Today, the Government of Canada announced the appointment of six new Directors to the Board of Export Development Canada (EDC). These appointments conclude an important governance exercise and ensures that the terms of all EDC Directors are current.

“We welcome the new Board Directors who are joining us at a critical time in today’s evolving trade environment. Together, they bring the skills and expertise necessary to ensure that EDC can help grow Canada’s export trade and support Canadian businesses today and well into the future. I am also pleased to state that with these appointments, our external Board membership is gender balanced—a significant milestone that reflects EDC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Martine Irman, Chair of EDC’s Board of Directors. “We also express our gratitude to the outgoing directors for their leadership over the years, many of whom served well beyond their terms providing critical continuity and support for EDC.”

The new appointees replace several long-serving directors, including Mr. Jacques Boivin, Mr. Jeff Burghardt, Mr. Herbert M. Clarke, Mr. Vikram Khurana, Mr. Jason Stefanson, and Mr. Jeffrey Steiner.

Incoming Board of Directors

  • Mr. Pierre Boivin (Sainte-Foy, Quebec)
  • Mr. Karna Gupta (Oakville, Ontario)
  • Ms. Andrea Stairs Krishnappa (Toronto, Ontario)
  • Ms. Karen MacWilliam (Wolfville, Nova Scotia)
  • Mr. Pierre Matuszewski (Montreal, Quebec)
  • Ms. Kari Yuers (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Re-Appointed Board of Directors  

  • Ms. Heather J. Culbert, Vice-Chair (Calgary, Alberta)
  • Mr. Lindsay Gordon (Vancouver, British Columbia)
  • Mr. Elliot Lifson (Montreal, Quebec)
  • Mr. Robert S. McLeese (Toronto, Ontario)
  • Ms. Darlene Thibault (Laval, Quebec))

2018 Legislative Review

Today, the Government of Canada also launched the 2018 Legislative Review of the Export Development Act. The Act requires that the Minister of International Trade undertake a legislative review of EDC every 10 years to examine different aspects of the role, functions and governance of EDC. The review will also assess the types of services EDC provides to Canadian exporters to ensure it has the ability to meet evolving business needs in a changing global context.

“The review comes at an important moment for Canada and for our customers. EDC’s services have never been in higher demand as exporters face a global marketplace that is being transformed with new complexity, risks and opportunities. EDC looks forward to engaging in the review, which will inform how we can effectively carry out our mandate to help Canadian businesses access new markets and go, grow, and succeed internationally,” said Benoit Daignault, EDC’s President and CEO.

About EDC

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians.

For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca.