The Alberta government has decided to dismiss the entire board of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and replace it with a temporary administrator. The Banff Centre, located in the town of Banff, is known for its development and promotion of creative work in the arts, sciences, business, and the environment. The government stated that it is supporting the centre’s mandate while simultaneously working to strengthen its future competitiveness and sustainability.
Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney expressed gratitude for the service of the former board members, acknowledging their contributions to the success of the Banff Centre. She sees this change as an opportunity to focus on a refreshed future for the institution.
The government has appointed Paul Baay as the temporary administrator. Baay, who is the president and CEO of Touchstone Exploration Inc., brings a wide range of relevant experience to the role. Over the next six to nine months, he will review the internal processes and policies of the Banff Centre and take on the responsibilities of the board of governors until a new chair and board can be appointed.
Despite some controversy surrounding Baay’s past, including a settlement agreement with the Alberta Securities Commission, Minister Sawhney expresses confidence in his ability to fulfill his role effectively. Baay has paid a settlement fee and committed to training in best practices for public company governance and disclosure.
Overall, the Alberta government’s decision to replace the board of the Banff Centre with a temporary administrator aims to support the centre’s mission and ensure its future competitiveness and sustainability.