She may have lost her standing in the provincial riding of St. Paul’s last spring, but former Tory minister of citizenship, culture and recreation Isabel Bassett has reigned victorious in the turtle race to replace Peter Herrndorf as tvontario’s chair and ceo.

Cabinet approved the much-expected appointment Nov. 17, but it is still subject to review by the standing committee on government agencies and the Lieutenant-Governor.

The widow of the late John Bassett (founding president of Baton Broadcasting), reported to have said during the last provincial election that she supported the privatization of tvo, will only assume both positions – that of chairman and of ceo – for a short time. Soon, new Tory legislation will make it mandatory to split the two jobs, traditionally held by one person. When that happens, the board will appoint a new ceo and Bassett will retain the title of chairwoman, responsible for strategic planning and external relations.

tvo is now under the umbrella of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities under Dianne Cunningham and, as such, is dedicated to the mandate of ‘life-long learning.’