David Leduc has assumed the executive director's role at the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace.

He takes over from Michael Casey who for 10 years was at the helm of D&P.

Leduc has an undergraduate degree in International Development from Dalhousie University in Halifax and a Masters in Business Administration from McGill University. He has spent most of his career working on issues related to social justice and peace building. Most of his work internationally and here in Canada has been focused on promoting tolerance, equality and human rights.

Over the past 11 years, he has held various positions, most notably as director of operations of McGill University’s International Community Action Network (ICAN), where he worked to strengthen civil society in marginalized communities, particularly in the Middle East. He also set up a three-year program with Oxfam-Québec aimed at building capacity among the most vulnerable people in Lebanon’s Palestinian refugee camps.

“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I step into the position of Executive Director for the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. In doing so, I join an exceptional staff, thousands of committed and invested members from across the country, and an unparalleled international network of partners. Combined, these elements form a very powerful global movement, united in solidarity and propelled by the shared belief that the only driver of real, meaningful and transformative change is a vibrant civil society, with the voices of the poor and most marginalized at its forefront,” said Leduc.

He added that, “We are further bolstered by the inspiration of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si that has not only moved Catholics around the world, but has motivated people across faiths and political boundaries to swiftly address some of the gravest environmental issues facing our planet — a task that can only be achieved through fair, conclusive and deeply participatory global action.”

Leduc took up his duties July 27. Over the next five years, he will head a team of 80 employees across Canada who are responsible for implementing a range of international development programs in more than 30 countries across Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, and education programs here in Canada.