Ottawa, January 23, 2013 – Myriam Montrat has been appointed as the new Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), effective February 11, 2013.
The announcement was made today by Robert Sirman, Director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts and Dr. Axel Meisen, President of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. The Commission operates under the general authority of the Canada Council.
Ms Montrat is currently Director General, Discrimination Prevention Branch at the Canadian Human Rights Commission, a position she has held since 2007. In this capacity she has collaborated closely with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and has represented the Canadian Human Rights Commission at the United Nations Human Rights Council. Prior to this, she was a Director at Industry Canada, where she managed several multi-jurisdictional initiatives at all levels of government, requiring the creation of linkages and development of partnerships between the federal government and key stakeholders. She has also worked at the Privy Council Office, where she coordinated and facilitated the management of major files affecting the whole of government.
Prior to joining the federal government, Ms Montrat worked in the private sector as a consultant on international issues. She holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Public Administration from Concordia University (Montreal) as well as a bachelor of arts in International Relations from Colby College (Maine).
Ms Montrat is replacing David Walden who is retiring after 13 years as Secretary-General.
The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s national arts funder. Its grants to artists and arts organizations contribute to a vibrant arts scene in Canada. Its awards celebrate creativity by recognizing exceptional Canadians in the arts, humanities and sciences.
The Commission co-ordinates UNESCO programme activities in Canada, and mobilizes the participation of Canadian organizations and committed individuals in UNESCO's mandated areas: education, natural and social sciences, culture and communication and information.
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