Chairperson, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is a not-for-profit federal Crown corporation established in 2012 to deliver the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. The bridge will be North America's largest border infrastructure project and the longest cable-stayed bridge and will serve as a state-of-the-art border crossing at a strategic and critical trade and transportation route between Canada and the United States.

As construction completion approaches, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is shifting its focus to operational readiness, marketing and sales. Once complete, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will offer a modern and efficient transportation link supporting a more resilient and responsive supply chain and binational trade that will fuel economic growth for years to come. For more information, please visit https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority's Board of Directors is composed of the Chairperson and up to eight other directors. The Chairperson is responsible for leading the Board of Directors, setting a standard of integrity and exemplary corporate governance and translating guidance from the Government of Canada into action for the organization. In this regard, the Chairperson leads the Board of Directors in overseeing the management of the business activities and affairs of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, in line with Government priorities, including:

• Developing and maintaining a positive working relationship with the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada;


• Appointing the Chief Executive Officer, approving their annual objectives and assessing their performance against those objectives;


• Overseeing the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority's strategic direction and corporate objectives;


• Reviewing the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority's financial objectives and results;


• Overseeing the development and implementation of policies and framework that govern the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority's internal and external conduct;


• Overseeing and analyzing the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority's key areas of interest, such as security, safety, environment and risk management;


• Ensuring the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority's principal risks are identified and appropriate systems are in place to manage these risks;


• Ensuring the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is accountable to the federal government and the public through mechanisms set out in applicable legislation and guidance.

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 and / or experience;


• A professional designation would be considered an asset;


• 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; and


• Experience in providing leadership and overseeing strategic and risk management, performance management, organizational change and implementing corporate governance principle and best practices.

Experience in one or more of the following would be considered an asset:



• The workings of government and the public sector;


• Managing large-scale public or private infrastructure projects in the transportation sector, including their operations, commissioning and maintenance and / or familiarity with multimodal networks, bridges, tolling, and international crossing;


• Using data analytics for decision-making and for assessing marketing strategy effectiveness; and


• Optimizing the customer journey and designing service processes and strategies for customer retention by implementing feedback systems to monitor satisfaction and help create personalized experiences.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of corporate governance principles and best practices, including knowledge of the Government of Canada’s governance framework for Crown corporations;


• Knowledge of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority’s mandate, legislative framework, activities and the region in which it operates;


• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards for international bridges;


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


• Knowledge and understanding of the issues and complexities of public-private partnerships and / or infrastructure development in Canada, particularly as it relates to commissioning and opening for public operation a greenfield asset;


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


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues, lead organizational change and provide corporate vision, leadership and the strategic direction needed for the Corporation to attain its mandate and objectives;


• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with Canadian and U.S. federal, provincial, state and municipal governments, as well as the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority’s stakeholders;


• Ability to lead strategic discussions, foster courteous and productive debate among Board members and manage conflicts should they arise; and


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

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Trust and accountability


• Informed judgment, tact and discretion


• Independence


• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Superior interpersonal skills

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 must not be an officer or employee of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority or any of its affiliates (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 October 7, 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.