VIA Rail’s Vision
Yves Desjardins-Siciliano
The future for passenger rail in B.C. and plans for Dedicated Tracks
In 2015, VIA Rail transported 3.8 million passengers Canada-wide, serving over 400 communities, urban centres and small towns alike.
VIA Rail operates several services in B.C. with Vancouver being the starting point of its Canadian train and the location of its heritage Pacific Station.
Yves Desjardins-Siciliano will present his vision for the future of passenger rail in B.C., including the corporation's plans for the Canada 150 celebrations. He will also present VIA Rail's Dedicated Tracks project and its role in the development of services in western Canada.
About the Speaker
Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano joined VIA Rail in 2010 and was appointed President and CEO in May 2014. Prior to his appointment, he was the Corporation's Chief Corporate & Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. A seasoned executive, Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano leads with passion, respect and transparency. He is known for embracing innovation and encouraging creative ideas. A natural communicator, he is in high demand as a keynote speaker at conferences, business events and universities. He prides himself on being an accessible CEO, and values every opportunity to meet and converse with both travellers and employees.
Prior to VIA Rail, Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano held several senior positions in legal, regulatory and government relations, business and corporate development, marketing communications and finance. In Montreal and Toronto, he worked for private and publicly held companies, in the information technology, telecommunications, marketing and entertainment industries. Past President of the Canadian Bar Association, Quebec Division, Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano was also Chief of Staff to the federal Minister of Labour and Minister of State for Transport.
Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano holds a law degree (LL.L.) from l’Université de Montréal and he completed Graduate Studies in Law (GSD) at McGill University. He also has a designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) and is a member of the Barreau du Québec.
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