Minister Frulla Announces Appointment of Guy Fournier as Chair of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada
OTTAWA, October 6, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced the appointment of Guy Fournier, of Abbotsford, Quebec, as Chair of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. The appointment was endorsed by the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage."Guy Fournier brings to CBC/Radio-Canada a vast experience as a senior manager and an in-depth knowledge of the broadcasting industry," said Minister Frulla. "CBC/Radio-Canada needs someone at the helm of its board of directors whose vision will ensure a strong and vibrant Canadian broadcasting system."
Mr. Fournier studied economics and philosophy before devoting himself to journalism for 25 years, writing a humour column in Perspectives magazine. During his career as a writer, Mr. Fournier published numerous works, including a collection of poems, two collections of humour, and children's books. He wrote scripts for more than 200 episodes of popular television series, such as Rue de l'Anse, Jamais deux sans toi, and Manon. He also wrote the narration for more than 50 films and scripts for two feature films: Souris, tu m'inquiètes and Maria Chapdelaine.
Mr. Fournier is founder of the Institut québécois du cinéma, which he headed from 1978 to 1981. From 1978 to 1979, he served as vice-chair of the Consultative Committee on the Implication of Telecommunications for Canadian Sovereignty. He was closely associated with the launch of the Télévision Quatre-Saisons network in the mid-1980s and chaired the Commission d'étude sur le cinéma et l'audiovisuel, established by the Government of Quebec.
Mr. Fournier was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in 1992 and has received numerous professional awards, including the Grand Prix of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. He was appointed as a part-time member of the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors in February of this year.
CBC/Radio-Canada is the country's largest cultural institution. It operates two national television networks, four national radio networks, specialty television services, various Internet sites, and an international shortwave radio service. It is the only cultural institution and the only broadcaster offering services to all Canadians in English and French across Canada and in eight Aboriginal languages across the North.
Information:
Jean-François Del Torchio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
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