Our People
Meet the team working to get the project on track.
Executive Team
Our management team brings extensive international experience in project management, railway engineering, public affairs, Indigenous and stakeholder relations. Their knowledge and experience will allow us to carry out this ambitious project.
FELIX TURGEON
Chief Legal Officer
Felix Turgeon is a lawyer, senior executive and corporate director. He is VIA HFR’s Chief Legal Officer and also assumes, on an interim basis, the leadership of the real property activities of VIA HFR.
Prior to joining the organization, Felix Turgeon was General Manager of the Régie de l'énergie du Québec. He sat on the Executive Committee and was in charge of nearly 45 managers and professionals overseeing technical and economic analyses, petroleum product market monitoring and compliance with North American electricity transmission standards.
Over the course of his career, Felix held several management positions in Energir's Legal Affairs department. His various roles included co-leading the legal aspects of the development and execution of the Seigneurie de Beaupré wind farms (340 MW), and providing legal direction for numerous transactions including the acquisition of a solar energy producer, the marketing of renewable natural gas and the expansion of liquefied natural gas production and marketing activities. He is also proud to have spearheaded Energir's first equity, diversity and inclusion action plan.
From 2005 to 2009, he was legal counsel at SNC-Lavalin (now Atkins Realis). During this period, he contributed to several infrastructure projects, some of which were public-private partnerships. In addition, he oversaw the company's defense in a number of contentious cases.
Felix sat on several boards of directors, including those of Intragaz, the Natural Gas Technology Centre, the Site historique Marguerite-Bourgeoys and the Fondation de la Compagnie de théâtre Jean-Duceppe, in addition to participating in the campaign cabinet set up for Juripop's 10th anniversary.
A member of the Quebec Bar since 2002, he holds a bachelor's degree in law and a master's in international law and international politics.
GRAEME HAMPSHIRE
Chief Interim Project Management and Current Procurement Process Officer
A chartered engineer for nearly 40 years, Graeme Hampshire has held senior positions in major transportation and infrastructure organizations in the rail and aviation sectors around the world. He has also played key roles with private and government organizations and national rail network. His clients have included project developers, regulators and operators across the supply chain.
In the UK rail sector, Graeme has over 20 years' experience in franchising and was Chairman of the Rail Delivery Group Reform Board. He was Business Development Director for Stagecoach plc, a UK rail and bus operator, and Franchise Director for the Strategic Rail Authority in the UK.
He has worked in all areas of franchising having leased and managed most of the UK network, either for the Strategic Rail Authority or for operators and led bids for some 12 franchises and contracts, including both Virgin West Coast and East Coast operations.
Prior to joining the High Frequency Rail project full time, he was involved in projects in throughout Europe, including the High Speed Line project in the Netherlands, Australia, Botswana and the United States. In Canada, he recently served as Consortium Director for the procurement of the Metrolinx OnCorr RER. He also played a leading role in the design of High Speed 1 in UK.
Graeme holds a MA from Cambridge University and an MBA from Brunel University. His wife Liz and four adult children are delighted he has taken this role.
GWENAËLLE LEGENDRE
Chief People and Culture Officer
Gwenaëlle Legendre has more than 20 years of Human Resources experience, mainly in the financial services sector. With her team, she leads VIA HFR’s strategic orientations for human capital and employee experience.
In her career, she has played key roles in designing and implementing HR strategies for global companies experiencing rapid growth or organizational transformation. Her varied duties have enabled her to develop her expertise in the areas of talent acquisition and talent management strategies, compensation and benefits, and organizational design and development.
Prior to joining VIA HFR, Ms. Legendre served as Vice President of Human Resources at Fiera Capital, HR Leader at Sagard, and Director and Senior HR Manager Business Partner at PSP Investments.
In addition to holding a bachelor’s and a master’s in counselling and orientation from Université Laval, she is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP).
JACYNTHE AUDETTE
Chief Commercial Officer
With her rich experience of more than 20 years in commercial and financial advisory services, in the field of infrastructure in Canada and abroad, most notably for a number of railway projects sponsored by the World Bank, Jacynthe Audette joined VIA HFR as Chief Commercial Officer.
Jacynthe is the former managing director of PwC’s Capital Projects and Infrastructure group in Montréal. Over the years, her varied duties at PwC led her to draw on her solid acumen in commercial, financial and strategic analysis; procurement strategy and process; project finance; risk analysis; structuring and negotiation of contractual agreements; and execution and management of programs and large-scale projects in sectors as varied as transportation, energy and social infrastructure. Most notably, she supported VIA Rail, for several years, by providing financial and strategic consulting services for the High Frequency Rail (HFR) project.
In her career, Jacynthe Audette has collaborated on more than 30 major infrastructure projects involving innovative modes of procurement and financing. She has held the position of Business Optimization Specialist at CN and of Vice-President, Corporate Development and Projects at Gazoduq, participating in the development of a natural gas transmission line project in Ontario and Québec.
Ms. Audette holds an International MBA from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s in business administration from HEC Montréal.
MARC-OLIVIER RANGER
Chief Strategic Policy and Partnerships Officer
As Chief Strategic Policy and Partnerships Officer, Marc-Olivier plays a fundamental role in the organization’s success. His duties include shaping the strategic orientations and the public interest objectives for the High Frequency Rail project. As well, he collaborates with the Government of Canada and academia to define the project’s policy, financial and economic frameworks.
Marc-Olivier Ranger left his mark on the federal government over many years during which he contributed a wide-ranging collection of unmatched expertise in the areas of sound governance, the management of public finances, and the design, administration and implementation of sweeping programs and major infrastructure projects.
He was a senior director at Transport Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. Prior to joining VIA HFR, Marc-Olivier oversaw the monitoring, policy orientations and appointment recommendations to support the mandates of all federal Crown corporations, shared governance organizations and the other entities comprising the Department of Transport’s portfolio. For many years, he supervised all construction work within the framework of the Canadian Parliament’s Centre Block rehabilitation project, the largest and most complex rehabilitation project for a heritage building ever undertaken in Canada. During the pandemic, he ensured the operational safety, security and continuity of one of the biggest construction sites in the country, supporting the local economy and safeguarding hundreds of jobs in downtown Ottawa.
In his career, Marc-Olivier also contributed to the founding of the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. He participated in the design and creation of the Investing in Canada Plan, a plan with funding in excess of $180 billion for the creation of infrastructure for public transit, ports, broadband networks, energy systems, community services and natural spaces.
Marc-Olivier pursued graduate studies in public and infrastructure administration at the Harvard Kennedy School and the École nationale d’administration publique.
MARTIN IMBLEAU
President and Chief Executive Officer
Martin Imbleau brings to VIA HFR exceptional leadership skills and vast expertise in the realization of complex infrastructure projects in green zones. His impressive network of contacts, comprised of stakeholders from Indigenous communities, experts, national and international partners, business managers and players from all levels of government, is a precious asset for the HFR project.
Before joining VIA HFR, Mr. Imbleau was CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. Under his guidance, the organization built a reputation as an environmental and sustainable development leader. At Hydro-Québec, he was Vice-President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development for Canada and the United States. He also worked for Énergir as vice-president in several important roles, among them as regards renewable energy sources, community relations, security, gas supply and transportation.
Martin holds a master’s in law from Université de Montréal and a bachelor’s in law from Université du Québec à Montréal. He has been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 1997. While working on the development of major infrastructures, he pursues his commitment to defending human rights around the world and has authored numerous works on international law as it regards human rights, genocide and transitional justice.
Mr. Imbleau is chairman of the board of directors of Université du Québec à Montréal’s Raoul Dandurand Chair in Strategic and Diplomatic Studies. He is the cofounder of the Chaire de gestion du secteur de l’énergie at HEC Montréal.
PIERRE-YVES BOIVIN
Chief Communications and Engagement Officer
Pierre-Yves Boivin leads our Communications and Public Relations team, whose mission is to develop an integrated strategy to communicate effectively both internally and externally while building trusted relationships with a wide range of partners. His team plays a pivotal role in the success and visibility of the rapid train project by fostering open and constructive dialogue with Indigenous communities, governments, municipalities, and the broader public.
Over the past 20 years, Pierre-Yves Boivin has built a solid track record in communications and in public and governmental affairs in both the energy and rail transportation sectors.
Prior to joining VIA HFR, he was chief of staff for several ministers of the Government of Québec. He also worked at the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec as Vice-President, Strategy and Economic Affairs. In the private sector, he was senior manager of stakeholder relations at CN and held a number of positions at Énergir, including that of director of stakeholder and First Nations relations for the North Shore Extension Project. He began his career in the federal civil service as an economist at both the Finance and Industry departments.
Pierre-Yves Boivin has an economics degree from Université Laval and a degree in public administration from Queen's University.
TOM ROBERTS
Chief Financial and Technology Officer
Tom Roberts joins the VIA HFR team bringing to the table nearly 15 years of experience in different management positions in ministries and central agencies, notably the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Infrastructure Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canada School of Public Service.
Throughout his career, he has shown rigour, transparency and commitment in carrying out his different functions. He has played a key role in difficult issues, among them the updating and advancement of the government’s financial policies, the design and promotion of horizontal government programs, and major infrastructure programs involving several levels of government, private-sector partners and large-scale capital investment.
An asset for VIA HFR is his expertise with the federal government apparatus, particularly the Treasury Board Secretariat and Infrastructure Canada, where he led complex negotiations in the drafting of realistic programs and implementation plans for successful projects. His work has notably focused on climate change, national shipbuilding, and the review of departmental spending, annual reports and business plans for State corporations within the economic sector.
Tom Roberts holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm) with a concentration in finance from Carleton University, as well as a certification for the Senior Executive Advanced Finance and Accounting Program (SEAFAP) from CPA Canada.
Board Members
FIONA BLONDIN
Board Member
Fiona Blondin is a member of the Northwest Territories’ Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the granddaughter of George Blondin, a highly regarded Indigenous author, storyteller and leader.
Ms. Blondin has more than 25 years of combined experience in the energy, mining, and public sectors and in private consulting for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis communities. She contributes a wealth of knowledge and insight to VIA HFR’s Board of Directors.
As Vice President of Indigenous Strategy at Cormorant Utility Services, she is a respected advocate for Indigenous rights and well-being and has worked closely for many years with First Nation and Metis communities.
She sat on the Board of Directors of KWG Resources, an exploration-stage mining company participating in the discovery, delineation, and development of chromite deposits in the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario.
Ms. Blondin attended British Columbia’s Douglas College. She is a recipient of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in acknowledgment of her work with First Nations.
J. ROBERT S. PRICHARD
Chair of the Board of Directors
J. Robert S. Prichard has led a career in the fields of higher education, law, business, and civil service.
He is the non-executive Chairman of Torys LLP and a director of ONEX Corporation, Wittington Investments Limited and Alamos Gold. He is a member of the International Advisory Board of Barrick Gold Corporation, President Emeritus of the University of Toronto, and the Visitor at Massey College.
At the University of Toronto, Mr. Prichard was a professor of law from 1976 to 2001, the Dean of the Faculty of Law between 1984 and 1990, and the President of the University from 1990 to 2000. He also taught at the law faculties of Yale and Harvard. He chaired the Council of Ontario Universities and the Council of Canadian Law Deans.
Mr. Prichard went on to become the President and Chief Executive Officer of Torstar Corporation from 2002 to 2009 and Chairman of the Board of Bank of Montreal between 2012 and 2020. He previously sat on the boards of numerous other major Canadian corporations, among them George Weston, Brookfield Asset Management (formerly Brascan) and Four Seasons Hotels. He was made a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors in 2016 for his contributions to good governance in Canada.
Before joining Torys, Mr. Prichard was President and Chief Executive Officer of Metrolinx from 2009 to 2010, and Chairman of its Board from 2010 to 2018.
He attended Swarthmore College, earned his MBA at the University of Chicago, and holds law degrees from the University of Toronto (LL.B.) and Yale (LL.M.). Recognized by appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Member of the Order of Ontario, he has been the recipient of honorary degrees from several colleges and universities in Canada and the United States.
MARIE-FRANCE POULIN
Board Member
Marie-France Poulin is Vice President of Canada Group, the Poulin family’s private equity firm specializing in business and real estate investments. She is a shareholder and the co-founder of Kalia, a company specializing in the design, manufacturing and distribution of high-end bathroom and kitchen products and accessories.
Previously, Ms. Poulin worked for the family-owned business Maax from 1985 until it was sold in 2004. Having contributed to the growth and consolidation of this publicly traded corporation and major North American manufacturer of bathroom, spa products and accessories, and kitchen cabinetry, she rose through the ranks to hold increasingly senior management positions within the company.
Marie-France Poulin is a seasoned director who sat on various boards, including those of Hydro-Québec and the Laurentian Bank. Until recently, she also chaired the Boards of Directors of the Port of Québec, Université Laval and the YWCA de Québec.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Poulin is involved in her community and has participated in numerous fundraising campaigns for community organizations. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Université Laval (1985) and a certification from the Collège des administrateurs de sociétés (2007).
MARIE-JOSÉE NADEAU
Vice Chair of the Board of Directors
Marie-José Nadeau is a corporate director and an energy expert. She is a director of ENGIE (France), where she chairs the Appointments, Compensation and Governance Committee, and is also a member of the Audit Committee and the Strategy, Investment and Technology Committee. She is a director of Trans Mountain Corporation, where she chairs the Human Resources, Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee. Finally, she is a director of the US-based Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
Ms. Nadeau was Chair of the World Energy Council from 2013 to 2016 and Executive Vice-President and Secretary General of Hydro-Québec from 1993 to 2015. She has previously been a director of Metro, Chair of EPRI’s Advisory Council and Vice-Chair of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and has held numerous other board positions.
She holds a law degree and a Master of Laws in public law from the University of Ottawa. In 2009, the Quebec Bar awarded her the distinction Advocatus Emeritus in acknowledgment of her contribution to the legal profession. In 2016, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for her exceptional contribution to numerous organizations involved in the arts and education fields.
MICHAEL KEENAN
Member of the Board of Directors
Michael Keenan served as a Deputy Minister in the Government of Canada for ten years, until he retired after a public service career spanning 35 years and seven departments.
Michael was the Deputy Minister of Transport from 2016 until 2023, after serving as the Associate Deputy Minister at Natural Resources Canada from 2013 to 2016. Before that, he led the policy development at Environment and Climate Change Canada, reformed leadership training programs for senior government executives at the Canada School of Public Service, led economic analysis and research at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, and provided policy advice at the Privy Council Office, Finance Canada, and the British Columbia Ministry of Finance.
At Transport Canada, he led an organization of 6,000 employees through a comprehensive digital service transformation while supporting the Minister of Transport in delivering on the biggest modernization of transportation safety standards in a generation in the air, rail, and marine sectors.
Through his work at Transport Canada, he gained extensive experience in managing complex governance issues. He was responsible for overseeing a portfolio of several dozen Crown Corporations, agencies, tribunals, and transport authorities, and supporting the Minister of Transport in making over 300 merit-based appointments to these bodies.
Michael had the opportunity to lead the organization’s response through multiple safety and security crises involving the transportation system (e.g. national security threats, COVID pandemic, extreme weather), gaining insights into managing fast-moving emergencies while advising governments and forging strong relationships with security partners, industry operators, and community leaders.
He has extensive experience working with stakeholders in multiple sectors to find creative solutions to complex regulatory and policy challenges. He has had the opportunity to learn from and work intensely with various Indigenous Groups on groundbreaking initiatives to advance reconciliation on issues related to energy, the environment, and transportation.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Saint Francis Xavier University and a Master’s degree in Economics from Queen's University.
ROBERT FONBERG
Board Member
Robert Fonberg has led an extensive career in the public and private sectors. Since 2013, he has acted as an advisor to start-ups and mid to large scale clients on a range of strategic issues across diverse business verticals.
He was a long-serving Deputy Minister in the Government of Canada. First appointed Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet in the Privy Council Office in 2000, he went on to serve as Deputy Minister of International Trade, Associate Secretary at the Treasury Board and, from 2007 to 2013, as Deputy Minister of National Defence. During the most intense operational period for the Canadian Armed Forces since the Korean War, Mr. Fonberg was involved in all aspects of the Department, from deployments of the Canadian Armed Forces to defence policy renewal to international defence relations. In this role, Mr. Fonberg played an essential role in decision management for defence and military procurement, notably on large capital projects.
Mr. Fonberg was the Chair of the Board of Digital Public Square from 2018 to 2022 in addition to having been active in the academic and think-tank community. He is currently Distinguished Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. He was formerly a Fellow with Global Solution Networks, a mentor with the Trudeau Foundation, Chair of the Government of Canada’s Workplace Charitable Campaign, and a member of the Board of Export Development Canada.
Robert Fonberg is trained as an economist. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto and a graduate degree from Queen’s University.
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