June 30, 1995
New Chairman Announced For Crown Corporations Council
New Chairman Announced For Crown Corporations CouncilThe Crown Corporations Council was established to improve public accountability, review mandates and performances of all provincial Crown corporations -- including Manitoba Hydro, the Manitoba Telephone System and the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation. The council will also review public complaints about Crown corporations.
In making the announcement, Stefanson said, "Mr. Fraser brings a wealth of experience to the position and an extensive and impressive record of community involvement and voluntarism."
Fraser, 65, began his extensive career in business in Saskatoon. From 1952-61 he served as president of his own trucking firm in Saskatoon after which he acquired a local retailing business in Winnipeg. In 1969 he was appointed president of Norcom Homes Ltd. and in 1978 he joined Federal Industries as president and chief executive officer. In 1992 he was elected chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Federal Industries, a position he held until May 1995 when the name of the company was changed to Russel Metals Inc. and he was appointed vice-chairman.
Active in cultural and community affairs, in 1984 he became the first recipient of the Peter D. Curry Award from the University of Manitoba -- given for outstanding contributions to the development of the university. In 1990 he was appointed as an officer of the Order of Canada and in 1993 he received an honorary doctorate of laws degree from the University of Winnipeg.
A member of several boards, he is also a past president of the Manitoba Theatre Centre and in 1980 he was one of six trustees responsible for reorganizing and restructuring the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. From 1985- 90 he was chairman of the Council for Business and the Arts in Canada.
Born and raised in Saskatoon, he received his bachelor of commerce degree in 1952 from the University of Saskatchewan prior to moving to Winnipeg in 1961.