September 25, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the nomination of Mr. Bill Morneau, Canada’s former finance minister, as Canada’s candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
In an increasingly complex and evolving international context, the OECD provides a unique forum for its members to discuss pressing social, economic and environmental issues. The discussions have helped member states to chart a course toward post-pandemic economic recovery, to conduct evidence-based policy analysis, to promote greener and more inclusive global growth and to support the creation of best practices and measurable international standards.
As a member-led organization, the OECD needs a leader who recognizes the importance of all member states’ views, has the capacity to build consensus and understands the intricacies of government policy-making. It needs a leader who can think strategically, innovate and engage diverse stakeholders in finding new ways to address complex, multi-faceted issues. It also needs a leader with management experience and the expertise required to support the important work of the organization.
Mr. Morneau’s experience between 2015 and 2020 as finance minister in an avowedly feminist government and his previous leadership roles in think tanks, philanthropic organizations and the private sector have given him a deep understanding of the major challenges facing the world’s economies. He has been a key decision-maker in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for inclusive growth, the effects of rapid digitization and the fight against climate change.
“The next OECD Secretary-General must have a clear vision and experience in shaping policy with a view to implementing new standards. It is critical, particularly on issues such as economic recovery, digital regulation and taxation and climate issues, that the next OECD Secretary-General is a bridge-builder, like Bill Morneau. He is the leader the OECD needs now to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“The OECD is a trusted, influential and results-oriented forum to help member states remain on the cutting edge of policy development, including the global pandemic economic response. Over the next few months, I will be meeting with representatives of all member states to discuss how to forge, together, the most modern, transparent and efficient organization possible so as to accomplish its core mandate and tackle the issues of our time.’’
- Bill Morneau
OECD member states will appoint the Secretary-General by March 1, 2021, to begin a five-year term of office on June 1, 2021.
Syrine Khoury
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