Jean-Pierre Kingsley
Encyclopedia
Jean-Pierre Kingsley was the President and CEO of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems
. He was the Chief Electoral Officer
of Elections Canada
, before he stepped down in December 2006. On April 28, 2009 he announced his resignation as President of IFES. He was succeeded by Bill Sweeney.
in 1943. Kingsley was named Chief Electoral Officer in February 1990 by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
. Prior to serving in that position, he served as:
He also served as Chairman of the Board for Ottawa's Montfort Hospital
from 1982 to 1990.
On December 28, 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper
announced that Kingsley will be stepping down effective February 17, 2007. His successor as Chief Electoral Officer is Marc Mayrand
. Prior to his resignation, Kingsley and the ruling Conservative
party disagreed over whether fees paid to attend political conventions should be counted as political donations.
In 2007, Kingsley was awarded the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle
, the highest award the Mexican government bestows on foreign nationals.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems is an international, non-profit organization founded in 1987. This Washington, D. C.-based development organization provides assistance and support for elections in new and emerging democracies...
. He was the Chief Electoral Officer
Chief Electoral Officer (Canada)
The Chief Electoral Officer is the person responsible for overseeing elections in Canada.The position of Chief Electoral Officer was created in 1920 by the Dominion Elections Act. The Chief Electoral Officer is appointed by a resolution of the Canadian House of Commons...
of Elections Canada
Elections Canada
Elections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency reporting directly to the Parliament of Canada. Its ongoing responsibility is to ensure that Canadians can exercise their choices in federal elections and referenda through an open and impartial process...
, before he stepped down in December 2006. On April 28, 2009 he announced his resignation as President of IFES. He was succeeded by Bill Sweeney.
Early life and career
He was born in OttawaOttawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
in 1943. Kingsley was named Chief Electoral Officer in February 1990 by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
Brian Mulroney
Martin Brian Mulroney, was the 18th Prime Minister of Canada from September 17, 1984, to June 25, 1993 and was leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada from 1983 to 1993. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by the introduction of major economic reforms, such as the Canada-U.S...
. Prior to serving in that position, he served as:
- Associate and then Executive Director of EdmontonEdmontonEdmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is the province's second-largest city. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by the central region of the province.The city and its census...
's Charles Camsell Hospital (1971-3) - President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ottawa General Hospital (1977–81)
He also served as Chairman of the Board for Ottawa's Montfort Hospital
Montfort Hospital
The Montfort Hospital is a hospital in Ottawa, Canada. It is noted for being the only fully bilingual hospital in the province of Ontario.The hospital was founded in 1953 by the Filles de la Sagesse Catholic order and was named after one of its founders Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort. It...
from 1982 to 1990.
Late career
He served as head of the international team observing the Iraqi legislative election, January, 2005On December 28, 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Stephen Harper
Stephen Joseph Harper is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Conservative Party. Harper became prime minister when his party formed a minority government after the 2006 federal election...
announced that Kingsley will be stepping down effective February 17, 2007. His successor as Chief Electoral Officer is Marc Mayrand
Marc Mayrand
Marc Mayrand , is a Chief Electoral Officer of Elections Canada, a position he has held since 2007.Mayrand studied law at the University of Ottawa and the London School of Economics....
. Prior to his resignation, Kingsley and the ruling Conservative
Conservative Party of Canada
The Conservative Party of Canada , is a political party in Canada which was formed by the merger of the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in 2003. It is positioned on the right of the Canadian political spectrum...
party disagreed over whether fees paid to attend political conventions should be counted as political donations.
In 2007, Kingsley was awarded the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle
Order of the Aztec Eagle
The Order of the Aztec Eagle is a Mexican order and is the highest decoration awarded to foreigners in the country.It was created by decree on December 29, 1933 by President Abelardo L. Rodríguez as a reward to services given to Mexico or humankind by foreigners...
, the highest award the Mexican government bestows on foreign nationals.