News Release

New Chairman Appointed to Royal Military College Board of Governors

NR–05.081 - November 17, 2005

OTTAWA -- Defence Minister Bill Graham is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. James Downey as Chairman of the Board of Governors of Royal Military College (RMC), replacing Dr. Bernard Shapiro.

“RMC has a proud history of excellence and is fundamental in training future leaders of the Canadian Forces,” said Minister Graham. “Dr. Downey's name is synonymous with excellence in education and we are honoured that we will be able to profit from his considerable experience.”

Dr. Downey is an Officer of the Order of Canada, and has been president of three Canadian universities: Carleton University, the University of New Brunswick, and the University of Waterloo. He is currently President Emeritus of the University of Waterloo.

From 1990-93 he was Special Advisor to the Premier of New Brunswick; Special Advisor to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and co-Chair of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, which published two reports that guided educational reform in that province. Additionally, Dr. Downey has received several honourary degrees and awards during his career.

The Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada reports to the Minister of National Defence; it provides advice and recommendations on academic matters relating to the college as well as reviewing the strategic direction of the college.

For further information on Royal Military College of Canada and its Board of Governors, the Education Advisory Board and the Canadian Defence Academy, consult the backgrounder at http://www.cda-acd.forces.gc.ca/index/engraph/home_e.asp

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