Appointment to the Canadian Museum of Civilization Board of Trustees

GATINEAU, February 6, 2012 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced the appointment of William Leach as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

“I am delighted that Mr. Leach has accepted to serve on the Board of Trustees,” said Minister Moore. “His strong leadership, extensive experience in management, and exemplary service to his country will be of great benefit to the Board and to the Museum.”

William (Bill) Leach served more than forty years in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he held numerous leadership roles, including that of Lieutenant-General. During his successful military career, he gained significant experience in military operations, logistics, strategic planning, financial management and corporate leadership. Following his retirement from the Army in 2000, Mr. Leach worked as Vice-President for both Mincom Defence and Honeywell Canada. He retired from the private sector in 2010 to pursue volunteer interests.

Mr. Leach has served on the boards of several organizations and committees, including the Friends of the Canadian War Museum as President and Chairperson, the Defence and Security Committee of the Royal Canadian Legion as Chairman, and the Executive Committee of the Military Families Fund. He is a recipient of the Canadian Order of Military Merit (Commander) and the U.S. Legion of Merit (Commander). Mr. Leach holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Commerce from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario.

The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation operates the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum, and the Virtual Museum of New France. As part of their mandate, the museums function as centres for research and public information on the social, military, and human history of the country. Their principal role is to preserve and promote the heritage of Canada for present and future generations, thereby contributing to the enhancement of Canadian identity. For more information, visit the Corporation’s website at www.civilization.ca.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788