June 5, 2015 – Gatineau, Quebec – Environment Canada
Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, highlighted Canada’s leadership in advancing world-class meteorological services and research on the international stage.
Canada will lead the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for a second four-year term and will be represented by David Grimes, the head of Environment Canada’s Meteorological Service. Mr. Grimes was re-elected without ballot as WMO President yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland, by his peers from the 191 Member states and Territories.
This re-election demonstrates the leadership role Canada is playing in supporting the advancement of the international community’s research and services related to weather, climate and water.
Canada has demonstrated longstanding support for meteorological services. For example, Economic Action Plan 2015 dedicated $34 million to continue to support meteorological and navigational warning services in the Arctic. These investments are in addition to $134 million announced in January 2015 to improve weather forecasting across Canada.
“Canada is proud to lead the WMO for a second term, and I am pleased that David Grimes will again be representing our country in this prestigious role. This re-election speaks to the leadership Canada is taking on the international stage to develop and advance world-class meteorological services and research to improve weather and climate monitoring systems across the globe.”
– The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council
“I am honoured to have been selected to serve a second term as President of WMO. I appreciate this strong demonstration of confidence from the international community, as well as its recognition for what Canada offers to the advancement of our science and technology. I am looking forward to serve as President of this remarkable Organization for the next four years.”
– David Grimes, President-Elect of WMO and Assistant Deputy Minister and head of Environment Canada’s Meteorological Service
Shane Buckingham
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