Tamara Vrooman has been appointed as the new chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB).
“Tamara is an excellent choice for chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank. She brings a strong financial and infrastructure background, and important leadership skills to the role. Tamara is the CEO of the Vancouver International Airport, led Canada’s largest community credit union through the 2008 financial crisis, and served as B.C.’s Deputy Minister of Finance where she steered the Ministry’s $36 billion fiscal plan, resulting in three AAA credit rating upgrades. She has the right background and experience, and she knows how to get things done,” said Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
Vrooman is one of Canada’s most respected executives. She brings to the CIB a wealth of experience in forming partnerships with domestic and global institutional investors on revenue-generating projects and engaging with public sector stakeholders.
“We have a vitally important job to do in fostering economic growth in Canada, at an especially critical time, through attracting and leveraging private investment for critical infrastructure projects,” said Vrooman.
The board of directors is responsible for governance and oversight of the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Vrooman will work with board CEO Ehren Corey, who was appointed in October 2020, as the CIB continues to deliver on the three-year, $10-billion Growth Plan.
The Growth Plan is focused on investing in projects in five key sectors, including transit, green infrastructure, clean power, broadband and trade and transportation. Vrooman replaces former CIB chairperson Michael Sabia, who was appointed Deputy Minister of Finance by the Prime Minister in December 2020.
“I’ve had the privilege of working directly with Tamara when she was co-chair of the 2018 Panel on Climate, advising myself and the Finance Minister. Tamara clearly understands the critical role of infrastructure in building our country, growing our economy, creating jobs and attracting investment and tackling climate change,” said Minister McKenna.
