An Air Canada jet taxis at Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Enfield, N.S. on March 8, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan
July 19, 2012 - 9:05 AM
MONTREAL - Air Canada (TSX:AC.A) says a senior aide to Prime Minister Stephen Harper will become the airline's vice-president for corporate strategy and government affairs, starting in September.
Derek Vanstone is currently Harper's deputy chief of staff and was previously chief of staff to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty from 2007 to 2010.
He previously practised law in Toronto with the firm Gowling Lafleur Henderson.
Air Canada says Vanstone will have responsibility for its relationships with all levels of government as well as community and industry affairs.
The appointment is scheduled to take effect Sept. 10, subject to approval from the federal commissioner overseeing conflicts of interest and ethics.
"I am pleased to announce Derek's appointment to this key corporate strategy, industry and government affairs role," said Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu said in a statement.
"His solid experience and track record in the private sector and at the highest levels of government will further strengthen the management team's ability to execute our corporate priorities."
Vanstone will fill a role currently performed by Duncan Dee, who is taking early retirement. His departure, following 15 years with the airline, was announced on June 6.
Dee has been Air Canada's chief operating officer, a position that's often seen as second-in-command to the CEO and a potential successor to whoever is the chief executive.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012