Appointments Bolster VIA HFR's Leadership
Team
MONTREAL, July 8, 2024
/CNW/ - VIA HFR - VIA TGF Inc. ("VIA HFR") is pleased to announce
the appointments of Ms. Marie-France
Poulin and Mr. Michael Keenan
to its Board of Directors. They both joined the VIA HFR Board of
Directors in recent months, at a pivotal time as the Corporation
advances in the development of the largest infrastructure project
in recent Canadian history.
The High Frequency Rail (HFR) project is set to be a
game-changer for Canadian passenger transportation, promising to
deliver a faster, more frequent, and more reliable rail service
that connects major cities across the Toronto – Quebec
City corridor. Ms. Poulin's and Mr. Keenan's combined
experience and strategic expertise in economic development,
governance, public policy, and risk management will be instrumental
in steering the project towards success. Their insights,
particularly drawn from Mr. Keenan's extensive work on
transportation policy and Indigenous consultation, and
Ms. Poulin's leadership in corporate governance and
sustainable business practices, will be particularly valuable in
ensuring the HFR project aligns with best practices in sustainable
development and community engagement.
Mr. Michael Keenan joins the
Board of Directors after a long public service career that
culminated in seven years as the Deputy Minister of Transport. In
this position, he led a comprehensive digital service
transformation and played a pivotal role in the largest overhaul of
transportation safety standards in recent history. His
leadership at Transport Canada also involved overseeing a portfolio
of several dozen Crown corporations, administrative agencies and
tribunals, and transport authorities. Mr. Keenan's experience
will be invaluable to the project. He holds a bachelor's degree
from St. Francis Xavier University and
a Master of Economics from Queen's University.
Ms. Marie-France Poulin,
Vice-President of Groupe Camada and co-founder of Kalia, is a
respected business leader with a proven track record as a
successful entrepreneur. Her extensive experience and strategic
vision, honed through her roles in various companies and on boards
of directors, including Hydro-Québec and Laurentian Bank, will
significantly contribute to the future direction of VIA HFR.
Ms. Poulin is a graduate of Université Laval with a Bachelor of Business
Administration and a certification from the Collège des
administrateurs de sociétés.
Quotes
"We are thrilled that Mr. Keenan and Ms. Poulin have joined
the VIA HFR Board. Their collective expertise in public policy,
transportation, and business leadership will be a tremendous asset
to our organization as we move forward with the High Frequency Rail
project," said Robert Prichard,
Chair of the Board of Directors.
"VIA HFR's Board has strategically strengthened its skill set
with Mr. Keenan's and Ms. Poulin's appointments at a critical time
for the Corporation. Their credentials will play a key role in
supporting and moving the HFR project forward to transform Canadian
rail service," added Martin
Imbleau, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Quick Facts
- The High Frequency Rail project will transform passenger
transportation in Canada through
the creation of a faster, more frequent, more reliable, and
sustainable rail service connecting Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City.
- The project aims to improve Canada's intercity rail service by increasing
the number of passengers, providing a better travel experience,
being environmentally responsible, accessible, safe, financially
sound, while committing to reconciliation with Indigenous
communities.
- Three international consortia are preparing to submit their
proposals this summer, marking a significant milestone in the
project's progress and underscoring its importance.
- By the end of 2024, the Government of Canada will select a private sector partner to
co-develop the project with VIA HFR.
About VIA HFR – VIA TGF Inc.
VIA HFR – VIA TGF Inc. is a federal Crown corporation dedicated
to transforming intercity passenger rail service in Canada. With a focus on sustainability,
accessibility, and innovation, VIA HFR is committed to developing a
rail service that meets the needs of Canadians today and for
generations to come.
Web: https://hfr-tgf.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tgf-hfr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tgfhfr
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TgfHfr
SOURCE VIA HFR