Canada's national passenger rail service is set for a significant leadership transition in the new year. Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez confirmed on December 16, 2025, that Mario Péloquin will resign from his roles as President and Chief Executive Officer of Via Rail Canada in January 2026.
A Leadership Transition for Canada's Passenger Rail
The announcement marks the end of Péloquin's tenure at the helm of the Crown corporation responsible for intercity passenger rail service across the country. The minister's statement did not specify an exact date in January for the departure or provide immediate details regarding an interim or permanent successor.
Péloquin's leadership period included notable milestones for the historic rail service. As recently as July 2025, he was prominently involved in celebrations marking 120 years of continuous service for 'The Ocean' route, which runs between Montreal and Halifax. That event, held in Halifax, highlighted the train's status as the oldest named passenger train in Canada.
Context and What Comes Next
The news of the impending resignation comes at a time when Via Rail continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery, ongoing infrastructure challenges, and public discussions about the future of sustainable transportation in Canada. The corporation plays a critical role in connecting communities, particularly in the corridor between Quebec City and Windsor, as well as offering vital services to remote regions.
While the minister's announcement was brief, it signals a period of change for the organization. The federal government, which oversees Via Rail, will now be tasked with managing the executive search process to find a new leader. The incoming CEO will face several key priorities:
- Modernizing Via Rail's aging fleet and infrastructure.
- Enhancing service reliability and frequency.
- Advancing the corporation's role in Canada's low-carbon transportation future.
No reason was cited for Péloquin's decision to step down. Further details regarding the succession plan and the future strategic direction for Via Rail are expected to be released by Transport Canada in the coming weeks.
