The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) takes great pride in announcing the following four Canadian business leaders as recipients of the 2009 ICD Fellowship Awards: Douglas D. Baldwin, B.Sc, LL.D, Chairman, Talisman Energy Inc. (Calgary, AB); Robert Després, OC, GOQ, M.Sc, FCMA, Chairman Cominar (Quebec, QC); Dallas J. Howe, MA, Chair, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (Saskatoon, SK); and Eileen Mercier, MA, MBA, Board Chair, Ontario Teacher's Pension Plan (Toronto, ON).

Created in 1997, the ICD Fellowship Awards are the highest distinction for corporate directors in Canada and are presented annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Canadian enterprises and NFP organizations by bringing sound governance leadership to boardrooms across the country.

Fellows are inaugurated by the ICD with the F.ICD designation (Institute of Corporate Directors Fellow) at the annual ICD Fellowship Awards Gala. To date, 48 directors across Canada have been presented with this award.

Nominees are selected based on various criteria with respect to their roles on Boards across the country. Nominees are selected based on their:

• Application of experience, knowledge, insight, and sound judgment;
• Understanding and endeavoring to balance the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders;
• Possession of advanced corporate governance practices in the boardroom;
• Contribution to effective governance with the CEO and top management; and
• Possession of a solid understanding of the role of the board, as well as the legal duties and responsibilities of directors.