Press Release

Halifax, Nova Scotia — The Arctic Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) today announced the appointment of Catherine Blewett as Chair of the Board.

 

Ms. Blewett, already a Senior Advisor in the organisation, brings extensive economic development, governance and northern experience.  Born and raised in the Northwest Territories, she will guide AEDC’s board as the company continues to advance major Arctic and Northern infrastructure and economic initiatives.

 

She succeeds John Risley, whose vision was instrumental in the founding of AEDC and in establishing its mission to advance strategic economic development across Canada’s Arctic and Northern regions. Mr. Risley’s contribution with AEDC had been in a personal capacity vs through any of his venture companies.

 

“Catherine’s leadership and experience make her exceptionally well-suited to help guide AEDC through its next phase of growth,” said Michael McNair, President and CEO of AEDC. “We are deeply grateful to John Risley for his foundational role in creating AEDC and as the business icon and passionate Canadian that he is, continuing to be an external booster of our work.”

 

Ms. Blewett said, “I am pleased to lead AEDC’s board at such an important time. The organization has a compelling mandate and significant opportunities ahead in supporting indigenous partnerships, economic development, and Arctic sovereignty across Inuit Nunangat.”

 

AEDC continues to work with partners across Indigenous communities, industry, and governments to unlock long-term economic opportunity in the Arctic, including as the junior development partner in the Qikiqtarjuaq Deep Sea Port Project.  

 

Bio – Catherine Blewett

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Raised in Inuvik and Yellowknife NWT, Catherine Blewett is one of Canada’s most distinguished public impact executives. Ms. Blewett served in senior positions including Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and Associate Secretary to the Federal Cabinet, Secretary of the Treasury Board, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development at ISED, concurrent with the role of the President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Ms. Blewett was also Clerk of the Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet in Nova Scotia.   

 

As a proud northerner, Ms. Blewett recognized the gap in northern service and led the creation of the Arctic Region for DFO and the Canadian Coast Guard. Economic growth in northern and Atlantic Canada have been important priorities throughout her career.

 

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Dalhousie University.

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For more information contact info@arcticedc.ca.