News Release
For immediate release
Ottawa, Ontario, May 3, 2018 — The Government of Canada is making investments that will help create good middle-class jobs, promote trade and productivity, and grow the economy. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will make the flow of people and goods faster, simpler and more secure at one of the busiest Canada-U.S. border crossings.
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the appointment of Michael J. Mueller to the Board of Directors of Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA). Mr. Mueller replaces Mr. Craig Rix on the board.
Mr. Mueller has vast experience in financial management and accounting, having led global organizations through complex matters such as restructuring work across industry and government. He also has extensive board experience, notably as the Chairman and Director of the Board of Smart Technologies Inc., and as Director of Hydro One Inc. Mr. Mueller is from Windsor, holds an honours degree in commerce and received an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Windsor.
2018 is a significant year in the life of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. The public-private partnership procurement process will conclude and construction will begin this year.
Quotes:
“As the Gordie Howe International Bridge project advances, it is critical to maintain a strong and diverse Board of Directors with a variety of skills, expertise and knowledge to continue the momentum. I am pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Mueller to the respected group of professionals providing strategic guidance and oversight to WDBA and to one of Canada’s top infrastructure priorities. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Craig Rix for lending his experience and talent to the board over the past few years.”
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada is committed to the successful completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. It will improve connections in the Windsor-Detroit trade corridor and support economic growth by serving as a safe and essential additional crossing option at one of the busiest border crossings between Canada and our most important trading partner, the U.S.
- WDBA is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation that manages the procurement process for the design, build, finance, operation and maintenance of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. WDBA is also responsible for project oversight including the construction and operation of the new crossing.
- WDBA Board members are selected by the Government of Canada through an open, transparent and merit-based process designed to attract highly qualified individuals, while taking into consideration the desire to achieve gender parity and to reflect Canada’s linguistic, cultural, and regional diversity. WDBA’s Board has a balanced representation of women.
- Former WDBA Board member Mr. Craig Rix joined in 2014 as a founding member for a three- year term, and agreed to serve until March 2018 to facilitate the transition of new members joining last November.
Associated Links
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority: /en
Infrastructure Canada and Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/wdba-apwd- eng.html
Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan (PDF Version): http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/site/alt-format/pdf/plan/icp-pic/IC-InvestingInCanadaPlan-ENG.pdf
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Contacts
Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
Brook.Simpson [at] canada.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
media [at] infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
Backgrounder
Michael J. Mueller
Mr. Mueller is a business leader with over 40 years’ of experience in financial management and accounting. He is a former Global leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) Private Company Services/Middle Market Practice and a former member of PwC’s Global Audit Leadership Team and Global Advisory Leadership Team, as well as the Global Markets Council.
Prior to his retirement from PwC in July 2007, Mr. Mueller’s positions with the firm included National Managing Partner for Canada.
He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant, a Certified Insolvency Practitioner, and a Chartered Business Valuator (Retired).
Mr. Mueller’s past business and community involvement includes roles as member, chair and chairman of the Board of Directors for SMART Technologies Inc., member of the Board of Directors of Hydro One Inc., and member of the Board of Directors for the Windsor-Essex Economic Development Commission.
Mr. Mueller is from Windsor, holds an honors degree in commerce and received an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Windsor.
