Imbleau Appointed CEO of VIA HFR

Martin Imbleau has been appointed CEO of VIA HFR – VIA TGF INC. (CNW Group/VIA HFR)

Montreal Port Authority (MPA) President and CEO Martin Imbleau has been appointed as CEO of VIA HFR – VIA TGF Inc. (VIA HFR), effective Sept. 8, following a national and international search carried out by VIA HFR’s Board of Directors.

Imbleau’s appointment comes as the Government of Canada prepares to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to three bidding teams selected through a competitive process for the High Frequency Rail (HFR) project that will “transform passenger travel in Canada through the creation of a faster, more frequent, accessible, and sustainable rail service from Québec City to Toronto.” The government expects to publish the RFP this fall.

Imbleau has more than 25 years of experience in developing and operating energy transportation systems and major infrastructure projects, including large freight transportation infrastructure.

According to VIA HFR, Imbleau brings “exceptional leadership skills, considerable expertise in delivering large, complex greenfield infrastructure projects and strong operational knowledge of the transportation industry.” He also has robust experience working with domestic and international partners, businesspeople, local, regional, and federal governments, local and Indigenous communities, and a wide spectrum of experts.

In addition to Imbleau’s lengthy experience in energy transportation systems and major infrastructure projects, he is also an active member of his community who will bring “a wide array of knowledge and expertise to this position,” according to Transport Canada. “His experience in the operation and development of transportation infrastructure and his willingness to innovate will also prove invaluable to the HFR project.”

“Martin Imbleau is exactly the right person to lead the development of Canada’s largest transportation project in more than 60 years,” said Robert Prichard, Chair of the Board of Directors, VIA HFR. “Given his knowledge of the partners within the corridor and more specifically in Montreal and its surrounding area, Martin brings valuable experience and perspective to the project. We are very fortunate to bring him on board.”

“I am both thrilled and humbled to have been offered the opportunity to guide this strategic transportation project, which will offer Canadians better and faster passenger rail service between Canada’s two largest cities and to Quebec City and Ottawa. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to move this project forward.”

“The unprecedented nature and scale of the High Frequency Rail project requires a strong corporate leadership team. With his many years of executive-level experience in the transportation sector, I am confident Mr. Imbleau will be successful in leading the transformative and visionary High Frequency Rail project. I wish him all the best of success,” said Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez.

MPA’s Board of Directors is now working to “ensure a smooth transition and to fill the position as quickly as possible.”