transportation, export, agriculture, food and government sectors. Among his many accomplishments, he served 13 years as president and chief operating officer of Prince Rupert Grain Ltd.
Adam Chowaniec of Ottawa is a business leader, community builder and visionary with broad experience in the technology sector augmented by contributions to the not-for-profit and public sectors.
Elliot Lifson of Hampstead, Quebec, is a senior executive with a legal and management background. For more than 30 years, he has served in senior positions with Peerless Clothing Inc. and Algo Group Inc. of Montréal.
Donald MacLeod of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, is vice-president and senior legal counsel of J. Ray McDermott Canada Ltd., operating as Secunda Marine Services, a leading offshore-support company. Mr. MacLeod has been associated with Secunda for 20 years.
