Canada’s leadership in international plant protection receives recognition with the election of Marie-Claude Forest, a leading expert on international phytosanitary standards at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, to the Bureau of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM).
The CPM is the governing body of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). The seven-member Bureau provides guidance to the CPM on the strategic direction, financial and operational management of its activities.
Darlene Blair, Canada’s chief plant health officer and the national representative at the IPPC, said Forest’s Bureau nomination is an important one for Canada.
“Ms. Forest’s nomination strengthens Canada’s contributions to the IPPC and reflects the leadership role that Canada continues to play on key issues. I offer my congratulations to Forest. I know that the Bureau and the IPPC will benefit from the expertise she will bring.”
Through the cooperation of its member nations, the IPPC supports the protection of the world’s plant resources from plant pests, and facilitates the safe international trade of $1.1 trillion worth of plants and plant products.
As the chair of the CPM Finance Committee, Forest will focus on the financial administration of the IPPC, directing resources toward important international initiatives.
