Minister Joly Announces New Appointments at the Canada Council for the Arts, National Capital Commission and Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board
New members will help promote excellence in Canadian culture and heritage
GATINEAU, June 22, 2018 /CNW/ - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced the appointment of four new part-time members to the boards of directors of the Canada Council for the Arts, National Capital Commission and Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board.
Canada Council for the Arts
- Karl Schwonik, four-year term effective immediately
Mr. Schwonik, a drum artist, is in demand internationally and has performed in venues ranging from country barns to Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. He has completed over 30 international tours and released 4 award-winning recordings. He has taught students of all ages at well over 200 educational institutions. Mr. Schwonik is currently serving as the Associate Dean in the Division of Arts, Education and Business at Medicine Hat College in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
- Kim Spencer-Nairn, four-year term effective October 30, 2018
Ms. Spencer-Nairn, a professional dancer, is an experienced board member and a chartered professional accountant with expertise in non-profit arts management. She has worked with Ernst and Young, KPMG, Sony and BMG. She is the founder, Board Chair and Executive Director of the Capture Photography Festival in Vancouver. Ms. Spencer-Nairn is very engaged in the arts community in Vancouver and British Columbia as a dancer, patron of the arts and art collector.
National Capital Commission of Canada
- Deborah Lynn Morrison, four-year term effective June 25, 2018
Ms. Morrison, is President and CEO of Experiences Canada and an accomplished leader in the Canadian cultural sector with over 20 years of experience. She has held leadership roles at Canada's National History Society and the Historica Foundation of Canada. Ms. Morrison has served on many boards, including the National Alliance for Children and Youth, and has been a campaign volunteer for Centraide/United Way since 1993.
Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board
- Dana Soonias, three-year term effective immediately
Mr. Soonias, CEO of Wanuskewin Heritage Park and a certified Aboriginal financial manager from the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association Canada, has held senior positions with financial institutions and government with lead roles in finance and business development. Mr. Soonias has extensive board experience, including serving as Director of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, the First Nations Financial Management Board and Tourism Saskatchewan.
These appointments were made through the Government of Canada's open, transparent and merit-based selection processes.
The Canada Council for the Arts and the National Capital Commission are independent organizations within the Canadian Heritage portfolio.
The Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board, established in 1977 by the Cultural Property Export and Import Act, determines whether cultural property is of outstanding significance and national importance with a view to protecting and preserving Canada's artistic, historic, and scientific heritage and making it accessible to the public.
Quotes
"The new appointments to the Canada Council for the Arts, the National Capital Commission and the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board will help oversee the activities of these three diverse organizations. I am confident that with their vast knowledge and experience, these highly qualified individuals will support the strategic vision and promotion of Canada's culture and heritage."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Quick Facts
The Canada Council for the Arts is governed by an 11-member board. It consists of a chair, vice-chair and nine other members from across Canada. Along with the Director/Chief Executive Officer, they are appointed by the Governor in Council.
The National Capital Commission Board of Directors is composed of a chair and a chief executive officer appointed by the Governor in Council, as well as 13 other members appointed by the Minister of Canadian Heritage with the approval of the Governor in Council.
The Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board consists of a chairperson and up to 9 other members appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
In 2016, the Government of Canada adopted a new approach to Governor in Council appointments. This approach respects gender parity and is supported by an open, transparent and merit-based selection process: one that will result in the recommendation of exceptionally competent candidates who truly reflect Canada's diversity.
This new approach requires a selection process for the majority of full- and part-time positions.
All appointment opportunities for the 18 organizations in the Canadian Heritage Portfolio are posted as they become available on the Governor in Council Appointments website. Interested parties can apply online.
Associated Links
Canada Council for the Arts
National Capital Canada
Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
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