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GreenFirst elects three new directors at first AGM

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. is pleased to announce Barbara Anie, David Chartrand, and W. Sean Willy have been elected to the GreenFirst board of directors at its annual general meeting on December 2, 2021.  Directors, Hassan Raza Baqar, Richard E Govignon, and Andrew McIntyre did not stand for re-election. Paul Rivett, Rick Doman, William G. Harvey, Michael Mitchell, Marty Proctor, and Larry G. Swets Jrwere re-elected at the meeting.

“We are honoured to welcome Barbara Anie, David Chartrand and W. Sean Willy to our board. At this exciting time for GreenFirst, their significant corporate governance expertise and business acumen will contribute to the strategic growth of the company.” said Paul Rivett, chairman. ” We would also like to express my appreciation to Hassan Raza Baqar, Richard E Govignon, and Andrew McIntyre for their valuable advice and counsel to the company.

New directors profiles

Barbara Anie is an experienced media marketer with over 17 years of expertise specializing in brand partnerships/strategic solutions and digital sales/strategy with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ryerson University. Currently, she leads the go-to-market strategies for key accounts and corporate partnerships across Torstar. Prior to Torstar her marketing media experience was sought through her employment at Bell Media and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Ms. Anie is an active volunteer with a focus on philanthropy and advocacy, this includes being on the board of directors for the “Schools of Dreams” charity (re-building schools in Ghana), West Park Foundation, and Toronto Botanical Gardens. She is a co-chair of Torstar’s Diversity & Inclusion committee’s leading the talent, acquisitions and outreach pillar. Ms. Anie is a member of ICD, Institute of Corporate Directors and resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

David Chartrand has been providing leadership and governance at the provincial, national and international levels within the Métis Nation for the past 24 years. After leaving the Department of Justice with the province of Manitoba in 1996, he was elected president of the Manitoba Métis Federation in 1997 and is the longest serving president of the MMF, devoting his career to human rights, education, child welfare, economic development, justice, and veteran’s issues. In recognition for his years’ work, he has received an honorary Doctorate in Law presented by the University of Winnipeg, the Order of Manitoba, the Sovereign Medal from Canada, and the Order of the Metis Nation from his people. Mr. Chartrand’s reputation extends beyond Canada. His knowledge and experience with economic development has resulted in many invitations as a featured speaker around the globe.

Sean Willy was appointed president and chief executive officer of Des Nedhe Group in August 2017, after a 25-year career in the resource industry. With roots in the Denesuline and Metis communities, Sean, a member of the North Slave Metis Alliance, brings an understanding of the expectations and needs of Indigenous people. In his career Sean has developed and implemented some of the most innovative Indigenous inclusion and value added CSR strategies for companies such as Rio Tinto and Cameco Corporation. He has always strived to ensure Indigenous peoples are seen as a full partner in long-term relationships. Sean is a board member for TELUS Corporation, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan. He also currently sits as a member of the Canadian government’s Indigenous Innovation Housing Committee. Sean has served as past co-chair of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

At the AGM shareholders representing approximately 43.3 per cent of the outstanding common shares voted with at least 99.8 per cent voting in favour of each nominated director and the appointment of the auditors and at least 96.4 per cent voting in favour of the adoption of a new Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, the continuance of GreenFirst into Ontario and authorizing the directors to increase the size of the board in between shareholder meetings.