Here is the formal announcement:

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Ottawa, April 17, 1997


I am very pleased to share with you the news that the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, announced this morning the
appointment of Maureen O'Neil to the Presidency of IDRC effective
immediately.

Ms. O'Neil was the unanimous choice of the Board of Governors. Ms. O'Neil
is currently Chair of the International Centre for Human Rights and
Democratic Development and served until recently as interim President for
the organization. A graduate in sociology from Carleton University Ms
O'Neil has spent a good part of her professional life in the areas of
public policy, research, policy analysis, and development. Her appointment
is a clear recognition by the Government of Canada of the important
contribution that is expected from the Centre for the implementation of a
Canadian development policy where knowledge is a key instrument. From 1989
to 1995, she served as President of the North South Institute, Deputy
Minister of the Ministry of Citizenship of Ontario from 1987 to 1989,
Secretary General of the Canadian Human Rights Commission from 1986 to
1987, and coordinator of the Status of Women Canada from 1978 to 1986.
>From 1993 to 1995, she also served as Chair of the Board of Governors of
Carleton University.

Ms. O'Neil will be taking up her responsibilities at IDRC very soon. Her
mandate, as indicated by the Government, will be for three years and is
part of a new approach by Government to such nominations.

On behalf of the Board and on your behalf, I congratulate Maureen O'Neil
on her appointment. I welcome her to an organization that, thanks to your
efforts, has made major progress towards putting in place a revamped
program and a streamlined mode of operations. I thank Governor Jon Grant
and the Search Committee team for their work during the last few months
and I thank Ray Audet for his role as Acting President.


Flora MacDonald
Chairperson of the Board

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