Ottawa, June 24, 2011
2011-050

Archived - Statement by Canada and Australia on the Selection of the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

“It is important that the new IMF Managing Director be selected in an open and transparent process with the candidate chosen on the basis of merit and not nationality. 

“This is consistent with the G-20’s commitments to reform our international financial institutions and is reflected in recent progress at giving greater representation in the IMF to emerging and developing economies.

“The international community is well served with two highly credible candidates for the position. It is essential for the legitimacy of the IMF that we have candidates of the calibre of Christine Lagarde and Agustín Carstens.

“Agustín Carstens’ previous experience in the IMF, combined with his background as Finance Minister of Mexico and his current position as Governor of the Mexican central bank, equip him very well to understand and address, on a collaborative and inclusive basis with IMF member countries, the challenges faced by the global economy. Accordingly, after due consideration of the candidates and the IMF selection criteria, we have decided to support him for the position of IMF Managing Director.

“We look forward to the decision of the IMF Executive Board, whether it be in favour of Mr. Carstens or Ms. Lagarde, and to working closely with the next Managing Director to build a strong and sustainable global economy.”

For further information, media may contact:

Mary Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861

Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080

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