CN Donates $1 million For Chair in Strategic Management. 

Canadian National has pledged $1 million to establish a chair in strategic management at the University of Toronto's Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. The university will match the gift to permanently endow the chair.

The chair will focus on ways of enhancing Canada's sustained competitive advantage. In addition to undertaking ground-breaking research in Canadian competitiveness and identifying and exploring issues relevant to specific Canadian companies, the incumbent will develop proposals to enhance competitiveness for business, government and organized labour.

"The University of Toronto has an important role to play in responding to corporate demands for expert knowledge and top-ranked managerial skills," says Roger L. Martin, dean of the Rotman school. "We deeply appreciate CN's vital contribution to ensuring that new business school graduates are equipped with the conceptual and analytical abilities to develop and implement plans for sustainable competitive advantage in the 21st century."

The chairholder will also design and teach courses for the MBA and executive development programs in the Rotman School, and play a leadership role in the PhD program in strategic management and international business.

"The Joseph L. Rotman School of Management is fast becoming one of the leading business schools in the country, producing graduates who are eminently qualified to lead corporate Canada in the global economy," says Paul Tellier, president and chief executive officer of Canadian National. "I am delighted that CN will help to fund this important research and teaching work, which will provide new leadership to Canadians at a time of unprecedented change in our economy."

"As North America's only transcontinental rail freight company, CN has a long history of leadership in Canadian business and transportation," says Jon Dellandrea, U of T's vice-president and chief development officer. "We are delighted that this outstanding company has chosen to continue that tradition by supporting the work of a world-class business scholar. This is not just a gift to U of T, but a gift to all Canadians. Research and teaching conducted by this chair will advance understanding of the ways competitive advantage can be sustained in the new economy, and be a vital part of training leaders who can carry that understanding to real companies.

Canadian National Railway Company serves all of Canada and the U.S. Midwest, including the ports of Vancouver, Montreal and Halifax and key cities of Toronto, Chicago, Detroit and Buffalo, with connections to all points in North America.

CONTACT:

Kate Eccles Assistant Dean Marketing and Communications Joseph L. Rotman School of Management (416) 978-6991 e-mail: eccles@rotman.utoronto.ca Mary Jane Skulski CN Public Affairs (780) 421-6757

Roger L. Martin Dean Joseph L. Rotman School of Management (416) 978-3422