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2025 CUTA Policy Forum
September 17, 2025
Thank you to all speakers, delegates, and attendees for joining us. CUTA’s 2025 Policy Forum brought together some of North America’s leading transit and urban mobility experts to discuss the future of our industry. Maintaining cross-sector dialogue is crucial to keeping transit systems running and ready to adapt to change. As the national voice for the Canadian public transit industry, CUTA proudly hosts this annual event in our nation’s capital to help advance public transit policy, particularly at the federal level.
Venue
Lord Elgin Hotel
Pearson Room
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5K8
Program
- 8:00 am – Breakfast and Opening Welcoming Remarks
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Dave Reage
Executive Director, Strategic Infrastructure and Transportation Planning, Halifax Regional Municipality -
Councillor Glen Gower
Councillor – Ward 6 Stittsville, City of Ottawa
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Dave Reage
- 9:00 am – Keynote: Funding the Future of Canadian Transit
-
Mayor Linda Buchanan
Mayor of the City of North Vancouver -
Karl Bélanger
Founding President of Traxxion Strategies
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Mayor Linda Buchanan
- 9:15 am – Panel Discussion: Funding the Future of Canadian Transit
-
Mayor Nathan Pachal
Mayor of the City of Langley -
Maureen Cosyn-Heath
City of Mississauga, Director of Transit (MiWay) -
Éric Alan Caldwell
Chair of the Board of Directors, Société de transport de Montréal -
Joe Mihevc
Vice-Chair, Toronto Transit Commission
-
Mayor Nathan Pachal
- 10:00 am – Break
- 10:20 am – Fireside Chat: Public Transit as Nation-building Infrastructure
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Andrew Hope
Chief Capital Officer (Rapid Transit), Metrolinx -
Marco D’Angelo
President & CEO, Canadian Urban Transit Association
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Andrew Hope
- 11:05 am – Presentation and Q&A: Driving the Economy through Transit Investment
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Dr. Eric J. Miller
University of Toronto, Professor, Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering
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Dr. Eric J. Miller
- 11:20 am – Panel: Driving the Economy through Transit Investment
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Dr. Steven Farber
Professor of Human Geography at the University of Toronto Scarborough -
Michael McDaniel
Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) President and General Manager -
Nicolas Letendre
Letenda CEO & Founder -
Ian Hodkinson
Alstom, Technical and Business Development Director, Transit Systems -
Kirsten Watson
AECOM, VP Government Relations & Transit Market Sector Leader
-
Dr. Steven Farber
- 12:15 pm – Lunch
- 1:30 pm – Remarks from elected officials
- 2:00 pm – Presentations and Q&A on Housing and Transit Policy Intersections
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Francis Garnier
Conseiller aux affaires publiques, Vivre en Ville
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Francis Garnier
- 2:10 pm – Presentations on Housing is on the Line
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David Cooper
Leading Mobility Consulting
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David Cooper
- 2:20 pm – Presentations on Transit Oriented Communities
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Kathryn Exon Smith
Senior Research Officer at the School of Cities, University of Toronto
-
Kathryn Exon Smith
- 2:30 pm – Q&A on Presentations.
- 2:45 pm – Closing Remarks
-
Marco D’Angelo
President & CEO, Canadian Urban Transit Association
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Marco D’Angelo
- 3:00 pm – End
Speakers
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Ian Hodkinson, Alstom
Technical and Business Development Director, Transit Systems
As Technical and Business Development Director, Transit Systems, Ian is involved in understanding authorities’ transit planning needs, and helping them achieve those objectives through selection of the best technological solutions for mass transit. Ian is involved in business development opportunities and turnkey contracts of all kinds, whether light rail, hybrid, hydrogen and battery propulsion systems or high speed. Over the past few years, he has held various important roles within complex systems engineering projects, as well as in numerous public-private partnerships. Ian holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from McGill University and has more than 20 years of varied experience in the rail industry with Alstom Transportation.
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Dave Reage. Halifax Regional Municipality
Executive Director, Strategic Infrastructure and Transportation Planning
Dave Reage’s career in the planning and transportation industry has spanned over 20 years. He has recently taken on the new role of Executive Director, Strategic Infrastructure and Transportation Planning, where he leads the team that will improve the integration and expediency of strategic planning, focused on infrastructure and transportation, within the growing Halifax region.
Prior to taking on this role, he worked with Halifax Transit for 18 years. During this time he worked his way through the ranks of the organization, ultimately serving as its Executive Director for nine years. In this role he was responsible for the overall provision of transit services in the Halifax region, delivered through more than 1,000 staff, 400 buses and five harbour ferries.
Over the course of his career, Dave has worked in both the private and public sector, primarily in Transportation Planning, Public Transit, and Project Management. He has had the opportunity to lead initiatives that have resulted in significant transit service and infrastructure improvements in Halifax and beyond.
Dave has also made significant contributions to the transit industry nationally, currently serving as Chair of the Canadian Urban Transit Association. He is also one of HRM’s appointees to the Technical Advisory Board for Link Nova Scotia.
Dave holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Urban and Rural Planning Degree from Dalhousie University. He is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Licensed Professional Planner in the province of Nova Scotia.
In November 2022, Dave was honoured to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his public service and leadership in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to taking on this role, he worked with Halifax Transit for 18 years. During this time he worked his way through the ranks of the organization, ultimately serving as its Executive Director for nine years. In this role he was responsible for the overall provision of transit services in the Halifax region, delivered through more than 1,000 staff, 400 buses and five harbour ferries.
Over the course of his career, Dave has worked in both the private and public sector, primarily in Transportation Planning, Public Transit, and Project Management. He has had the opportunity to lead initiatives that have resulted in significant transit service and infrastructure improvements in Halifax and beyond.
Dave has also made significant contributions to the transit industry nationally, currently serving as Chair of the Canadian Urban Transit Association. He is also one of HRM’s appointees to the Technical Advisory Board for Link Nova Scotia.
Dave holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Urban and Rural Planning Degree from Dalhousie University. He is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Licensed Professional Planner in the province of Nova Scotia.
In November 2022, Dave was honoured to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his public service and leadership in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Mayor Linda Buchanan
Mayor of the City of North Vancouver
Linda Buchanan is serving her second term as Mayor of the City of North Vancouver. Prior to being elected Mayor, Linda was a public health nurse for 30 years, working with children and families. She also served two terms as a City Councillor and a term as a School Board Trustee.
Her goal is to build an inclusive and healthy community for all people. By focusing on shared prosperity, mobility, sustainability, vibrancy, and people-friendly places, Linda aims to improve livability across the City. Linda has championed making the City of North Vancouver ‘the Healthiest Small City in the World’ and has put the health and wellbeing of residents at the heart of her decision-making.
Born and raised in the City, Linda knows this community well and raised her own four children here with her husband Kevin. A proud hockey mom, Linda believes in the power of sport and recreation. She loves the City’s amazing local art and jazz music scene, and can often be found riding her bike on the Spirit Trail. Linda holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Nursing from the University of British Columbia and in 2019 she received the Centenary Medal of Distinction for her achievements in nursing.
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Joe Mihevc, Toronto Transit Commission
Vice-Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission
Joe’s educational background includes an MA and PhD in theology. Prior to holding elected office, Joe held a variety of teaching positions at the University of Toronto and the Toronto School of Theology teaching in the areas of social ethics, Holocaust Studies, Canadian Mennonite history, environmental ethics, and literature and theology.
Joe’s deep concern for urban issues and community-building led him to be an advocate for strong neighbourhoods, affordable housing, healthy communities, a clean environment, and safe streets. He has served in a variety of capacities that have allowed him to demonstrate his commitment to democratic, accessible and responsible government.
He served as a City Councillor in the midtown area for 28 years from 1991-2018. In 2022 he was also appointed as Councillor for Spadina-Fort York, filling a vacancy.
As Chair of the Board of Health from 2000-2003 and 2013-2018, and 2022, Joe led many initiatives to help improve health and safety across the city. His accomplishments include championing the city’s Student Nutrition Program, the implementation of the Green-Yellow-Red restaurant disclosure system, the restaurant smoking by-law, the adoption of a pesticide by-law, the investment in control measures to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus, and the management of the SARS outbreak. He has returned to chair the Board of Health in 2022 helping to manage the tail end of the COVID pandemic.
As Vice-Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) from 2003-2010, Joe worked on key projects to improve public transit in Toronto, including leading the charge to replace the aging fleet of streetcars with new, modern Light Rail Vehicles, and the installation of the St Clair right of way light rail project.
Joe is a past member of the city’s Budget Committee and has chaired the Community Services Committee, the Roundtable on Access and Equity and Human Rights, the Disability Issues Committee and the Ethics Steering Committee. He is a recipient of a Bob Marley Award recognizing commitment to diversity, and the 2011 African Canadian Achievement Award for his long-time work with the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto, and has received the keys to the City of Soyapango, El Salvador, for his work on public health capacity building initiatives in that city.
Since 2018, Joe has been a visiting professor in urban studies at York University and University of Toronto Scarborough. He has also provided consulting and mediation services through Mihevc Consulting and Mediation Ltd.
Joe’s most recent city-related committee and board appointments include being vice-chair of the Toronto Transit Commission. He also works with Toronto Shelter and Support Services in community engagement to help locate new shelters for unhoused individuals in the city.
Joe Mihevc continues an active portfolio of pro bono community work with a number of community-based organizations including: Board member of FCJ house (a refugee serving agency), and volunteer with Hillcrest Village Players (a local community theatre group).
Joe’s deep concern for urban issues and community-building led him to be an advocate for strong neighbourhoods, affordable housing, healthy communities, a clean environment, and safe streets. He has served in a variety of capacities that have allowed him to demonstrate his commitment to democratic, accessible and responsible government.
He served as a City Councillor in the midtown area for 28 years from 1991-2018. In 2022 he was also appointed as Councillor for Spadina-Fort York, filling a vacancy.
As Chair of the Board of Health from 2000-2003 and 2013-2018, and 2022, Joe led many initiatives to help improve health and safety across the city. His accomplishments include championing the city’s Student Nutrition Program, the implementation of the Green-Yellow-Red restaurant disclosure system, the restaurant smoking by-law, the adoption of a pesticide by-law, the investment in control measures to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus, and the management of the SARS outbreak. He has returned to chair the Board of Health in 2022 helping to manage the tail end of the COVID pandemic.
As Vice-Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) from 2003-2010, Joe worked on key projects to improve public transit in Toronto, including leading the charge to replace the aging fleet of streetcars with new, modern Light Rail Vehicles, and the installation of the St Clair right of way light rail project.
Joe is a past member of the city’s Budget Committee and has chaired the Community Services Committee, the Roundtable on Access and Equity and Human Rights, the Disability Issues Committee and the Ethics Steering Committee. He is a recipient of a Bob Marley Award recognizing commitment to diversity, and the 2011 African Canadian Achievement Award for his long-time work with the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto, and has received the keys to the City of Soyapango, El Salvador, for his work on public health capacity building initiatives in that city.
Since 2018, Joe has been a visiting professor in urban studies at York University and University of Toronto Scarborough. He has also provided consulting and mediation services through Mihevc Consulting and Mediation Ltd.
Joe’s most recent city-related committee and board appointments include being vice-chair of the Toronto Transit Commission. He also works with Toronto Shelter and Support Services in community engagement to help locate new shelters for unhoused individuals in the city.
Joe Mihevc continues an active portfolio of pro bono community work with a number of community-based organizations including: Board member of FCJ house (a refugee serving agency), and volunteer with Hillcrest Village Players (a local community theatre group).
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Andrew Hope
Chief Capital Officer (Rapid Transit), Metrolinx
Andrew Hope is the Chief Capital Officer (Rapid Transit) for Metrolinx. In this role, Andrew leads the portion of the Capital Projects Group responsible for a globally significant program of subway and light rail transit (LRT) projects. This integrated team brings together hundreds of skilled Metrolinx employees with partners from the private sector with a shared focus on delivering complex projects safely, on time and on budget. His portfolio comprises of region-changing megaprojects like the Ontario Line, extensions of the Toronto subway network with the Yonge North Subway Extension and the Scarborough Subway Extension projects, Toronto LRT projects with the Finch West LRT, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT – and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, and new LRTs in Hamilton, and along Hurontario Street in Mississauga and Brampton.
Andrew has a variety of public sector leadership experience, managing multi-stakeholder transit construction and delivery initiatives across multiple levels of government. Andrew most recently joined Metrolinx in 2015 and has held leadership positions focusing on specific elements of his current portfolio, including overseeing the implementation of the four provincial priority projects, the delivery of light rail and bus rapid transit projects, and managing the Finch West LRT and Hamilton LRT projects, respectively. Previously, Andrew filled a number of senior infrastructure policy and delivery roles with both the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada, including positions in the Cabinet Office, Pan/Parapan Am Games infrastructure delivery, and Transport Canada.
Andrew has an Honours Degree in Geography from the University of Waterloo as well as a Master of Science in Planning from the University of Toronto.
Andrew has a variety of public sector leadership experience, managing multi-stakeholder transit construction and delivery initiatives across multiple levels of government. Andrew most recently joined Metrolinx in 2015 and has held leadership positions focusing on specific elements of his current portfolio, including overseeing the implementation of the four provincial priority projects, the delivery of light rail and bus rapid transit projects, and managing the Finch West LRT and Hamilton LRT projects, respectively. Previously, Andrew filled a number of senior infrastructure policy and delivery roles with both the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada, including positions in the Cabinet Office, Pan/Parapan Am Games infrastructure delivery, and Transport Canada.
Andrew has an Honours Degree in Geography from the University of Waterloo as well as a Master of Science in Planning from the University of Toronto.
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Kathryn Exon Smith, University of Toronto
Senior Research Officer at the School of Cities, University of Toronto
Kathryn Exon Smith is Senior Research Officer at the School of Cities, University of Toronto, where she focuses on research and partnership engagement in infrastructure, transit-oriented communities, and equitable development. She has worked with a variety of organizations in Canada and the United States in urban planning policy, curriculum design, and non-profit leadership and governance, helping to bridge the gap between research and practice. Kathryn holds degrees from the University of Toronto and the University of California, Berkeley, where her research centred on transportation, infrastructure, and economic development.
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Kirsten Watson, AECOM
VP Government Relations & Transit Market Sector Leader
At AECOM, Kirsten leads growth and strategic initiatives for AECOM’s transportation business across Canda and supports the global transit market growth agenda. She works closely with clients, partners and across AECOM to help plan, solve and deliver on the transportation projects that move people and goods to build connected communities. Prior to joining AECOM, Kirsten held the position of Deputy CEO at the Toronto Transit Commission. In her nearly 19 years at the TTC, Kirsten held numerous leadership roles in subway and bus operations, customer experience, human resources, and employee relations. She was a key member of the leadership team responsible for the installation of Automatic Train Control on Line 1, the implementation of the King Street streetcar right of way, and planning operations for the significant expansion of subway and light rail transit lines across the transit network. Previously, Kirsten worked as a labour and employment lawyer with a Toronto law firm and led dispute resolution activities at the Ontario Ministry of Labour. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor. Kirsten is on the boards of OPTA and CUTA and is co-chair of the Future of Infrastructure Group (FIG). She is a long-term member of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS), Greater Toronto Area chapter, where she is currently serving as Past-President.
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David Cooper
Leading Mobility Consulting
David Cooper has contributed to numerous transformative transportation initiatives across Canada. David is the principal and founder of Leading Mobility Consulting. David has worked on complex and innovative transit projects across Canada ranging from transit feasibility studies for communities exploring public transit to the development and construction of rapid transit projects in Canada’s largest cities.
Through his consultancy David has worked on a series of national reports and strategies including authoring the Canadian Urban Transit Association’s COVID-19 National Recovery Strategy, a foundational plan which has helped to obtain emergency operational funding to maintain transit service, the first national study on women’s travel patterns on public transit and the recent “Housing is on the Line”, a policy report on the nexus of housing supply and public transit.
David firmly believes in supporting and facilitating success for new community builders. Through his work teaching as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Calgary, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, he instructs future planners on transportation policy, planning processes and public consultation.
David’s contributions to city building and transportation have been nationally recognized. He was the recipient of the ‘President’s Award for Young Planner of the Year’ granted by the Canadian Institute of Planners, the ‘Individual Leadership Award’ from the Canadian Urban Transit Association, and received Mass Transit’s ‘Top 40 Under 40 Award’ in North America.
Through his consultancy David has worked on a series of national reports and strategies including authoring the Canadian Urban Transit Association’s COVID-19 National Recovery Strategy, a foundational plan which has helped to obtain emergency operational funding to maintain transit service, the first national study on women’s travel patterns on public transit and the recent “Housing is on the Line”, a policy report on the nexus of housing supply and public transit.
David firmly believes in supporting and facilitating success for new community builders. Through his work teaching as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Calgary, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, he instructs future planners on transportation policy, planning processes and public consultation.
David’s contributions to city building and transportation have been nationally recognized. He was the recipient of the ‘President’s Award for Young Planner of the Year’ granted by the Canadian Institute of Planners, the ‘Individual Leadership Award’ from the Canadian Urban Transit Association, and received Mass Transit’s ‘Top 40 Under 40 Award’ in North America.
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Dr. Steven Farber, University of Toronto Scarborough
Professor of Human Geography at the University of Toronto Scarborough
Dr. Steven Farber is a Professor of Human Geography at the University of Toronto Scarborough, where he specializes in transport planning, social inclusion, and spatial analysis. As the Project Director of Mobilizing Justice, he leads a national initiative addressing transportation inequities in Canadian cities through intersectoral research and knowledge mobilization. This project aims to enhance accessibility and address participation challenges for equity-deserving communities, while developing innovative tools for more equitable transportation outcomes. Steven also serves as the Director of the Mobility Network at the School of Cities, where he leads strategic initiatives in the transportation sector on behalf of the University of Toronto. His research contributions focus on understanding the impact of transit accessibility on activity participation, time use, and social inclusion. He employs spatial analysis, survey analysis, and mixed methods to advance his work. Steven is dedicated to integrating his research findings into practical solutions and policy recommendations and is a regular advisor to agencies at all three orders of Canadian government.
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Dr. Eric J. Miller, University of Toronto
Professor, Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto
Dr. Eric J. Miller, Professor, Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto is Director of UofT’s Travel Modelling Group and Data Management Group, and past Director of Mobility Network. Primary research areas include advanced agent-based modeling of activity and travel for operational planning use and integrated transportation – land use modeling for sustainable urban design. He has chaired or been a member of over 50 urban or intercity modeling peer review panels, and has international demand modeling experience in Australia, Egypt, India and Latin America. He is a past Chair of the US Transportation Research Board Travel Behavior & Values Committee, as well as past Chair of the International Association for Travel Behaviour Research and winner of its 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. He also is the inaugural winner of the University of British Columbia Margolese National Design for Living Award (2012), He is co-author of the textbook Urban Transportation Planning: A Decision-Oriented Approach, currently in its third edition.
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Nicolas Letendre, Letenda
CEO & Founder
Nicolas Letendre is an engineer with over 15 years of experience in the vehicle manufacturing industry. Driven by a passion for innovation, sustainability and collaboration, he founded Letenda, a company that markets a new generation of mid-size electric city buses designed to meet customer needs.
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Michael McDaniel, Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC)
President and General Manager
Michael McDaniel is the President and General Manager of Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC), the largest operating company in the TransLink enterprise. He joined CMBC in 2018 as President and General Manager following three years on the CMBC Board of Directors of which he served two years as Chair.
Prior to joining CMBC, Michael was President and CEO of the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) for fifteen years and was responsible for its overall operation, including community and government relations. During his tenure, Michael led the PNE through its transition from provincial ownership to the City of Vancouver.
Michael also has previous experience in the hospitality, tourism, and entertainment industry for companies both locally and in the United States, and has spent time as a contract consultant, providing expertise in corporate and management development.
Michael sits on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) as First Vice Chair as well as Invest Vancouver, a standing committee of the Metro Vancouver Regional District Board.
Michael holds a designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), representing a commitment to excellence in the boardroom.
In 2005, he was recognized as one of Vancouver’s “Top 40 under 40” by Business in Vancouver.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business.
Prior to joining CMBC, Michael was President and CEO of the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) for fifteen years and was responsible for its overall operation, including community and government relations. During his tenure, Michael led the PNE through its transition from provincial ownership to the City of Vancouver.
Michael also has previous experience in the hospitality, tourism, and entertainment industry for companies both locally and in the United States, and has spent time as a contract consultant, providing expertise in corporate and management development.
Michael sits on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) as First Vice Chair as well as Invest Vancouver, a standing committee of the Metro Vancouver Regional District Board.
Michael holds a designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), representing a commitment to excellence in the boardroom.
In 2005, he was recognized as one of Vancouver’s “Top 40 under 40” by Business in Vancouver.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business.
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Éric Alan Caldwell, Société de transport de Montréal
Chair of the Board of Directors
Éric Alan Caldwell has been the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) since November 2021. He had been on the Board of Directors since June of that year. Mr. Caldwell has also been the city councillor of the Hochelaga district for the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough since 2013.
An engaged citizen and proud resident of Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Mr. Caldwell quickly became involved in issues related to the redesign of large urban spaces in Montréal, development of mixed-use neighbourhoods and improvement of public and active transportation services.
Mr. Caldwell strongly believes that public transit is a key element in fighting climate change, creating living environments on a human scale and tackling solo driving, urban sprawl and traffic congestion. He wants to make public transit a powerful lever for inclusion that allows people to grow, get around and contribute to society.
As Chair of the Board of Directors, he will lead the STM on a new journey to ensure that it continues to meet customers’ current and future expectations. Mr. Caldwell is committed to working with the STM’s existing management team and experienced employees to tackle challenges arising from the pandemic, including changes in customer expectations, telework, funding issues and asset maintenance required to maintain and improve the service offering.
Mr. Caldwell also wishes to initiate internal change to turn over a new leaf and adapt to this new reality. He intends to work with the management team to implement the winning conditions that will allow the STM to succeed in this key time in history and ensure the future of public transit in Montréal.
With degrees from UQAM in economics and screenwriting, Éric Alan Caldwell was the chair of the Urban Planning Advisory Committee of his borough and served on the Commission sur le développement économique et urbain et l’habitation and the Commission sur l’inspecteur général.
An engaged citizen and proud resident of Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Mr. Caldwell quickly became involved in issues related to the redesign of large urban spaces in Montréal, development of mixed-use neighbourhoods and improvement of public and active transportation services.
Mr. Caldwell strongly believes that public transit is a key element in fighting climate change, creating living environments on a human scale and tackling solo driving, urban sprawl and traffic congestion. He wants to make public transit a powerful lever for inclusion that allows people to grow, get around and contribute to society.
As Chair of the Board of Directors, he will lead the STM on a new journey to ensure that it continues to meet customers’ current and future expectations. Mr. Caldwell is committed to working with the STM’s existing management team and experienced employees to tackle challenges arising from the pandemic, including changes in customer expectations, telework, funding issues and asset maintenance required to maintain and improve the service offering.
Mr. Caldwell also wishes to initiate internal change to turn over a new leaf and adapt to this new reality. He intends to work with the management team to implement the winning conditions that will allow the STM to succeed in this key time in history and ensure the future of public transit in Montréal.
With degrees from UQAM in economics and screenwriting, Éric Alan Caldwell was the chair of the Urban Planning Advisory Committee of his borough and served on the Commission sur le développement économique et urbain et l’habitation and the Commission sur l’inspecteur général.
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Mayor Nathan Pachal
Mayor of the City of Langley
Whether by collaborating with other members of Council, with various community groups, within the region, and with the province, Nathan has worked hard to bring forward awareness around intersecting components of affordable, sustainable, healthy, happy, and accessible community design.
He believes we need a diverse transportation system that allows people to take transit, cycle, walk, or drive throughout the entire region. He co-authored a report “Leap Ahead: A transit plan for Metro Vancouver” to bring awareness to the importance of accessible transit networks.
In 2010, he completed the SFU & City of Surrey Transportation Lecture Program and presented on “Complete Streets”. He was a delegate for the CUTA Youth Summit in Vancouver back in 2011.
Nathan was first elected to Council in a 2016 by-election and elected Mayor in 2022.
He believes we need a diverse transportation system that allows people to take transit, cycle, walk, or drive throughout the entire region. He co-authored a report “Leap Ahead: A transit plan for Metro Vancouver” to bring awareness to the importance of accessible transit networks.
In 2010, he completed the SFU & City of Surrey Transportation Lecture Program and presented on “Complete Streets”. He was a delegate for the CUTA Youth Summit in Vancouver back in 2011.
Nathan was first elected to Council in a 2016 by-election and elected Mayor in 2022.
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Francis Garnier, Vivre en Ville
Conseiller aux affaires publiques
Francis holds a master’s degree in urban planning (UdeM) and a bachelor’s degree in architecture (McGill), and is a candidate for membership in the Ordre des urbanistes du Québec. He specializes in public transportation financing and governance, including data analysis for the Alliance TRANSIT. He analyzes budgets and policies and contributes to various sustainable mobility issues, such as the creation of an individual mobility cost calculator and the promotion of integrated transportation and land use planning.
Before joining the Vivre en Ville team in 2023, Francis was an analyst and graphic designer for the production of statistical profiles of the housing market. During his studies, he researched the governance and financing of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) by comparing it to public-private partnerships (P3s). A passionate advocate for sustainable mobility and ecofiscality, he works with a focus on territorial equity and long-term resilience.
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Counsillor Glen Gower, City of Ottawa
Councillor – Ward 6 Stittsville
Glen Gower was elected as a City Councillor for the City of Ottawa in 2018, and re-elected in 2022. He currently serves on a number of city committees and community boards, including as Chair of the Transit Committee, Vice-Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee, and a member of the Transit Long Range Financial Plan Working Group. Volunteering and public service has been an important part of Glen’s life for as long as he can remember, and continues to be a focus in his role as City Councillor. He is also an avid transit user and a champion for active transportation.
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Karl Bélanger, Traxxion Strategies
Founding President of Traxxion Strategies
Founding President of Traxxion Strategies, Karl Bélanger worked for almost 20 years on Parliament Hill as a Senior Communications Advisor. During his political career, Karl served four successive NDP leaders, notably as senior press secretary for Jack Layton and principal secretary for Thomas Mulcair.
After serving as National Director of the NDP in 2016, Karl retired from politics to become a consultant in strategic communications and media relations.
A sought-after political commentator and analyst, Karl can be heard daily on Cogeco’s 104.7 FM in the national capital region. He also appears weekly on CTV’s Power Play, on Radio-Canada’s L’agenda and on CFRA in Ottawa. He is a regular collaborator of L’Actualité and publishes a column for Loonie Politics.
After serving as National Director of the NDP in 2016, Karl retired from politics to become a consultant in strategic communications and media relations.
A sought-after political commentator and analyst, Karl can be heard daily on Cogeco’s 104.7 FM in the national capital region. He also appears weekly on CTV’s Power Play, on Radio-Canada’s L’agenda and on CFRA in Ottawa. He is a regular collaborator of L’Actualité and publishes a column for Loonie Politics.