Rick Perkins Appointed to the Board of Directors of the Business Development Bank of Canada

OTTAWA, February 21, 2008 — The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), today announced the appointment of Mr. Rick Perkins to the Board of Directors of the BDC.

"For many years, the BDC has provided support to Canadian entrepreneurs by providing financial and consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses," said Minister Prentice. "The appointment of Mr. Perkins to the Board will be an asset to the BDC as it continues to strengthen entrepreneurship in Canada."

Mr. Perkins is currently Vice-President of Marketing and Communications for the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation. He has previously held various senior positions, including Principal with Navigator Communications, Co-Founder of Genoa Management Inc., Vice-President of Corporate Communications with Newcourt Credit Group Inc., and Senior Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Mr. Perkins has extensive experience in marketing, finance, retail, communications, media and government relations.

The Business Development Bank of Canada is a financial institution wholly owned by the Government of Canada that actively supports the development and growth of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses through its complementary financial, investment and consulting solutions.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001

Denise Arab
Director, Communications
Business Development Bank of Canada
514-283-3054