The C.D. Howe Institute has added Merrill Lynch economist Sheryl King to its Monetary Policy Council.

King is currently head of Canadian economics and strategy at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Before joining Merrill Lynch in 2004, she worked at TD Bank Financial Group and the Bank of Canada. She has degrees from Concordia and Carleton Universities.

King replaces David Laidler, professor emeritus at the University of Western Ontario and fellow-in-residence at the C.D. Howe Institute, who is stepping down after more than seven years on the council.

The council comprises 12 of Canada’s leading economists, and provides an independent assessment of the Bank of Canada’s policy stance.

“Sheryl King is one of Canada’s leading macroeconomic and financial markets analysts and forecasters,” says William Robson, president and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute, who is the council’s non-voting chair. “She will make a vital contribution to the work of the Monetary Policy Council.”

The Bank of Canada is scheduled to announce its latest interest rate decision next week.