Federal environment minister John Baird announced today the appointment of Francine Dorion and Richard Prokopanko to the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE). Their appointments are effective immediately.

“The knowledge and expertise of each of these new members will contribute greatly to the work of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy,” said Baird, in a release.

NRTEE is dedicated to exploring new opportunities to integrate environmental conservation and economic development in order to sustain Canada’s prosperity and secure its future.

NRTEE was created in October 1988 by then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and its independent role and mandate were enshrined in the National Round Table on the Environment and Economy Act. Its members are drawn from distinguished leaders in business and labour, universities, environmental organizations, Aboriginal communities and municipalities.

Richard Prokopanko has over 20 years of experience in natural resource management and public engagement. Most recently, he has served as director of corporate affairs for Alcan (BC) since 1997.

Prokopanko received the Natural Resources Canada Departmental Merit Award for his work on Canada’s first report on ‘Criteria and Indicators for the Sustainable Development of Canada’s Forests.’ He is also a recipient of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal for outstanding community service.

Prokopanko holds a B.Sc. in Forestry from University of British Columbia (1982) and a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Manitoba (1978).

Francine Dorion has progressed steadily in seniority throughout her 26-year career with Abitibi-Consolidated. Since October 2003, she has served as vp of environment and technology (formerly vp of environment and sustainable development).

She is currently the Chairwoman of the Canadian National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, and Chairwoman of the Market Acceptance Committee of the Forest Products Association of Canada.

Dorion holds a M.Sc. in Project Management from Université du Quebec à Chicoutimi (1992) and a B.Sc.A. in Forest Engineering from Université Laval (1980).