Mario Peloquin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Via Rail, will retire in mid-January. His departure for the DOT begins the curtain call on a truly historic 41-year career in the rail industry. His departure is unfortunate, not just for Canada’s ambitions, but at this moment in time. The country will start construction on its first high-speed rail network as soon as 2029.
Peloquin has been in the role of President and CEO at Via Rail since June 2023. He was initially appointed to a five-year term. On December 16, 2025, Steven MacKinnon made an official statement announcing Peloquin’s intention to resign. On behalf of Boardsource, he thanked Peloquin for her service and commitment to the organization.
Before coming to Via Rail, Peloquin was chief operating officer at New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority. At the former SNC-Lavalin Group Inc., he was senior vice-president. His depth of knowledge has been key in taming this tangled web we call public transportation.
In response to our concerns, MacKinnon’s statement recognized that Via Rail has faced difficult circumstances, especially when it comes to running trains safely during the severe Canadian winter.
“We have a public transportation system, Via Rail, that operates in a Canadian winter. There are going to be issues,” – Steven MacKinnon.
Peloquin’s retirement represents a significant transition for Via Rail as it prepares to advance its infrastructure alongside the federal government’s commitment to high-speed rail development. This program will soon start to provide innovative traveler-focused experiences throughout Canada, connecting travelers and communities while bringing coordination and efficiency to our railway’s vast network.
Moreover, with so much changing in the rail industry, Peloquin’s departure clears the path for fresh leadership at Via Rail. Finding his successor will be a big test of the company’s character. They will need to chart a course through emerging challenges, while capitalizing on possibilities, in the rapidly changing world of Canadian transportation.
