VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) has received a Silver Parity Certification, in recognition of its efforts and achievements in its strategies, actions and results to promote and support women in their leadership development, career advancement and representation at all levels of the organization. This certification was given to VIA Rail on 11 September, at the Women in Governance Parity Certification gala honouring many other deserving organizations.

“Diversity and gender parity are top priorities for VIA Rail,” said Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We support and take initiatives to get women a seat at all the tables where decisions are made. Among other things, we implemented a diversity and inclusion program to enhance the representation of women at all levels and in non-traditional roles. Much of VIA Rail’s success in its major transformation can be attributed to its gender-equal leadership. The Silver Parity Certification is part of an important step toward achieving parity across the board.”

The Silver Parity Certification is the second honour VIA Rail has received on behalf of Women in Governance. In 2016, Yves Desjardins-Siciliano received an award from the organization in the CEO category for his outstanding acts promoting the advancement of women. We have currently achieved parity within the Board of Directors, which is composed of six women and five men, and among the company officers, with five women and six men. The rest of our organization is on the right track: 31% of managers and 34% of non-managers are women.

(Source: VIA Rail)