Gilles Lapointe Appointed to Board of Governors of
Farm Credit Canada
News Release
Gilles Lapointe and the FCC
February 28, 2008
BDO Dunwoody LLP is pleased to announce that Gilles Lapointe, a partner in the Embrun office, has been appointed to the board of governors of Farm Credit Canada, the nation’s largest supplier of financial services to farms and other agriculture business ventures. Gilles’ appointment further demonstrates the respect that leaders in the farming business community have for BDO and overall understanding and knowledge we have within the field.
Though appointments such as this, and our other initiatives within the agriculture community, BDO will continue to show that we have the knowledge, commitment and necessary involvement to serve the needs of our clients to the fullest.
The full press release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada can be found at their website, or below:
MINISTER RITZ ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO FARM CREDIT CANADA
OTTAWA, Ontario, February 4, 2008 - The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced the appointments of Caroline Belzile and Gilles Lapointe to the board of directors of Farm Credit Canada (FCC).
"I am pleased to announce the appointments of Ms. Belzile and Mr. Lapointe to the FCC board," said Minister Ritz. "In addition to her experience in farming, Ms. Belzile brings to the position a strong farm financial background and proven abilities in serving producers. Mr. Lapointe's considerable experience in accounting and financial management services, especially to farm clientele, will be an enormous asset to the work of the board."
Serving Canadian agriculture since 1959, FCC is Canada's largest provider of business and financial services to farms and agri-business. Operating out of 100 offices throughout mostly rural Canada, FCC employees continue to provide customized financial and business solutions to meet the needs of the sector and ensure its prosperity. FCC's commitment to excellence as well as outstanding leadership have earned this organization a position as one of Canada's top ten places to work.
Ms. Belzile's appointment is for a three-year term and is effective immediately. Mr. Lapointe's three-year term will be effective on March 11, 2008. Biographical notes for the appointees are attached.
To learn more about FCC, please visit www.fcc-fac.ca.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-759-7972
1-866-345-7972
Todd MacKay
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-759-1059
Biographical Notes
Caroline Belzile
Caroline Belzile lives in Saint-Elzéar, Québec, where she has been co-owner of a beef, hog and grain farm and sugar bush since 2002, and has been responsible for the enterprise's accounting for many years. The farm has received several honours, including the Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec's "Environnement et bon voisinage" award in 2006 and the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail's "Prix innovation en santé et securité du travail" also in 2006. As well, Ms. Belzile was named "Agricultrice de passion" at the Saturne gala of the Fédération des Agricultrices du Québec in 2005. From 1989 to 2002, Ms. Belzile was an insurance advisor for the Régie des assurances du Québec, advising local beef, grain, hog and sheep farmers in the region of Rimouski and the Beauce. In addition, from 1990 to 1991, she worked for the Syndicat de gestion de La Pocatière as an accounting technician for farmers.
Gilles Lapointe
A resident of Casselman, Ontario, Gilles Lapointe has been a Certified General Accountant since 1984 and a Certified Financial Planner since 1999. He has worked for BDO Dunwoody LLP, an accounting services and advisory firm since 1977, and is currently an associate in the Embrun, Ontario office. Mr. Lapointe has served a wide range of clients such as farming businesses, co-operatives, Caisses Populaires and small to medium-size enterprises. His services for farm clients include advising them on the purchase and sale of their farms, incorporation of their farms, planning the transfer of their farms to the next generation, assisting with government programs and providing financial statements and tax service.
About BDO Dunwoody LLP
BDO Dunwoody LLP
Chartered Accountants and Advisors
www.bdo.ca
BDO Dunwoody LLP is an entrepreneurially-spirited accounting and advisory firm. As Canada’s dominant firm serving mid-sized businesses with more than 95 offices nationwide, BDO has the size and strength to present clients with a full range of comprehensive professional services. Through BDO International, which has more than 20,000 professionals in over 100 countries, the firm’s support extends around the globe.
