Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena has issued the following statement on the appointment of Catherine Holt as the new BC Transit board chair, and Wendal Milne as a new director, beginning in December 2017:

“I am pleased to appoint Catherine Holt as the new chair for BC Transit’s board of directors.

“Ms. Holt is a natural choice for this important role as she has a vast and varied level of knowledge and experience that she has acquired in her impressive career spanning more than three decades.

“As the current CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Holt brings to this position a fundamental knowledge of how good public transit is synonymous with thriving local economies.

“Ms. Holt has a proven track record of leadership in both the public and private sectors. She has done extensive consulting work in public transportation, having worked as the strategic business adviser to the CEO of TransLink, in addition to co-authoring the transformative BC Transit Independent Review in 2012 — a review that has resulted in significant, positive outcomes for BC Transit.

“While much of Ms. Holt’s work has been based in British Columbia, she has also worked for national organizations, and for clients in Alberta and the Yukon, as well as international work focused on public-service improvements in the Middle East and South Africa.

“Indeed, Ms. Holt has a vested interest in public-policy work and a desire to improve public services; all qualities that will make her a dedicated and visionary leader for BC Transit during a period of anticipated expansion.

“I would like to congratulate Ms. Holt on this appointment. I have every confidence that she will excel in her capacity as board chair and will guide BC Transit in a direction that will benefit the people and communities of British Columbia.

“I extend my gratitude to BC Transit’s outgoing chair, Frank Carson, who has served in this role since July 2016.

“The Government of B.C. is committed to making life more affordable for British Columbians and to improving the services that people rely on. Public transit is central to these goals. Ms. Holt will provide a steady hand to help us get there.

“As well, I welcome Wendal Milne as a new director of the board. Mr. Milne comes to this role with years’ worth of experience. Prior to serving as mayor of Sooke, Mr. Milne was an RCMP detachment commander, where — in addition to his investigative duties — he did a lot of work around staff relations to ensure fair and equitable treatment of employees. 

“From 1995 to 2008, Mr. Milne held the position of security, manager of transit operations with BC Transit in Victoria, and eventually moved into the role of director of operations and maintenance, where he was responsible for approximately 550 employees and 250 vehicles. Mr. Milne’s direct experience with transit operations will make him a valuable addition to the board.

“Thank you to Bob De Clark, who has served well as a director on BC Transit’s board since 2002. Mr. De Clark’s long-standing service and dedication is commendable.

“Once again, I’d like to thank Ms. Holt and Mr. Milne for taking on this responsibility, and Mr. Carson and Mr. De Clark for their dedicated work on the board and to the people of B.C.”