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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">February 17, 2005 <i>(3:00 p.m. EST)</i><br>
No. 32</span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">MINISTER PETERSON PROPOSES EDC APPOINTMENT</span></span></p>
<br>
<p>International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today proposed the appointment of
Robert A. Wright as President and Chief Executive Officer of Export Development
Canada (EDC). The proposed appointment will be referred to the Standing Committee
on Foreign Affairs and International Trade for review.</p>
<br>
<p>“Mr. Wright’s considerable experience in prominent roles with the Privy Council Office
and other government departments will be a tremendous asset to EDC as it continues
to provide important financial services to Canadian exporters and investors in markets
throughout the world,” said Minister Peterson. “I am confident that he will also provide
the leadership needed to ensure that EDC continues to provide its clients with the
innovative financing and insurance products needed to compete in today’s international
marketplace.”</p>
<br>
<p>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. In his
career of 30 years in the Public Service, he has occupied key positions in the
Government of Canada.</p>
<br>
<p>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.</p>
<br>
<p>Minister Peterson also took the opportunity to thank Acting EDC President Gilles Ross
for his contribution.</p>
<br>
<p>EDC is a Canadian financial institution devoted exclusively to providing trade finance
services to support Canadian exporters and investors in some 200 markets, 130 of
which are in developing economies.</p>
<br>
<p>EDC reports to Parliament through the Minister of International Trade.</p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<br>
<p>Jacqueline LaRocque<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of International Trade<br>
(613) 992-7332</p>
<br>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
International Trade Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221013559/http://www.international.gc.ca/"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.international.gc.ca</span></span></a><span style="color: #000000"></span></p>
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