The NEA community is deeply saddened by the passing of the Honourable Donald Johnston, OECD Secretary-General from 1996 until 2006. A former Member of the Canadian Parliament from 1978 to 1988, Mr. Johnston served in the cabinet, first as President of the Treasury Board and then as Minister of State for Economic and Regional Development, Minister of Science and Technology, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. He was awarded France’s Légion d’honneur for his service as OECD Secretary-General.
“Don Johnston was a great supporter of the Agency’s work during his tenure,” said NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV. “I first met him in 2004, at which time he personally advocated bringing the Generation IV International Forum to the NEA. He remained in touch over the years, often commenting on progress made by the NEA in areas related to nuclear energy and most recently recommending a promising student to serve as an intern with the Agency. Mr. Johnston helped make the OECD a more efficient and effective organisation. Like so many others, our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”