October 4, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the appointment of Gary Filmon
as a member of the Security Intelligence Review Committee (SIRC).
Mr. Filmon, formerly Premier of Manitoba, is currently with the Exchange
Group, Manitoba’s largest business consulting firm. He began his political
career in 1979. He served in a number of ministerial positions including
Consumer and Corporate Affairs and Environment. Mr. Filmon was leader of
the Opposition in Manitoba from 1983 to 1988 and later served as Premier of
Manitoba, President of the Executive Council and Minister of Federal-Provincial
Relations from 1988 to 1999.
In accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Security Intelligence
Service Act, Mr. Filmon was sworn into the Queen’s Privy Council of
Canada.
Established in 1984, SIRC provides an external review of the Canadian
Security Intelligence Service’s performance of its duties and functions. It
also examines complaints by individuals or reports by Ministers relating to
security clearances and the national security of Canada. The Committee is
required to report annually to Parliament through the Solicitor General.
This appointment is effective immediately.
A biography of Mr. Filmon is attached, as is a complete listing of SIRC
members.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
GARY ALBERT FILMON
Gary Filmon, formerly Premier of Manitoba, is currently with the Exchange
Group, Manitoba’s largest business consulting firm.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mr. Filmon studied at the University of Manitoba
where he obtained a B.Sc. (Civil Engineering) and a M.Sc.
He began his political career in 1979 when he was elected as the Member of
the Manitoba Legislative Assembly for the riding of River Heights. He was re-elected
in the Tuxedo constituency in 1981, 1986, 1988, 1990 and 1995. He has held a
number of ministerial portfolios including Consumer and Corporate Affairs and
the Environment. From 1983 to 1988, Mr. Filmon was Leader of the Opposition, and
from 1988 to 1999, he was Premier of Manitoba, President of the Executive
Council and Minister of Federal-Provincial Relations.
Prior to his political career, Mr. Filmon’s previous experience includes
President of the University of Manitoba Alumni Association; Design Engineer and
Area Manager at Underwood McLellan and Associates, and President of the Canadian
Association of Career Colleges.
He is the recipient of the Award of Merit from B’nai Brith Canada and has
received a Meritorious Award for Community Services.
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MEMBERS OF THE SECURITY INTELLIGENCE REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Hon. Paule Gauthier of Quebec City (Chair)
The Hon. Frank McKenna of Moncton
The Hon. Bob Rae of Toronto
The Hon. Raymond A. Speaker of Enchant
