Ottawa, October 22, 2020 – Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is pleased to welcome Lethbridge College president and CEO Paula Burns as its new Board Chair.
Paula Burns brings to the position a wealth of experience. She has been President and CEO of Lethbridge College, in Alberta, for over seven years and has a deep understanding of Canada’s colleges and institutes, having served in various leadership positions across the country.
She will replace outgoing Chair Dr. Michel Tarko, President and CEO of the Justice Institute of British Columbia, who recently completed his two-year mandate.
Paula Burns will be joined by Nathalie Vallée, Director General of College Ahuntsic in Quebec, who becomes the CICan Board’s new Vice-Chair.
“I am incredibly proud to have been chosen as CICan’s new Board Chair and I look forward to working with my Board colleagues from across the country to represent the interests of colleges and institutes while helping guide our national association”, said Paul Burns. “CICan is a vibrant and growing organization that provides a strong voice for our institutions. Its role is especially important these days given the unprecedented challenges caused by COVID-19 and I am grateful to for this opportunity to lead important discussions for the future of colleges and institutes.”
“Paula Burns is a trusted and respected voice among her peers and I can’t wait to continue working with her in her new capacity as Board Chair”, added CICan President and CEO, Denise Amyot. “She takes the position at a critical junction for Canada’s post-secondary system, but I have no doubt she is up to the task. I also want to thank our outgoing Chair Michel Tarko for his invaluable work over the past two years.”
About Colleges and Institutes Canada:
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the voice of Canada’s publicly-supported colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics, and an international leader in education for employment with ongoing programs in over 25 countries. CICan’s members add over $190B to Canada’s economy each year and contribute to inclusive economic growth by working with industry and community partners to offer more than 10,000 programs to learners in urban, rural, remote, and northern communities.
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For more information:
Julien Abord-Babin
Senior Strategic Communications Officer
Colleges and Institutes Canada
Email: jabord-babin@collegesinstitutes.ca
Phone: 613-746-2222 ext. 3131
Twitter: @CollegeCan