Canadian Museum of History Welcomes Chair and Vice-Chair to Its Board of Trustees

December 21, 2017

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Gatineau, Quebec, December 21, 2017 — The Canadian Museum of History is thrilled to have its Chair confirmed and to welcome a new Vice-Chair to its Board of Trustees. These appointments were announced by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, following a rigorous selection process.

Dr. James Fleck, C.C., has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Trustees for a two-year term. Dr. Fleck was first appointed to the Board as Vice-Chair in 2012 and became Interim Chair in 2015.

Dr. Fleck is a leader in the world of the arts, business and philanthropy in Canada. He is Chairman of the Council for Business and the Arts in Canada, and founding President of the Power Plant, Contemporary Art at Harbourfront. He has also served as Director, Treasurer and Vice-President of the National Ballet of Canada, and Chair of the Board and President of the Art Gallery of Ontario. Dr. Fleck’s many honours include Companion of the Order of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts.

Mr. Dean Brinton has been appointed as Vice-Chair of the Board for a term of three years. Mr. Brinton has a long history of dedicated service to the arts in Canada. He is the Chief Executive Officer of The Rooms Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador. Previously, he was Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, and the Foundation for Heritage and the Arts in Nova Scotia. He is also a current member of the Board of Directors of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

“We welcome these important appointments, said Mark O’Neill, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History. “As Interim Chair, Dr. Fleck’s indefatigable support and leadership have been instrumental to the success of the Corporation over the past several years. Dean Brinton has been an important partner to our Museums, and his contributions to the arts and culture in Canada will be a tremendous asset to our Board. We look forward to the leadership and wealth of experience that Jim and Dean will bring to our institution as we embark on this new chapter.”

The Museum’s 11-member Board oversees the operation of the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum, Canada’s national museums of human and military history. The appointments of Chair and Vice-Chair are effective immediately.

The Canadian Museum of History operates the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum and the Virtual Museum of New France. Together, these Museums function as centres for research and public information on the history of Canada. Their principal role is to enhance Canadians’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the events, experiences, people and objects that have shaped Canada’s history and identity. Work of the Canadian Museum of History is made possible in part through financial support of the Government of Canada.

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 Media contacts:

Patricia Lynch
Director, Corporate Affairs
Telephone: 819-776-7167
patricia.lynch@historymuseum.ca