OTTAWA—January 19, 2012—Quebec lawyer and retired Hydro-Quebec executive Michel De Broux and Toronto-based entrepreneur and chartered accountant Michael Vukets have been appointed to the board of the International Institute for Sustainable Development at its board meeting in Ottawa this week.

"The new members offer a wealth of experience in business and development, which will greatly assist the institute moving forward," said board chair Dan Gagnier.

Michael Vukets, CA, is founder & principal of Toronto-based Michael Vukets & Associates, a boutique financial services firm, which specializes in integrating wealth management, philanthropy and family harmony. The firm works with affluent families to realize a vision of creating $3 billion of funds for charities and non-profit organizations in Canada by 2020. 

Michel De Broux practices law in Joliette, Quebec, following a 30-year career at Hydro-Quebec as a senior executive. His current work focuses on helping small and medium-size businesses to secure funding with Quebec and Canadian institutions

Vukets and De Broux replace former board members Isabelle Hudon and Maureen O'Neil. The board is yet to fill the seat formerly held by distinguished fellow Milton Wong, who died on December 31, 2011.

"Milton Wong's contribution to the board will be deeply missed," said Gagnier. Wong was named a distinguished fellow of IISD in recognition and appreciation of his lifetime achievements and for significant contributions in leadership toward better living for all in business, education and philanthropy.

With the appointment of these new directors, there are now 22 members of the board, representing eight countries. IISD's board of directors meets twice a year. -end-

For more information, please contact Nona Pelletier, IISD manager, public affairs at +1 (204) 958-7740 or cell: +1 (204) 962-1303.