Jim Chu, Murray Dinwoodie join TransLink board
Peter Fassbender, minister responsible for TransLink, wants to restore the public's confidence
Jim Chu, former chief constable of the Vancouver Police Department and Murray Dinwoodie, former city manager of Surrey, have been appointed to the TransLink board of directors.
The announcement is Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender's first big move since B.C. Premier Christy Clark gave him responsibility for TransLink, following the failure of the transit referendum in July.
"We must restore public confidence," Fassbender said as he made the board announcement in Kelowna. "A strong transit system is vital."
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"Mr. Chu and and Mr. Dinwoodie have extensive experience, not only at the civic level but at the regional, provincial and national levels as well," he said.
"I am confident their contributions will be invaluable to the board as TransLink works to secure the confidence of the region's taxpayers, both in relation to its fiscal management and its delivery of the transportation systems so important to the region."
'Passionate about transporation'
Chu said he's looking forward to the work.
"I am passionate about transportation and realize just how important a safe and efficient transit system is to healthy, vibrant, growing communities," Chu said in a statement released by the government.
Dinwoodie said he's keen to "chart a path moving forward," in the statement.
"During my years as city manager for the City of Surrey, I gained a deep understanding of the significant role the transportation system plays in the metro region," he said.
"I am eager to use this knowledge, and my experience working across communities, to assist the region, TransLink, and the mayors' council."
The board's responsibilities include appointing the TransLink chair, vice chair and chief executive officer. It also supervises overall management, submits 10-year investment plans to the Mayors' Council and approves operating budgets among other duties.