News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER NOMINATES NEXT INFORMATION COMMISSIONER

December 5, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is pleased to announce the nomination of Mr. Robert Marleau as the new Information Commissioner.

A former Clerk of the House of Commons, Robert Marleau is a well-known and respected parliamentary figure, having served the House of Commons and its members with loyalty and distinction for over 31 years. Mr. Marleau joined the House of Commons in 1970 and, over the years, held positions of increasing scope and responsibility. In 1987, he was appointed Clerk of the House of Commons and served in that capacity for over 13 years. From July to November 2003, he took on the responsibilities of Interim Privacy Commissioner to begin a process of institutional renewal to help rebuild the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

“A man of extraordinary professionalism, integrity and demonstrated leadership, Robert Marleau is well-suited to take on this important role,” said the Prime Minister. “Mr. Marleau has dedicated his career to public service, and I am pleased that he has agreed to be nominated for this position and to, once again, share his knowledge and expertise serving the public,” added the Prime Minister.

The Office of the Information Commissioner was created in 1983 under the Access to Information Act – Canada’s freedom of information legislation. An agent of Parliament, the Information Commissioner oversees the implementation of the Access to Information Act by government institutions. The Information Commissioner investigates complaints from individuals who believe they have been denied rights under the Act. The Information Commissioner is also responsible for mediating between dissatisfied applicants and government institutions.

The Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, will table, pursuant to Standing Order 111.1, this proposed appointment in the House of Commons for referral to the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. The Standing Committee will have 30 days to examine the proposed candidacy and report back to the House of Commons, at which time the House will be called upon to vote on the appointment. A motion will also be tabled in the Senate to seek approval of the proposed appointment.

Biographical notes attached.

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ROBERT MARLEAU, B.A., D.U.

Robert Marleau served Parliament and the members of the House of Commons for 31 years, 13 of which were spent as Clerk of the House of Commons. Mr. Marleau left a rich legacy of achievement, including the guide book, House of Commons Procedure and Practice, which he co-authored with then Deputy Clerk Camille Montpetit. During his parliamentary career, Mr. Marleau held several senior positions as an advisor to seven Speakers and to Members and Senators for nine Parliaments. A franco-Ontarian, Mr. Marleau is a graduate of the University of Ottawa, where he earned a B.A. in French Literature.

He joined the House of Commons in 1970 as a Committee Clerk and went on to hold such positions as Clerk Assistant of the House of Commons and Deputy Secretary General of Parliamentary Relations. In July 1987, he was appointed Clerk of the House of Commons, and served in that capacity until July 2000. From July 2000 until his retirement at the end of January 2001, he served as Senior Advisor to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

On his retirement, the House of Commons made Mr. Marleau an Honorary Officer of the House by unanimous resolution. Following his retirement from the House of Commons, Mr. Marleau was Principal of RDM Consulting, a parliamentary consulting practice with work in Canada, Africa and the Caribbean. From July 2, 2003 until November 30, 2003, he was appointed to serve as Interim Privacy Commissioner. Mr. Marleau is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate degree from the University of Ottawa, his alma mater. He is a member of the Commonwealth Society of Clerks at the Table, the Association of Canadian Clerks at the Table, and the Canada/USA Association of Clerks and Legislative Secretaries.

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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