VIA Rail is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Marie-France Poulin and Mr. Michael Keenan to its Board of Directors. These appointments come at a pivotal time for the Corporation as it progresses with the development of the High Frequency Rail (HFR) project, the largest infrastructure project in recent Canadian history.
The HFR initiative is poised to transform passenger transportation in Canada, aiming to provide faster, more frequent, and more reliable rail service connecting key cities along the Toronto to Quebec City corridor. The combined experience and strategic insights of Ms. Poulin and Mr. Keenan in economic development, governance, public policy, and risk management will be crucial in ensuring the project’s success.
Mr. Keenan joins the Board after a distinguished public service career, culminating in seven years as Deputy Minister of Transport. In this role, he spearheaded a comprehensive digital transformation and led a significant overhaul of transportation safety standards. His leadership at Transport Canada included oversight of numerous Crown corporations, administrative agencies, tribunals, and transport authorities. Mr. Keenan’s extensive background in transportation policy and Indigenous consultation will be valuable assets to the HFR project. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Francis Xavier University and a Master’s degree in Economics from Queen’s University.
Ms. Poulin, Vice-President of Groupe Camada and co-founder of Kalia, is a well-respected business leader and entrepreneur. Her extensive experience and strategic vision, cultivated through her roles in various companies and on boards such as Hydro-Québec and Laurentian Bank, will significantly shape the future direction of VIA HFR. Ms. Poulin’s expertise in corporate governance and sustainable business practices will ensure the HFR project adheres to the highest standards of sustainable development and community involvement. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Université Laval and a certification from the Collège des administrateurs de sociétés.
