At the last Annual General Meeting of the R. Howard Webster Foundation, Chair Lucy Riddell announced the retirement of two of its outstanding members of the board, former Senator and McGill University Chancellor, Michael A. Meighen, C.M., Q.C., and long-serving member Meredith Webster. The Foundation wishes to express its most sincere gratitude for their contribution, commitment, and dedication to its mission, and philanthropy in general. It has been a true pleasure to listen to their most insightful thoughts and learn from their wisdom.
Lucy Riddell also had the pleasure of announcing the appointment of two new board members, Bernard Leblanc and Senator Scott Tannas, who each bring to the board their valuable experience and expertise as they take part in the Foundation’s mission to improve Canadian society from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
Bernard Leblanc has more than 25 years of experience as a multidisciplinary leader. He is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of La Maison Simons, headquartered in Quebec City, and the first non-family member to hold this position. Bernard also spent 15 years with BRP, including six years in Europe, and three years in Asia. Since 2021, Bernard has been serving as the President of the Board of Directors of Jeunes Musiciens du Monde, a non-profit organization that helps children and adolescents from at-risk backgrounds overcome their challenges by giving them the gift of music.
A native Albertan, Senator Scott Tannas is Founder of Western Financial Group Inc., having served as its CEO from 1996 to 2014. With over 200 offices across Canada, Scott remains active in an advisory capacity to the next generation of leaders. In his most recent project, Scott serves as the President & CEO of a fledgling organization, The Western Investment Company of Canada Limited. In addition to his business activities, Scott is active in public service. Appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2013, he serves on a number of important committees and is an active proponent of Senate reforms. Scott is also the Founder & Chairman of the Western Communities Foundation and Honorary Board Member of SOS Childrens’ Villages Canada.