An Open Letter from the President and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation

August 25, 2003

I am writing to you today following the June 2003 meeting of the Board of Directors of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. It is customary since first joining the CFI in 1998, that at the June meeting of the Board we review my annual contract with the CFI. This year I informed the Board that I would only seek a nine month renewal ending my contract as President and CEO effective March 31, 2004.

You will understand when I tell you that my years with the CFI have been exhilarating, to say the least. My decision to step down has been a very difficult one as I believe that the CFI, along with other agencies, has given a wonderful opportunity to institutions in Canada to re-enter the global competition. I leave knowing that the CFI will continue to be an agent of transformation in the years ahead.

With your participation, the CFI will continue to be an organization that reflects and supports the research priorities of Canada’s research institutions.

Sincerely,

David W. Strangway