No. H 077/07
For release - May 3, 2007
Photo(s)

Appointments to National Capital Commission

OTTAWA — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the appointments of Mr. Russell A. Mills, as chair of the 15-member board of directors of the National Capital Commission (NCC) for a term of five years; and Mr. Jason Sordi, as a member of the board of directors of the NCC for a term of three years.

"I am pleased to announce that Mr. Mills has agreed to become chair of the NCC. This will ensure consistency in the leadership of the Commission while the long-term mandate of the NCC is being defined," said Minister Cannon. "I am also pleased to welcome Mr. Sordi to the NCC's board of directors. His experience in community and public relations will be a significant asset to the board."

Mr. Mills, of St. Thomas, Ontario, holds a bachelor's degree in general arts and a master's degree in sociology from the University of Western Ontario, as well as an honorary doctor of laws degree from Carleton University for services to the community and the newspaper industry. He was also Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 2002-03. He began his career as a reporter with the London Free Press and the Oshawa Times, where he later became city editor. He then joined the Ottawa Citizen as copy editor where he held increasingly senior positions, becoming publisher of the newspaper 15 years later. Mr. Mills became president of the Southam Newspaper Group in 1989 and returned to the Ottawa Citizen as publisher in 1992. He is currently executive dean of the Faculty of Arts, Media and Design at Algonquin College in Ottawa. Mr. Mills is also chair of the board of Opera Lyra Ottawa, vice-chair of the Ottawa Health Research Institute, chief judge of the Michener Award for public service journalism and serves on the boards of the Ottawa Symphony, the Canadian Battlefields Foundation, ABC Canada and the International Press Institute.

Mr. Sordi, of Richmond Hill, Ontario, holds a bachelor of arts with honors in political science, with a minor in French, from the University of Toronto. Since 2003, he has been senior account manager, commercial financial services, for RBC Financial Group. He has also worked as an event planner, regional project manager and representative for the Canadian Unity Council. Mr. Sordi is a board member, advocate and fundraiser on behalf of several community organizations, including the Columbus Centre of Toronto, the National Congress of Italian Canadians - Toronto District, the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association of Toronto, and the Vitanova Foundation.

On August 2, 2006, Minister Cannon created the NCC mandate review panel to assess the continuing relevance of the mandate, mission and activities of the NCC. The panel submitted its report to the Minister in December 2006, and has made recommendations that are complex, affecting not only the NCC, but also other federal government entities and local communities. Legislative changes such as amendments to the National Capital Act would be necessary to implement several of these recommendations if approved by the federal government.

"Mr. Mills' leadership as chair will be key while the Government of Canada takes the necessary time to consider the recommendations very seriously, and provide a timely and thoughtful response to the report," added Minister Cannon. "Now that the chair has been announced, the process to find a chief executive officer can begin."

"This is great news for the future of the National Capital Region," said the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment. "Mr. Mills' vast experience and track-record will contribute to enrich the development of Canada's capital."

In accordance with the Federal Accountability Act, responsibility for the chief executive officer (CEO) and chair of the board duties was split into two separate postions, with the chair as a part-time position. Micheline Dubé was appointed full-time CEO on April 4, 2007, until a new CEO is appointed.

The NCC is a Crown corporation that was created by Parliament in 1958 as the steward of federal lands and buildings in the National Capital Region. The NCC mandate is to prepare plans for the development, conservation and improvement of the National Capital Region to reflect its national significance as the seat of the Government of Canada and to organize, sponsor and promote public activities and events in the National Capital Region to enrich the cultural and social fabric of Canada.

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