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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold">January 31, 2007 <i>(1:10 p.m. EST)</i><br>
No. 18</span></span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold">MINISTER EMERSON ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS OF EXPORT DEVELOPMENT CANADA</span></span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade, today announced the
appointment of John Rooney to the Board of Directors of Export Development Canada
(EDC).</span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">“Mr. Rooney’s experience in the finance and energy sectors makes him an ideal
candidate for the EDC Board of Directors,” said Minister Emerson. “His knowledge in
these areas will help provide Canadian exporters and investors with the insights needed
to succeed in today’s global marketplace.”</span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mr. Rooney is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Zenas Energy Corp., </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">a public oil and gas exploration company. He is also a chartered accountant and
chartered business valuator.</span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mr. Rooney has had an extensive career with oil and gas exploration companies. From
2002 to 2005, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Blizzard Energy Inc.
From 1999 to 2002, he served as Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, then as
President and Chief Executive Officer, of Equatorial Energy Inc. From 1997 to 1999, he
served as Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Calgary Louisiana Energy, and
from 1993 to 1997, as Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Tidal Resources
Inc. Prior to 1993, he held various positions with Ernst & Young. </span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Mr. Rooney, whose appointment to the EDC Board of Directors is for a three-year term,
replaces Brian Heffernan of Alberta, whose term has expired. Minister Emerson
extends his thanks to Mr. Heffernan for his years of exemplary service.</span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">EDC is Canada’s export credit agency, offering innovative commercial solutions to help
Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC’s
knowledge and partnerships are used by 7,000 Canadian companies and their global
customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is a recognized leader in
financial reporting, economic analysis and human resources management.</span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">- 30 -</span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">For further information, media representatives may contact:</span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Jennifer Chiu<br>
Press Secretary<br>
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and
the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics<br>
613-992-7332</span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Trade Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada<br>
613-996-2000<br>
</span><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221040105/http://www.international.gc.ca/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.international.gc.ca</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="color: #000000"></span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="color: #000000">Phil Taylor<br>
Export Development Canada<br>
613-598-2904</span></span></p>
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