VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 30, 2015) - The Board of Directors of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada welcomes the new Chair of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, the Honourable David L. Emerson. Mr. Emerson will be assuming the role of Chair effective July 1, 2015, replacing outgoing Chair, John H. McArthur, who served since 2006.
Mr. Emerson, P.C., O.B.C., is a corporate director, public policy and business advisor with many years of leadership experience in both the private and public sectors. His public sector accomplishments have been substantial at both the federal and provincial levels.
A Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2008, Mr. Emerson has held senior positions with the Government of Canada, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of International Trade with responsibility for the Asia Pacific Gateway initiative and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and Minister of Industry.
In British Columbia, Mr. Emerson also served as Deputy Minister of Finance, Secretary to Treasury Board, Deputy Minister to the Premier, and Secretary to Cabinet.
Mr. Emerson has also held substantive leadership roles in the private sector, including President and CEO of Canfor Corporation, President and CEO of the Vancouver International Airport Authority, and Chairman and CEO of Canadian Western Bank. He is currently Board Chair of Maple Leaf Foods and TimberWest Forest Corporation, and serves on numerous boards and advisory committees.
"David Emerson has served with distinction at the federal and provincial levels and brings many years of leadership to his new role as Chair of our Board," said APF Canada President and CEO Stewart Beck. "His outstanding experience in the public and private sectors, combined with his background in finance, industry and foreign relations will add tremendous value to our Board of Directors and our organization as a whole as we work to enhance Canada's engagement with Asia."
About the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada:
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is a not-for-profit organization focused on Canada's relations with Asia. Our mission is to be Canada's catalyst for engagement with Asia and Asia's bridge to Canada.
A leader in research and analysis on Canada-Asia relations for over 30 years, APF Canada partners with government, business leaders, academics, and opinion makers in Canada and across the Asia Pacific region to offer clear, specific, and actionable policy advice.
Established by an Act of Parliament in 1984, APF Canada's thematic priorities include: promoting trade, investment, and innovation; mobilizing energy assets; building skills and competencies; and, understanding Asia now.
Visit APF Canada at www.asiapacific.ca
Contact Information:
Michael Roberts
Communications Manager
Office: 604-630-1527
michael.roberts@asiapacific.ca
www.asiapacific.ca