Minister Ng announces appointments to Canadian Commercial Corporation and Export Development Canada

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

March 2, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and Export Development Canada (EDC) help Canadian exporters to reach, and succeed in, highly competitive global markets. This role has become all the more important as Canadians build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic with a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery that generates growth and creates jobs.

To ensure the CCC and EDC possess the effective leadership they need to deliver on their mandates, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, today announced the appointment of Robert Kwon as President and Chief Executive Officer of the CCC, and Richard Payette as a member of EDC’s board of directors.

The appointment of Mr. Kwon, an experienced leader in Canada and internationally, underscores Canada’s continued commitment to the recovery and growth of Canadian businesses through opportunities in international trade. Throughout his 5-year term, beginning on March 8, Mr. Kwon will continue to advance the CCC’s mandate to help Canadian exporters obtain, and deliver on, government-to-government procurement contracts.    

Minister Ng thanks Ernie Briard for his important contributions as interim president and CEO of the CCC, and for leading the organization in its service to Canadian businesses, especially during the pandemic. Mr. Briard will maintain his role of Vice-President of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Payette, former president and CEO of Manulife Quebec, joins EDC’s board of directors for a term of 4 years. The board plays a pivotal role in setting the strategic direction of EDC and identifying opportunities to enhance its services to help Canadian companies expand their reach and succeed in new markets around the globe.

These appointments are made based on an open, transparent and merit-based selection process developed to attract high-quality candidates while reflecting gender parity and Canada’s diversity in Governor-in-Council appointments.

Quotes

“Canada’s economic recovery and longer-term prosperity depend on our businesses having the tools and support they need to reach new customers and investors around the world. Robert Kwon’s leadership of the CCC and Richard Payette’s valuable addition to EDC’s board of directors will provide the support our exporters need to succeed internationally. Together, we will continue to help propel our businesses and entrepreneurs forward.”

- Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade

Quick facts

  • Established in 1946, the CCC is a Crown corporation that helps Canadian exporters sell products and services to foreign government buyers.

  • As Canada’s government-to-government contracting service, the CCC worked with 157 Canadian exporters in 2019 and 2020, signing $1.25 billion in export contracts on their behalf.

  • EDC is a Crown corporation that has been Canada’s export credit agency since 1944, facilitating the international business activities of Canadian companies—both large and small—in every industry across the country.

  • Since it was founded 75 years ago, EDC has facilitated more than $1 trillion in export and investment activity.

  • EDC operates on commercial principles and is financially self-sufficient.

  • The CCC and EDC report to Parliament through the minister of small business, export promotion and international trade.

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Contacts

Youmy Han
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
343-551-0246
Youmy.Han@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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