Director - AMENDMENT, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

*The annual retainer is currently under review*

**If you have applied between June 8, 2021 and August 16, 2021, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

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 or more Director positions.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

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.

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.

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 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 would be considered an asset;


• Preference will be given to candidates with strong experience in the direct management of large infrastructure project construction, human resources and talent management, or corporate law dealing with complex commercial claims and claim management strategies;


• 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 any of the following would be considered an asset:




• General Management (CEO/COO/GM/President);


• Financial Management (CFO/COO/CPA/Audit Partner);


• Public Affairs;


• Engineering;


• Familiarity with Canada-U.S relations;


• Law (Canada or Michigan);


• Project management;


• Public private partnerships;


• Human and financial resources;


• Management, construction, rehabilitation and/or maintenance of infrastructure in the transportation sector.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate, mission and activities of WDBA and a good understanding of the legislative framework in which it operates, including applicable labour laws;


• Knowledge of corporate governance and best practices;


• Knowledge of infrastructure rehabilitation and project management;


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


• Knowledge of one or more of the following areas: accounting; finance; construction engineering; Canadian and/or Michigan law; marketing; communications; public relations; infrastructure procurement and project management; safety and security management; cybersecurity;


• Understanding of government functions and operations, including public policy areas, is a further asset;


• Appreciation for the importance of effective working relationships with different levels of government and WDBA's partners and U.S. stakeholders;


• Financial literacy;


• 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 extending trust in order to achieve organizational goals;


• Abilities in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset:




• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and lead organizational change;


• Ability to develop, review and analyze workforce reports and metrics and to lead organizational change;


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral;


• Ability to apply human resources management principles to anticipate the short and long-term needs of WDBA, evaluate potential options and identify alternative solutions to problems;


• Negotiation and conflict management skills.

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

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• No officer or employee of a Crown corporation or any of its affiliates, other than the chief executive officer of a parent Crown corporation, shall be a director of the parent Crown corporation (statutory).

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 27, 2021. Candidates must 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.