(Via Rail issued the following on October 6, 2009.)
OTTAWA, Ontario — Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird and the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), today announced the reappointment of Mr. Donald A. Wright as chairman of VIA Rail Canada Inc.’s board of directors for a term of one year, effective October 30, 2009.
“I am very pleased that Mr. Wright has agreed to continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors of VIA Rail Canada Inc.,” said Baird. “His experience in finance, business and on the board of directors is a significant asset to VIA Rail.”
“Over the past three years, Mr. Wright has consistently given his time and effort in service to VIA Rail,” said Minister Merrifield. “I am delighted that Mr. Wright has agreed to continue in his role. His extensive business expertise will once again benefit the board.”
Mr. Wright is currently chairman of the board of directors of Fralex Therapeutics Inc., as well as chairman of the board of trustees of Richards Packaging Income Fund and a member of the board of Saxon Energy Services Inc. He is also a member of various other boards of directors such as Black Bull Resources Inc., GMP Capital Trust and DHX Limited.
Mr. Wright has been a private and public equity investor since 2002. His career has spanned over 30 years in the investment industry, from being senior vice president of Warburg, Paribas, Becker in New York to managing director, International Fixed Income, of Merrill Lynch in London, England, and to chairman and chief executive officer, TD Securities and International Wealth Management, of TD Bank Financial Group. Mr. Wright holds a bachelor of commerce from Sir George Williams University, now known as Concordia University in Montreal.
VIA Rail Canada Inc., a Crown corporation, was created in 1977 and operates Canada’s national passenger rail service. The board of directors is responsible for overseeing the business activities and other affairs of the corporation.