NEWS RELEASES

March 30, 2005 (2:15 EST)
No. 53

APPOINTMENT OF EDC PRESIDENT/CEO AND CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today announced the appointment of Robert A. Wright as President and Chief Executive Officer of Export Development Canada (EDC), and the reappointment of Paul Gobeil as Chair of EDC’s Board of Directors. Both appointments were referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

“Mr. Wright brings considerable experience to EDC and will be a tremendous asset to the organization,” said Minister Peterson. “Under his leadership, I am confident that EDC will continue to build on its strong foundation in providing Canada’s exporters and investors with the innovative financing and insurance products and services they need to compete in today’s international marketplace.”

Minister Peterson also welcomed Mr. Gobeil’s reappointment. “Paul Gobeil has provided excellent stewardship to EDC over the past three years, and I am pleased that he will continue in this role.”

In his 30 years in the Public Service, Mr. Wright has occupied key positions in the Government of Canada. His current position is National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister and Associate Secretary to the Cabinet, Privy Council Office. From November 1999 to May 2003, he was Commissioner of Customs and Revenue. His previous positions have included Deputy Minister of National Revenue, High Commissioner for Canada to New Zealand, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Plans), Privy Council Office. He joined the Public Service in 1975 as an economic analyst with the Department of External Affairs. Mr. Wright received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario and a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Manitoba.

Mr. Gobeil was Chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council from 1996 to 1998; Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Canada Inc.; and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Metro Inc. From 1974 to 1985, Mr. Gobeil has held senior-level positions at Provigo Inc., Loeb Inc. and IGA Canada Ltd. He was also a member of the Quebec National Assembly from 1985 to 1989. Mr. Gobeil has also chaired the boards of the Royal Trust Company, Bankers Trust Company, Hydro-Québec International and Domtar Inc. He currently sits on the boards of several other companies, including the National Bank of Canada and Canam Group Inc.

EDC provides trade finance and risk management services to Canadian exporters and investors in up to 200 markets. Founded in 1944, EDC is a Crown corporation that operates on commercial principles and 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