NEWS RELEASES

February 1, 2005 (4:10 p.m. EST)
No. 21

MINISTER PETERSON PROPOSES APPOINTMENT

TO CANADIAN COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today proposed the appointment of John McBride as President of the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC). The proposed appointment will be referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade for review.

“Mr. McBride’s understanding of international trade and his financial and risk management experience will be invaluable to the mandate of the CCC,” said Minister Peterson. “I am confident he will help ensure its continued success around the globe.”

Mr. McBride received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Carleton University in 1984. He brings to the position over 20 years of experience in the Public Service.

Currently the Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations Sector, Industry Canada, he has held various positions with the Treasury Board Secretariat, Finance Canada and the Privy Council Office, as well as the Australian federal government.

Minister Peterson also took the opportunity to thank the current president of the CCC, J. Hugh O’Donnell, for his contribution.

The CCC is an export contracting agency that brings buyers and Canadian exporters together. Since its inception in 1946, the CCC has provided assistance to thousands of companies from across Canada, helping them negotiate more than $30 billion in contracts with foreign governments and private-sector buyers.

The CCC 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