Not sure how you conclude that he's "disenfranchised" -- sounds like he has relevant experience and is quite passionate about Canadian art and how it fits in the world.  I'm interested to see how he entices folks up to Kleinburg; it is a special place in the world and its setting idyllic.  The sad tradeoff for making it more relevant and accessible is that it won't be nearly as private and quiet as it is today.  But falling into disrepair and neglect is a worse fate.
Finally, it does seem apropos to have a Brit as head, given that the Group were largely British born or trained or influenced in their earlier days.