Vanstone picked for AC government affairs post

Air Canada has appointed Derek Vanstone as vice-president, Corporate Strategy, Industry and Government Affairs, effective Sept. 10. Vanstone, currently Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, was Chief of Staff to the federal Minister of Finance from 2007 to 2010. He previously practiced law in Toronto with Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. In addition to his role in helping shape corporate strategy and direction, Vanstone will have overall responsibility for federal, provincial, municipal and community relations as well as industry affairs. This appointment is subject to the approval of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, which has been provided. Vanstone will report directly to Calin Rovinescu, president and chief executive officer. Vanstone will assume the strategy, government and industry affairs portfolio held by Duncan Dee, executive vice-president and chief operating officer, who is taking early retirement. An announcement on a successor for the chief operating officer role will be made in the near future.