NEWS RELEASES

June 27, 2005 (11:40 a.m. EDT)
No. 118

MINISTER PETERSON ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT

TO EDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today announced the appointment of Lise Lachapelle of Montreal, Quebec to the Board of Directors of Export Development Canada (EDC).

“Ms. Lachapelle’s wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors will be a tremendous asset to the Board of Directors of EDC,” said Minister Peterson. “I am sure that she will make a significant contribution to the continued success of EDC.”

Ms. Lachapelle is currently an independent economic consultant as well as being on the board of directors of several large corporations such as Abitibi Consolidated Inc., Industrielle Alliance, BNP Paribas, Russel Metals Inc., Mirabaud Canada Inc. and Innergex Power Trust. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from HEC Montreal and has also studied at the University of Western Ontario and Harvard Business School.

After a 20-year career in the public sector where she served as Commercial Counsellor at the Canadian Embassy in Paris and as Assistant Deputy Minister at Industry Canada, Ms. Lachapelle became Senior Vice-President of the Montreal Stock Exchange and later President and CEO of the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association.

Ms. Lachapelle replaces Pierre MacDonald of Quebec, whose term has expired. Minister Peterson extends his thanks to Mr. MacDonald for his years of exemplary service.

EDC provides trade finance and risk management services to Canadian exporters and investors in up to 200 markets, 150 of which are in developing economies.

EDC reports to Parliament through the Minister of International Trade.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Jacqueline LaRocque
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office
International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca