A new chair and four new board members have been nominated for appointment to the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC).
The proposed board members have been nominated by Cabinet and their appointment is subject to review by the Standing Committee on Government Agencies.
The four are:
- Thomas Laughren (Chair)
- Steven Carmichael
- Ewen Cornick
- Gaéten Malette
- Ila Watson
- Ted Hargreaves (returning member).
A news release from the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines says, "The nominees expertise and experience includes financial management and accounting, organizational restructuring and governance and the transportation sector. The province is committed to transforming the ONTC to ensure sustainable employment, continued economic growth and a strong transportation network in northeastern Ontario."
The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission is an operational enterprise agency of the province providing motor coach, Polar Bear Express, rail freight, and refurbishment services to Northern Ontario.
Proposed board members, if appointed by Order-in-Council, would serve for up to three years, with possible extension.
Bios of the members:
THOMAS LAUGHREN - CHAIR
Tom Laughren, a lifelong resident of Timmins and former mayor serving from 2006 to 2014, brings broad community experience and knowledge of Northern Ontario. Mr. Laughren is currently Director of Corporate Responsibility with Lakeshore Gold. He served with the Gorf Group of Companies in the equipment division since 1980, where he worked with heavy equipment operation, maintenance, rentals and quality assurance. He has been actively involved in his community as executive committee member of the Timmins Economic Development Corporation from 2006 to 2014, and City Councillor for Timmins from 1994 to 2003. Mr. Laughren was a member of the Minister's Advisory Committee on ONTC Transformation from 2013 to 2014.
STEVEN CARMICHAEL
Steven Carmichael, a resident of North Bay and a Chartered Professional Accountant, brings extensive financial management experience and expertise. Mr. Carmichael was the President and CEO of the ONTC from 2004 to 2010. He also held numerous positions within the ONTC, including Vice President of Rail Services from 1998 to 2004, Vice President of Finance and Administration from 1991 to 1998, and Director of Finance from 1987 to 1991.
EWEN CORNICK
Ewen Cornick, a resident of North Bay and former Vice President of Administration Services and International Activities at Canadore College from 1995 to 2012, brings operational property management and financial expertise and knowledge. Mr. Cornick developed long-term partnerships with international institutions and developed annual budgets and business plans for all aspects of the college. He was responsible for long-term capital planning and implementation of projects, and developed restructuring plans to deal with operating deficits.
TED HARGREAVES
Ted Hargreaves, a resident of North Bay and a Chartered Professional Accountant, brings financial management and board experience. Serving as the Chair of the ONTC for the past 11 years, Mr. Hargreaves has played a crucial role in the transformation of the organization. He has recently retired as a partner at the firm BDO Dunwoody LLP. Mr. Hargreaves has been the Treasurer of the North Bay Food Bank and the Terry McCarrow CATSCAN Fund, and has served as a member of the St. Joseph's Villa Foundation - Sudbury. He was the Chair of North Bay General Hospital, Chair of Canadore College, Vice President of the Ontario Council of Regents and member of the Ontario Institute of Chartered Accountants.
GAÉTAN MALETTE
Gaétan Malette, a resident of Timmins and a consultant at Dumas Contracting Ltd., brings asset management and industry knowledge and expertise. With Dumas Contracting, he has held various roles including Director of Aboriginal Relations from 2010 to 2012, Vice President of Asset Management and Marketing from 2008 to 2010, and Director of Corporate Development from 2007 to 2008. Mr. Malette has also worked for Domtar, where he was Vice President of Forest Operations from 2002 to 2007, Vice President of Ontario Sawmills from 1998 to 2002, and Regional Manager of Forestry and Sawmill from 1996 to 1998.
ILA WATSON
Ila Watson, a resident of Sault Ste. Marie, brings strategic planning, risk management and human resources expertise. She has been an executive at the Sault Area Hospital since 2009 and currently holds the position of Vice President of Transformation and Chief Human Resources Officer. Ms. Watson also worked for the Ontario Public Service from 2007 to 2009 as the Director of Enterprise Recruitment for the Ministry of Government Services.
