Canadian government names VIA Rail CEO, directors

Canada’s Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced four appointments to VIA Rail Canada Inc., including Cynthia Garneau as president and chief executive officer for a five-year term as of May 9. 

Garneau is a lawyer and has been president of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. since 2016, according to a press release issued by the Canadian government. She joined Bell Helicopter in 2004 as a contracts and compliance manager and later held positions of increasing responsibility in supply chain management, public affairs and government relations, including a stint as director of integrated business planning and production engineering.

Three directors were also appointed to a four-year term: Grant Christoff, Miranda Keating Erickson and Viola Timmons. 

Christoff is a lawyer and has been counsel for the First Nations Health Authority and Saulteau First Nations since 2015. 

Erickson has been vice president of Alberta Electric System Operator since 2010. 

Thomas has been president and vice chancellor of the University of Regina since 2008.