Chairperson, VIA Rail Canada Inc.

VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA Rail) is a Crown corporation that operates the national passenger rail services on behalf of the Government of Canada, offering intercity rail services and ensuring rail transportation services to regional and remote communities. Its objective is to offer a safe, accessible, efficient, reliable, sustainable and environmentally friendly passenger rail service that meets the needs of Canadian passengers.

The Board of Directors of VIA Rail is responsible for the governance and oversight of corporate activities, business performance and strategic policy direction. It ensures internal controls are in place to manage risks and ensure the accuracy of the organization’s finances and reports.

The Chairperson presides at all meetings of shareholders and directors. Under the direction of the Board, and as its agent, the Chairperson exercises continuous general supervision over the businesses, activities and other affairs of the Corporation and recommends to the Board general policies with respect to the exercise of powers of the Corporation. In addition, the Chairperson directly administers such organizational units and activities the Board may specify from time to time.

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 achieve 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 or experience;


• An Institute of Corporate Directors designation (ICD.D) would be considered an asset;


• Seasoned experience serving as a member of a board of directors and / or senior manager for a complex commercial public or private sector organization, or as a senior executive of a complex commercial public or private sector organization answerable to stakeholders in said sectors;


• Experience in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices in a culture of accountability and transparency;


• Experience in dealing with senior representatives of government or the private sector;


• Demonstrated experience as a senior executive or in a high-level management role;


• Experience with the challenges associated with transforming an organization and managing complex situations;


• Experience in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with business partners and other key stakeholders; and


• Experience in the transportation sector or business community (preferably rail) would be considered an asset; and


• Experience as chair of a board of directors for a public or private sector organization would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of VIA Rail’s mandate, mission, strategic priorities and business activities and the transportation industry, preferably related to the rail sector;


• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board of Directors and the President and Chief Executive Officer, including fundamental accountabilities to the Government of Canada as shareholder;


• Knowledge of the public policy environment and political climate facing a Crown corporation and a general understanding of the legislative environment in which it operates, including the Financial Administration Act;


• Knowledge of human resources and financial management, monitoring and evaluation of corporate performance;


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


• Demonstrated ability in strategic planning and corporate governance, good governance principles and best practices;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the Minister, the Deputy Minister, and VIA Rail’s business partners and stakeholders;


• Ability to work in the interests of VIA Rail's stakeholders and promote its reputation and credibility;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and lead organizational change;


• Ability to foster debate and discussion among Board members to facilitate consensus.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Leadership and consensus-building skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strategic thinking

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 Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict 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 Commissioner, 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.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviors in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviors for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• The appointee cannot be an officer or employee of VIA Rail Inc. or any of its affiliates (statutory).


• The appointee must be a resident Canadian, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Canada Business Corporations Act.


• The appointee must be available for six scheduled in-person board meetings annually, plus additional meetings as required.


• The appointee must be willing to travel across Canada.

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, 2024. 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 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.