Tory government taps financial executive to take over Metrolinx board
(The Star Food)

The Progressive Conservative government has selected a veteran financial sector executive as the next chair of Metrolinx.According to an order in council published by the province on Tuesday, Donald Wright will take over as head of the board of the agency, which operates GO Transit and oversees transportation planning for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. His initial appointment is for a one-year term. During a career in the investment industry that has spanned more than 30 years, Wright has held executive positions at several major financial institutions, including stints as president of Merrill Lynch Canada and chief executive officer of TD Securities Inc. He’s also the former board chair of Via Rail. He’s currently the president and chair of the Winnington Capital Group.“It is a privilege to welcome Donald Wright as our new chair,” said Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster in a statement.“It’s great news for our team at Metrolinx that our new chair has such extensive business experience, in addition to his time as chairman of the board of Via Rail. Having a chair who is a distinguished leader in the business world, and also knows the transportation industry, will be an incredible asset to every part of our operation at Metrolinx.”Wright will replace Rob Prichard, who resigned in July after nine years at Metrolinx. Wright’s appointment marks a significant leadership change for Metrolinx, which was created by the province in 2006 and until the Conservatives took power in June had only ever existed under an Ontario Liberal government. The appointment of a figure with such a strong pedigree from the financial sector is in line with the Conservatives’ messaging that they need to tackle what the party has described as “mismanagement” and “waste” at government agencies.Metrolinx has come under fire for its spending practices in recent years. A 2016 report by the Ontario auditor general found th ...