Metrolinx Chair Prichard steps down

Metrolinx Chair Robert Prichard resigned yesterday.

During his nine-year tenure at the agency, Prichard also served as president and chief executive officer. He cited the election of new government leaders in Ontario among his reasons for resigning. Prichard served as chair for the past seven years.

Metrolinx Vice Chair Bryan Davies will assume the duties of the chair pending appointment of a new leader by the provincial government, agency officials said.

Metrolinx is overseeing construction of the CA$5.3 billion Eglinton Crosstown light-rail line.

In Ontario's general elections held last month, Progressive Conservative candidate Doug Ford won over Ontario Liberal Party member Kathleen Wynne in the race for the province's premier. Wynne, who has pledged support for high-speed rail in Ontario, had served as premier since 2013.

The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario also won a majority of the the province's parliamentary seats.

"With the election of a new government for Ontario, now is the right time for a change of leadership for the board of directors," Prichard said in a statement. "The next chair will need to lead the board in its partnership with the management team and work closely with the government on its priorities for continuing to deliver the transit infrastructure and services the region needs."

Prichard serves as chairman of international business law firm Torys LLP. He previously served as president and CEO of Torstar Corp. and president emeritus of the University of Toronto, where he was president from 1999 to 2000.