Issue 4 • November-December 2007

The OMTF Welcomes Our New Executive

The OMTF is delighted to announce the appointment of our new executive, with Keith Robson as incoming President, Tim Heney as incoming Secretary/Treasurer, and Michel Drolet as incoming Vice-President.

Keith Robson was appointed President and CEO at the Hamilton Port Authority, which manages the port operations and recreational uses of Hamilton Harbour, in 2002. He is also a member of the Education Committee of the Institute of Corporate Directors and a Board member of Friends of HMCS Haida. In 2005, Keith completed his ICD certification as a Corporate Director and also became Chairman of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, as well as serving on several industry-related organizations including the executive of the Southern Ontario Gateway Council, a director of the Board of the Association of American Port Authorities, the CEO’s council of the Green Marine program and Chair of the Advisory Board of the newly established McMaster Institute for Transportation and Logistics. In 2006, the University of Aston in England recognized Keith’s career achievements in honouring him as a Fellow of the Aston Business School.

Tim Heney was named the Chief Executive Officer of the Thunder Bay Port Authority in 2005. A Chartered Accountant, Tim has worked with Clarkson & Gordon in Thunder Bay, and Great Lakes Forestry Centre. During 2007, Tim became a member of the Steering Committee for the St. Lawrence Great Lakes Corridor initiative as well as a member of the Ontario Marine Transportation Advisory Panel. He is also a member of the Ontario-Quebec Continental Gateway and Trade Corridor strategy initiative and a recently appointed Director of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities.

Michel Drolet, a former member of the Regular Forces, has been Vice President of The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, Niagara Region, since 2000.  Michel has extensive marine expertise having worked with The St. Lawrence Seaway for over 25 years.  Michel is currently a member of the Southern Ontario Gateway Council.  Michel is representing The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation as one of the founding members of the OMTF.

Congratulations to Keith, Tim and Michel.

The OMTF wants to thank Wayne Smith for his exemplary leadership and numerous accomplishments for seaway transportation throughout his tenure as the inaugural President and CEO of the OMTF.

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The OMTF Extends Warm Wishes to Jim Bradley, Ontario’s New Minister of Transportation

On Tuesday, October 30th Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced his new cabinet at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Jim Bradley was sworn in as the new Minister of Transportation, while Donna Cansfield, the former Minister of Transportation, was assigned to the Natural Resources portfolio.

Minister Bradley brings forth extensive experience in politics. He was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1977 and has been re-elected eight consecutive times. He has served as Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for Seniors and Government House Leader. Additionally, he served as Minister of the Environment from 1985 to 1990 and as interim leader of the Ontario Liberal Party from November 1991 to April 1992.

The OMTF wishes Minister Bradley every success in his new role and looks forward to working with him in the coming years. The OMTF also extends its sincere gratitude to Minister Cansfield for her strong leadership in helping to bring much needed attention to Ontario’s marine sector. We are forever grateful for her efforts. Moving forward, we are confident that Natural Resources will continue to play a key role in the marine industry, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the minister.

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Founding Members of the Forum include; The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, Windsor Port Authority, Seaway Marine Transport, Hamilton Port Authority, Thunder Bay Port Authority, Toronto Port Authority, Federal Marine Terminals, McKeil Marine Limited and Canada Steamship Lines.