MONTREAL — Cynthia Garneau has stepped down from her role as VIA Rail Canada’s President and CEO.
In a statement Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said: “I would like to thank Ms. Garneau for her service and her work over the past three years in contributing to the modernization of VIA Rail, and adapting VIA Rail operations during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, while always ensuring the health and safety of employees and passengers. I wish Ms. Garneau the best of luck in her future endeavours.”
VIA Rail’s Board of Directors thanked Garneau for her three years at the controls.
“The bulk of Cynthia Garneau’s tenure was during the pandemic; she faced extraordinary challenges while never losing sight of our ambitious modernization program and the well-being of our employees. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Management Committee, and all VIA Rail employees, I sincerely thank her for her contribution and wish her all the best for the future,” said Françoise Bertrand, Chairperson of VIA Rail’s Board of Directors.
And Garneau herself has this to say: “After three wonderful years of diverse achievements, exciting challenges, and enriching encounters, I leave VIA Rail with a sense of accomplishment. I had given myself the objective to obtain confirmation for the HFR project, and with the procurement process now underway, my train has arrived at its destination. It will now be up to another driver to lead the organization through the next steps. I would especially like to thank my collaborators on the management team, the members of the Board of directors, and all VIA Rail employees for their profound commitment to this great organization and its mission.”
Martin R. Landry, who for the past eight years has served as VIA Rail’s Chief Commercial Affairs Officer, will ensure business continuity as he takes over operations, said Bertrand.
“Martin R. Landry has the full confidence of the Board of Directors and his colleagues. His expertise will be extremely valuable as service resumes across the country in June and we are finally able to fully play our role as the national passenger rail service and continue to do what we do best: serve Canadians from coast to coast,” said Bertrand.
