The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Barbara J. McDougall as Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

“Ms. McDougall has served on the Board of the IDRC since January 2007 and has an outstanding reputation for expertise in international business development and corporate governance,” said Minister Bernier. “I am certain that she will make a significant contribution to the continued success of the IDRC. I would like to thank Ms. Mary Coyle who has served as Acting Chair since August 2007.”

The IDRC is a public corporation created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions to the social, economic and environmental problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research capacity to sustain policies and technologies that developing countries need to build healthier, more equitable and more prosperous societies.

A Crown corporation, IDRC works collaboratively with many federal government departments, especially Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and the Canadian International Development Agency. Guided by a 21-member international Board of Governors, IDRC reports to Parliament through the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

For more information on the IDRC, consult its website at www.idrc.ca.