Chairperson, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

*The annual retainer is currently under review*

Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a not-for-profit federal Crown corporation established in 2012 to deliver the $5.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit Michigan.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge will be a modern, state of the art border crossing at a strategic and critical trade and transportation route between Canada and the United States. This is North America’s largest border infrastructure project and longest cabled-stayed bridge.

The project will provide significant economic, social and environmental benefits for local communities. It will create over 2,500 direct jobs during its construction, and many more jobs during its 125-year lifespan.

WDBA is delivering this significant infrastructure investment via a public–private partnership with Bridging North America that covers the construction and its operation over 30 years. WBDA works closely with U.S. federal and state officials to ensure the project is delivered to specification and meets all state and federal requirements.

WDBA reports to Parliament through the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and is guided by its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is composed of up to nine (9) members, including the Chairperson and the Chief Executive Officer.

The Board provides strategic guidance and oversees the organization and administration of WDBA, including the setting and collecting of tolls, as well as the management of its resources, services, property, personnel and contracts. It sets corporate objectives and strategic directions, oversees the implementation of said objectives and strategic plan, monitors corporate performance, reviews financial objectives and results, analyzes key dimensions such as security, safety, environment and risk management, ensures that the principal risks are identified, mitigated and managed, and maintains strong and effective stakeholder communications.

This notice of opportunity concerns one (1) Chair position.

Diversity and Official Languages

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

Education and Experience

A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience;

• Experience serving as a chairperson or member of a board of directors for a public or private sector organization or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public or private sector;


• Significant and recent leadership experience at the senior executive level, in a private or public sector organization, including managing physical, financial and human resources;


• Experience in providing leadership and overseeing strategic and risk management, performance management, organizational change, and implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices;


• Experience in dealing with the federal government, preferably with senior government officials, would be considered an asset;


• Experience in managing relationships with U.S. stakeholders and/or government officials at the state and/or federal levels would be considered an asset; 


• Experience in the management, construction, rehabilitation and/or maintenance of infrastructure, in urban planning or in the transportation sector would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of WDBA's mandate, mission, strategic priorities, and business activities;  

• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board, and the Chief Executive Officer of a Crown corporation, including the fundamental accountabilities to Canadians;


• Knowledge of sound financial and governance principles, strategic planning, and the monitoring and evaluation of performance;


• Knowledge of the public policy environment facing a Crown corporation, and a general understanding of the legislative framework in which it operates, including applicable labour laws;


• Knowledge about the region in which WDBA operates would be an asset;


• Knowledge of the Canada-U.S. relationship, particularly as it relates to international crossings in the context of heightened security concerns;


• Ability to provide corporate vision, leadership and the strategic direction needed for the Corporation to attain its mandate and objectives;


• Ability to facilitate information-sharing and effective working relationships with other board members, management, government officials, business partners, stakeholders and employees of WDBA and to demonstrate respect, ethics and trust in order to achieve organizational goals;


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to act as a spokesperson for the Corporation in dealing with the media, public institutions, governments and other organizations;


• Ability to analyze complex issues and think strategically, and balance the business needs of the organization with the public interest; and


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and lead organizational change, and ability to lead strategic discussions, foster courteous and productive debate among Board members and manage conflicts should they arise.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Trust and accountability


• Informed judgment, tact and discretion


• Excellent interpersonal skills


• Independence


• Impact and Influence


• High ethical standards and integrity

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.
A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information here) will begin on June 27th, 2021. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.