Primeau, who left Scotland in January to return home to take up a role at Trinity Western University in British Columbia,, has been appointed as the head coach of Canada's Paralympic athletics team at London 2012.

He replaces Ozzie Sawicki, who is replaced without leading the team at a Paralympics having been appointed only in September 2009. 

"Our athletes and coaches will receive a clear high performance message," said Martin Goulet, the chief high performance officer with Athletics Canada.  

"We are expecting enhanced motivation and confidence under Laurier's leadership, he will provide strong direction and the required support to our targeted athletes." 

Canada's athletics team finished fourth overall in the medals table at Beijing in 2008, with a total of 19 medals, including 10 gold, five of them won by Chantal Petitclerc, who has since retired and is now working for UK Athletics, alongside her coach Peter Eriksson. 

Primeau has been given two tasks for London 2012.

The first is to establish clear lines of communication between coaching staff, integrated support team, targeted athletes and personal coaches. 

The second is ensuring targeted athletes have everything required in their training environments in the lead up to the Paralympic Games. 

From 2002 to 2009, Primuea was previously involved with Canada's national programme as a coach in the areas of jumps, combined events and relays.

He served in a coaching capacity at two World Junior Championships and three Pan American Junior Championships and was a member of the national team from 1990 to 1998, competing in the 400m hurdles and 4 x 400m relay.

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