|
Ambassador named in support of Calgary's candidacy to host EXPO 2005
August 27, 1996
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the appointment
of Mr. J. Edward G. Gibson as Canadian Ambassador in support of
Calgary's candidacy for the 2005 World Exposition.
"We know the competition will be tough for Canada. But the
City of Calgary has gained a world reputation as a result of its
superb organization of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and it has a
strong proposal that will be greatly helped by Mr. Gibson's competence
and international experience," Mr. Chrétien said.
A career diplomat, Ambassador Gibson joined the Trade Commissioner
Service in 1962 and served in Mexico, Canberra, Islamabad, Caracas
and The Hague. From 1983 to 1987, he was Canadian Ambassador to
Colombia and since 1992, Canadian Consul General in Dallas, Texas.
Ambassador Gibson will lead the campaign to win the support of
the 48 member countries of the Bureau International des Expositions
(BIE), culminating in a vote by the BIE General Assembly in June
1997.
The Prime Minister also announced that Mr. Ken Read, a former
championship downhill skier, will take on responsibilities for
promoting Calgary's candidacy for the 2005 World Exposition. "Ken
Read is a symbol of Canadian excellence and achievement. And he
is a Calgarian who will provide valuable assistance in raising
Canadian public awareness of and support for Calgary's candidacy,"
said Mr. Chrétien.
Canada's proposed theme for this exposition, to be held from May
to October 2005, is The Land: Our Common Ground.
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
Biographical note on Ambassador Gibson attached.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Mr. J. Edward G. Gibson (BA, University of Western Ontario, 1958;
post-secondary studies at the London School of Economics, 1960-62),
born in Hamilton and raised in London, Ontario, joined the Trade
Commissioner Service in 1962 and served in Mexico City, Canberra,
Islamabad, Caracas and The Hague. From 1983 to 1987, he was Ambassador
of Canada in Colombia and since 1992, Canadian Consul General
in Dallas, Texas. In Ottawa, he was Director General, Europe,
in the former department of Industry, Trade and Commerce from
1979 to 1982. Following the reorganization of the departments
he held a number of positions in what is now the Department of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade, including Assistant Under
Secretary of State responsible for European trade development
and several Director Generalships in the International Business
Development Branch. He is married to Jayne E. MacGregor and they
have three children.
|
