Appointments to the International Authority and the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

OTTAWA, Nov. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, announced the appointment of Mr. Craig S. Rix to the board of directors of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) for a term of three years. MP Watson also welcomed the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority's announcement of Mr. Eddie Francis' appointment to the International Authority that will oversee the construction of the new publicly-owned bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan.

Mr. Rix is a partner with the law firm Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and, through his legal practice, has significant experience in human resources law and advocacy, strategic planning, governance and public policy. He holds a Bachelor's degree in political science and a Master's degree in public policy/public administration, both from McMaster University. He received his law degree from the University of Windsor and was subsequently called to the Bar in 1995. Mr. Rix has been active in a number of professional and community organizations including the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers.

The appointment of Mr. Francis, Mayor of the City of Windsor since November 2003, will take effect December 1, 2014. Before his election, Mr. Francis ran a successful small family business, the Royal Pita Baking Company, with his brothers. He was awarded the Windsor Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Mr. Francis holds a combined undergraduate degree in chemistry and biochemistry from the University of Western Ontario and a law degree from the University of Windsor Law School.

Quick Facts

• The WDBA is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown Corporation that will manage the procurement process for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the new bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. The WDBA is also responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new crossing and, as the operator of the new bridge, it will set and collect all tolls.
• The International Authority is a joint Canada-Michigan governance entity established to oversee and approve key steps in the public-private partnership (P3) procurement process for the new Windsor-Detroit bridge crossing. It is also responsible for monitoring compliance of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) with the Crossing Agreement signed by Canada and Michigan.
• The International Authority consists of six members with equal representation from Canada and Michigan. Two members have been appointed by Canada, one by the WDBA and three by Michigan. The appointment terms for members of the International Authority will last until one year after the bridge opening.

Quotes

"I commend the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority for its excellent choice in appointing Mr. Eddie Francis to the International Authority. As long-time City of Windsor Mayor, Mr. Francis has been a key player on this file since the beginning. His experience and knowledge, combined with the public policy and governance expertise of Mr.Rix, ensure that the two authorities are well prepared to continue working toward the building of this vital, job-creating infrastructure project that is the future new bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan."
Jeff Watson
Member of Parliament, Essex

"I am pleased that Mr Francis has agreed to serve on the International Authority as the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority's representative. Mr. Francis is keenly aware of the issues and challenges that face the community. I also warmly welcome Mr. Rix to the board of directors of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.  Their experience will greatly benefit the WDBA and International Authority as they build the new bridge."
Mark McQueen
Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

Associated Link

• Appointments to the International Authority and the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority – July 30, 2014

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SOURCE: Transport Canada

Ashley Kelahear, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700