Dr. Arthur T. Porter sworn into the Privy Council

Yesterday afternoon, at a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, appointed Dr. Arthur T. Porter, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the McGill University Health Centre, a Councillor of the Privy Council for Canada.

Privy Councillors provide aid and counsel to the Government of Canada on national and international matters such as legislation, government policy or other areas of concern to the country.

Dr. Porter has an extensive international background, which includes business, medical practice and academic leadership positions in Canada, Europe, Africa and the United States. He has served as a consultant to the World Health Organization, and has worked to establish a variety of international healthcare programmes. He also serves on a number of corporate boards, including Air Canada.

Later the same day, the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, appointed the Honourable Dr. Porter to the five-member Security Intelligence Review Committee (SIRC). The SIRC examines and evaluates reports relating to the national security of Canada.