Prime Minister Harper Announces Canadian Co-Chair of Canada-Brazil CEO Forum

August 09, 2021

São Paulo, Brazil – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the appointment of Mr. Rick Waugh as Canadian co-chair of the new Canada-Brazil CEO Forum.  The Canada-Brazil CEO Forum is a new initiative that will help Canadian and Brazilian businesses grow bilateral trade and increase investment between the two countries. 

“Our Government is committed to opening new markets for Canadian businesses to create jobs and ensure our long-term prosperity,” Prime Minister Harper said.  “As President and CEO of Scotiabank and an advocate of deeper economic ties with Canada’s partners in the Americas, Rick Waugh’s role within this new Forum will help strengthen the economic relationship between our countries.” 

Increasing and deepening trade and investment between Canada and Brazil will directly benefit Canadian workers, businesses and their families, by creating jobs and prosperity, and promoting economic growth, while also strengthening Canada’s competitive position within the global economy.  These objectives are consistent with Canada’s Engagement in the Americas strategy, which includes a focus on increasing commercial ties that contribute to creating new business opportunities and jobs.

Brazil has selected Mr. Murilo Ferreira, President and CEO of Vale S.A., as its co-chair. Mr. Ferreira brings extensive experience to the Forum as the head of one of the world’s largest mining companies.

Both co-chairs will begin the process of identifying Forum participants.

Biographical notes for Mr. Rick Waugh are attached.



Backgrounder
Rick Waugh

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the appointment of Mr. Rick Waugh as Canadian co-chair of the new Canada-Brazil CEO Forum.  The Forum was announced jointly with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff during the Prime Minister’s visit to Brasília on August 7, 2011.

Mr. Waugh is currently President and CEO of Scotiabank, a position he has held since 2003. 

He began his career with Scotiabank in 1970 as a branch employee.  Over the years, he has served in the Bank's treasury, as well as in the corporate, international and retail banking areas.  He was appointed Vice-Chairman, Corporate Banking, in 1995, and Vice-Chairman, International Banking and Wealth Management, in 1998.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Bank.  He is also a member of the Council of the Americas, and is on the Chairman’s International Advisory Council for the Americas Society.

Outside Scotiabank, Mr. Waugh is an active community leader.  He serves on a wide variety of corporate, academic and philanthropic councils and boards.  Mr. Waugh is active in several charitable organizations, including the United Way of Greater Toronto, where he was Campaign Chair in 2006, the organization’s 50th anniversary.  He has also worked extensively with the MS Society, both as Honourary Chair of the endMS Capital Campaign and as a Board member for their Scientific Research Foundation.  He is a director of St. Michael's Hospital and Co-Chair of the Hospital’s Campaign to build the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute.

Mr. Waugh holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba, a Master of Business Administration from York University, and Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from York University and Assumption University.  He is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers.  He was also awarded the Merit of Honor, Council of the Americas, for his distinguished contribution to the Americas.

Rick and his wife have three sons.