No. H105/02
For release September 19, 2002

APPOINTMENTS TO THE CANADIAN
AIR TRANSPORT SECURITY AUTHORITY

OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced the appointment of Lecia Stewart, of Westmount, Que., and Anil Wirasekara, of West Vancouver, B.C., to the board of directors of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.

“I am pleased that Ms Stewart and Mr. Wirasekara have agreed to take on new responsibilities with the board of directors,” said Mr. Collenette. “Their experience and expertise in transportation and financial management will be an asset to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.”

Ms Stewart, who has been appointed to a three-year term, currently works for Bombardier as vice-president of High Speed Rail North America. She served as president and project director of Vancouver’s SkyTrain rapid transit project from 1997 to 2002. An executive MBA graduate from Harvard Business School, Ms Stewart also served as president of West Coast Express from 1995 to 1997, and as general manager of BC Transit’s commuter rail project from 1993 to 1995, as well as its vice-president of corporate services and corporate secretary from 1992 to 1993.

Mr. Wirasekara, who has been appointed to a two-year term, has served as executive vice-president and chief financial officer of MacDonald Dettwiler since 1996. He first joined the information systems firm in 1992 as manager of operations information and financial management. Mr. Wirasekara, who is a graduate of the U.K. Chartered Institute of Marketing and Management, previously served five years as a financial manager with Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants.

“The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority is responsible for several key aviation security services,” said Mr. Collenette. “Transport Canada continues to work with the authority and the aviation industry to maintain a world-class aviation security system.”

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, established on April 1, 2002, is a Crown corporation that operates on a not-for-profit basis. The authority is accountable to the Minister of Transport for the delivery of consistent, effective and professional service at or above the standards set by federal regulations. Transport Canada regulates and monitors the provision of security services, while the authority is responsible for delivering these services.

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Contact: 

Anthony Polci 
Director of Communications 
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700

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