April 5, 2012 - As Parliament will soon consider legislation to close the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (also known as Rights & Democracy), Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced the membership of the interim board that will ensure this is done in the most timely and orderly way possible.
“Our government has committed to finding efficiencies and savings while also promoting freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world,” said Baird. “This group will help ensure a smooth transition of functions formerly under Rights & Democracy to within Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
“We are working with a clean slate and intend to move forward.”
The members of the interim board of directors are:
- Gérald Cossette, Associate Deputy Minister, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada,
- Nadir Patel, Chief Financial Officer, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada,
- Robert Dufresne, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada,
- Keith Christie, Assistant Deputy Minister, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada,
- Denis Kingsley, Assistant Deputy Minister, International Platform, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada,
- Sabine Nolke, Director General, Global Partnership Program, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada,
- Rob Stewart, Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade and Finance, Finance Canada, and
- John Ossowski, Assistant Secretary, International Affairs, Security and Justice, Treasury Board Secretariat.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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