News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER WELCOMES NEW CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER

February 21, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomed Canada's new Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Marc Mayrand, whose appointment was approved unanimously today by the House of Commons. This appointment is effective immediately.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to once again thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Kingsley, who served as Chief Electoral Officer for 17 years, for the commitment and professionalism he demonstrated during his tenure. The Prime Minister wished him well in his future endeavours.

Elections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency which reports directly to Parliament and is responsible for the conduct of federal elections and referendums. Under the direction of the Chief Electoral Officer, an agent of Parliament, Elections Canada ensures that all voters have access to the electoral system, maintains the National Register of Electors, enforces electoral legislation and maintains readiness to conduct electoral events. Its ongoing responsibility is to ensure that Canadians can exercise their choices in federal elections and referendums through an open and impartial process.

Biographical notes on Mr. Mayrand are attached.


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MARC MAYRAND


Marc Mayrand has been serving as Superintendent of Bankruptcy since May 1997. After joining the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy in 1982, he held a variety of positions of increasing scope and responsibility, including Deputy Superintendent, Programs, Standards and Regulatory Affairs and Deputy Superintendent, Operations. Prior to joining the federal public service and the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, Mr. Mayrand was a full-time professor at the University of Ottawa, Civil Law Section, where he taught insolvency, corporate/commercial law and public and administrative law.

Mr. Mayrand holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from the University of Ottawa and a Masters in Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 1977.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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