The CFI welcomes Dr. William C. Leggett as new Chair

OTTAWA, December 7, 2006 — The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and its Board of Directors are very pleased to welcome the appointment of Dr. William C. Leggett as their new Chair of the Board, effective February 5, 2007. Dr. Leggett succeeds Dr. John Evans, who served with distinction as the founding Chair of the CFI from 1997 to 2006.

“Dr. Leggett brings with him an impressive track record as both a scientific researcher and academic leader,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. “He is widely recognized for his strong leadership, his commitment to excellence, and his tremendous contribution to the advancement of Canadian academia and research.”

Prior to being named CFI Chair, Dr. Leggett served as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen's University from 1994 to 2004, where he was also a Professor of Biology—only the second scientist to hold the Queen’s University Principalship. Dr. Leggett grew up in Orangeville, Ontario. He received his B.A. from Waterloo University College (now Wilfrid Laurier University) in 1962. He went on to study zoology at the University of Waterloo, where he obtained his M.Sc. in 1965, and then McGill University, where he received his Ph.D. in 1969. Leggett had a long and successful career at McGill University, where he became an Assistant Professor in 1970, a full Professor in 1979, first Chair of the Biology Department in 1981, Dean of Science in 1986, and Vice-Principal of Academics in 1991.

Dr. Leggett's work, both in biological science and as a leader in Canadian academia, has garnered numerous national and international awards, including membership in the Order of Canada, honorary degrees from several Canadian universities, Fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada, the Fry Medal awarded by the Canadian Society of Zoologists, the Award of Excellence in Fisheries Education, and both the Oscar E. Sette Award and Award of Excellence presented by the American Fisheries Society.

“The CFI would also like to thank Dr. John Evans for his visionary contribution over the past nine years,” added Dr. Phillipson. “His expert guidance helped transform Canada’s research environment into one that is vibrant, collaborative and focused on global leadership.”

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.

For more information:

Angus McKinnon
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Tel.: 613-996-3160
Cell.: 613-447-1723
angus.mckinnon@innovation.ca