Michel Kelly-Gagnon resumes leadership of the MEI

Montreal, November 12, 2008 – Hélène Desmarais, chairman of the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI), is very pleased to announce the appointment of Michel Kelly-Gagnon as president of the MEI. After heading the Institute at a time of major development from 1999 to 2006, Mr. Kelly-Gagnon has been entrusted with the mission of taking up the reins again and increasing the MEI’s involvement in relevant areas of public policy on the federal stage. For the last three years, he has headed the Conseil du Patronat du Québec, the province’s most important business organization.

“Michel Kelly-Gagnon is a dynamic and enthusiastic leader with a solid understanding of the issues underlying economic growth in Quebec and across Canada,” said Ms. Desmarais. “At a time when the public is feeling the shock of the financial crisis and with a worldwide slowdown looming, Mr. Kelly-Gagnon’s experience as head of the Institute, added to that of main spokesman for Quebec businesses, was a decisive factor in favour of his candidacy. His extensive network of contacts will be major asset for the MEI as it moves on to a new stage in its development. I join all members of the MEI’s Board in welcoming him back with us and ensuring him of our full support in meeting this new challenge.”

“It is with great enthusiasm that I accept the presidency of the MEI to strengthen an orientation based on making economic research accessible to the general public and on promoting a free market approach open to various tendencies,” Mr. Kelly-Gagnon commented. “While I very much enjoyed my work representing Quebec’s businesses, I nevertheless came to miss the freedom of action and speech provided by a think tank.”

A number of observers have noted the growing influence of the ideas raised by the various authors associated with the MEI. Mr. Kelly-Gagnon will now have a mandate to broaden the Institute’s scope to encompass all of Canada. “This new perspective suits me very well,” Mr. Kelly-Gagnon added. “I want to bring the MEI to participate in cross-Canada issues.”

Mr. Kelly-Gagnon will start on February 9, 2009. Until then, Marcel Boyer, vice president and chief economist, will continue as acting president.

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The Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit research and educational organization. Through studies and conferences, the MEI informs public debates in Quebec and Canada by suggesting wealth-generating reforms based on market mechanisms.

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Information and interview requests: André Valiquette, Director of Communications, Montreal Economic Institute, Tel.: (514) 273-0969 ext. 2225 / Cell: (514) 574-0969 / Email: avaliquette (@iedm.org)