Community of CIB

At the CIB, I bring together expertise and passion, combining my legal knowledge with our corporate vision. As Associate General Counsel in the enterprise division of the legal department, I handle various corporate and commercial tasks, and provide strategic counsel on investment projects spanning the CIB’s priority sectors. From contract reviews to procurement, compliance, and operational matters, I ensure alignment with our organizational goals.

Working closely with the Investments team, our team plays a pivotal role in helping the CIB engage the right advisors to assess project viability and investment potential. By exercising due diligence and strategic negotiations, together we help pave the way for transformative infrastructure investments.

Beyond my legal responsibilities, I am deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our workplace. As a member of the former Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and the newly appointed chair of the DEI Advisory Committee, I advocate for a culture of inclusivity, where every voice is not only heard but valued. By championing our value of “Celebrating Our Differences”, I strive to create an environment where diversity of perspectives and inclusion drives innovation and growth.

For me, the CIB represents more than just a job; it’s a place where my personal beliefs align with our organizational goals: infrastructure projects that are rooted in public good. Through my journey here, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable infrastructure initiatives that not only drive economic growth but also positively impact communities and the environment.

As an Investments Associate, my primary responsibilities include screening, analyzing, and presenting investment opportunities, conducting due diligence and executing transactions in the CIB’s priority sectors. Based in Calgary, I focus on energy transition projects, spanning areas like carbon capture, hydrogen production, and low-carbon fuel production.

My journey began in banking with Canadian and international financial institutions. Prior to joining CIB, I spent five years with Gibson Energy, a publicly traded energy infrastructure company, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and corporate development in the oil and gas infrastructure and energy transition space.

At the CIB, I worked on the creation and implementation of our FEED Capital Initiative, along with our first project under this initiative, Azure Sustainable Fuels. This was a first of its kind venture for the CIB. It required significant engagement, internal collaboration, and creativity to develop a new program, and I’m extremely proud to have been a part of the journey.

As an immigrant who now calls Canada home, I find fulfillment in contributing to the nation’s decarbonization and economic growth through my role at the CIB. I believe that infrastructure projects are the backbone of the Canadian economy, making a significant impact economically, environmentally, and within local communities.

My role involves managing the investments we make through the final stage of the investment process. It's a multifaceted position where I work closely with borrowers, lender technical advisors, and our investment, legal, finance and risk teams, to guarantee a successful investment management outcome.

My journey in this role started in April 2019. Previously, I had the opportunity to work on the borrower’s side at COSIME Infrastructure & Energy. At that time, I prepared financial statements and project reporting, while satisfying reporting requirements to lenders and equity providers for three diverse infrastructure projects. This experience paved the way for my current role in asset management at the CIB.

In my current position, I ensure the borrower has access to the funds committed and monitor the rate at which it is drawn and repaid, ensuring the borrower fulfils their obligations under the credit agreement. I also use this information to keep the CIB informed of a project's status by producing internal quarterly reports and annual reviews.

What makes my work truly unique is the exciting projects I'm involved in. For instance, the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project, an extensive automated electric light rail transit system in Montreal, or the Zero-Emission Buses (ZEBs) initiative. Each project brings its challenges and achievements, and I'm proud to be part of our team's effort to build a stronger asset management function within the CIB.

As the CIB’s digital content creator, I manage the content that appears on our website and social media platforms, including visuals and videos. It’s a dynamic role that allows me to explore various aspects of the CIB’s projects and initiatives.

Before joining the CIB, I had the chance to work with diverse international companies, experiencing a range of industries and cultures. This exposure has shaped my perspective and greatly influenced my creative approach to content creation. What excites me about working in the infrastructure industry is the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technologies and groundbreaking projects like the Darlington SMR.

A project that holds a special place in my heart is the City of Calgary Zero-Emission Buses. I had the opportunity to meet with prominent figures such as the Mayor of Calgary and the Director of Calgary Transit and got to conduct the interviews and film the videos firsthand. Learning that the City of Calgary couldn’t have done this without the CIB’s support, and then sharing this excitement and appreciation with our community through my content creation was an incredibly valuable experience and source of motivation for me.

In my role at the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), I oversee the measurement standards for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and its investments to ensure consistency with international best practices, including the GHG protocol and ISO14064-2. I’ve spent the entirety of my career working in infrastructure, specifically focused on impact, so making the decision to come to CIB seemed like a natural choice – CIB lives and breathes impact! It’s what we do best and is integrated in everything we do.

For me, working in a diverse and inclusive environment means that people don’t think of their differences in a negative manner. Instead, they feel celebrated, supported and safe in their workplaces and beyond. We all deserve to be our true, authentic self and it’s important that organizations use their power to make the outside world feel just as safe as the space behind their walls. Whether it’s changing public perception, breaking down barriers and biases to getting into the workforce, or creating better support systems, everyone should feel empowered.

That’s why, in October 2020, I founded QUIN – Queer Infrastructure Network. QUIN is a transdisciplinary industry organization focused on better 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion within the infrastructure sector, done through networking, advocacy, and outreach. Having previously experienced heartbreaking homophobia in the infrastructure industry, I wanted to create a safe space for my community outside of work where they feel valued, respected and have a sense of belonging.

Pride to me is about collective healing and care. This year has been exceptionally hard for our community, so as we celebrate and recognize the 2SLGBTQI+ community this month, I remind our allies that Pride doesn’t start and end in June. It is year-round and we need our allies to continue to show up each and every day with actionable support.

I first learned about the CIB when I was completing my Master of Real Estate and Infrastructure at the Schulich School of Business. I had the opportunity to hear from CIB employees like Sashen Guneratna and Stephen Scott, and it became very clear to me that the organization, and its employees, cared deeply about ESG and impact. It’s the main reason I joined the CIB.

As an Indigenous person, and having spent part of my career in the First Nation and social housing industry, it’s very fulfilling working to help close the infrastructure gap in those communities. The Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative team is having a real impact by working on the enabling infrastructure that allows housing developments to occur.

The Port Stalashen Wastewater Treatment Plant project is a great example of this. Through the CIB’s financing, this aged infrastructure is being replaced and upsized – mitigating environmental impacts and helping to not only support housing developments, but also the continued growth of social services in this community.

In my personal time, I serve on the Board of Directors for the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto and the Anishnawbe Health Foundation. Organizations like these played a critical role in my successful adaptation to urban life when I moved to the city over five years ago. It’s important for me to give back to the community that gave me so much.

Curtis Ross, CEO of Thompson Regional Airport Authority, recalls when he met with the Thompson Airport board in 2005 and was handed a big opportunity. The task? Leading the development of a new terminal and related infrastructure to combat the impacts of climate change on the existing airport terminal. Now, 20 years later, the project has finally come to fruition with the help of CIB’s financing.

Ross knew the project would be a challenge. The airport terminal, originally built as a temporary structure on discontinuous permafrost, had begun to sink into the ground due to regional temperature increases: “Because we’re removed from the town, we don’t have access to municipal funding for projects like this.”

“We are, in essence, the Thompson ‘community’ airport. We offer crucial passenger and cargo services to 37 northern communities, including medical and emergency evacuation services, forest fire suppression, food delivery, and access to the University of the North.”

On a personal note, Ross shares that funding secured from the CIB allows him to fulfill a long-time career goal. “My roots in Manitoba run deep, and I’m proud that the communities where I grew up in will have a lifeline for the next 70 years. This terminal allows these communities to showcase themselves and the reliable services they offer.”

“We’re excited for even more revitalization in the area. Plans are underway for a new Helitack base. This base will accommodate water bombers, pilot lodgings, a mechanic shop, an equipment base, and eight additional buildings. The crews stationed here will have the capacity to be dispatched anywhere in Canada. It’s one more development towards a promising future for the area and our community.” The new terminal and upcoming developments ensure the continuation of vital services for northern communities and open up possibilities for further regional growth.

In the early years of Cherie Brant’s career, she was focused, in her words, on trying to survive in the field of law. Looking back on her success, she reflects on how “surviving” evolved into “thriving”.

Now, she leads the national Indigenous law practice at BLG, one of Canada’s largest law firms, and played a leading role as legal advisor in the development of the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s (CIB) Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII).

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My identity as an Indigenous person is at the core of my practice as Partner and National Leader of Indigenous Law at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG). Throughout my 20-year career, I have been interested in advancing Indigenous economic opportunities, so we have our place recognized in the broader Canadian economy.

First Nations have systemic barriers that limit traditional forms of secured lending, but lenders, like the CIB, recognize that we may have access to stable own source revenues that can ensure timely repayment. This is why partnerships based on the duty to consult Indigenous communities are so critical to enabling our Indigenous economies – and enabling Canada’s major projects to be built.

There is a reciprocity here that when it happens it benefits everyone at the table. When Indigenous communities say, “nothing about us without us”, in my view they are speaking about this reciprocity concept.

In partnership with the CIB, I helped develop their ICII program through building understanding of the unique land tenures on First Nations lands and assisting the CIB on navigating the Crown’s duty to consult obligations. This is one of the CIB’s innovative tools designed to deliver towards their goal of providing at least $1 billion in loans towards revenue-generating Indigenous infrastructure projects across the country.

Since the program’s creation, I have seen first-hand how the CIB has answered the call for flexible loans and guided communities throughout the project development process.

While they are a lender focused on getting more infrastructure built and quicker, the CIB goes the extra mile to connect Indigenous communities to resources to advance their projects and to understand their unique perspectives throughout the project development journey.

By lending to Indigenous-owned and operated projects, like the wastewater treatment facility at Grasswoods Urban Reserve, the CIB is focused on addressing local infrastructure needs to help communities grow and enhance their quality of life. And with the recent announcement of a program to provide equity financing to Indigenous groups where the CIB is already a lender, I expect we will see great projects financed by the CIB to support energy transition activities, such as battery storage and small modular reactor projects.

I always said, give us 20 years and I will show what we can do. Now that we are here, with our roots firmly planted in this country, and our histories and connection continuing to be recognized – I can’t wait for the next chapter!

Public service has always been at the heart of my professional career, whether at the City of Montreal, the Quebec Government or today at Aéroports de Montréal (ADM). As an organization at the service of the community, I am deeply aligned with ADM’s mission to maintain harmonious coexistence with its surroundings.

As Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability, I’m proud of ADM’s ambitious goal to become net-zero by 2040 – 10 years earlier than the air transport industry’s commitment.

Becoming net-zero will require us to move quickly to reduce our direct emissions while also working alongside communities to decrease emissions produced by travelling to the airport. That’s why we are aiming for 20 per cent of journeys to and from the airport to be made through public transport by 2030.

Through a more efficient and reliable mode of transportation compared to what we have now in service, which is mainly buses, we are confident we will be able to reach this goal. The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) network, will play a critical role in connecting the Greater Montréal area to Aéroport-Montréal-Trudeau (YUL).

The Canada Infrastructure Bank’s (CIB) financial contribution was essential to getting shovels in the ground and making the airport REM station a reality.

At a time when the pandemic was especially hitting Canadian airports and ADM hard, and as we were looking to secure financing for the construction of the REM station, the CIB came through by providing a loan of up to $300 million.

Through project financing, we saw firsthand the remarkable solidarity at all levels of government to enable a transit project benefiting the whole catchment area of the YUL airport, Quebec and our visitors.

The REM will encourage passengers and airport employees to use more environmentally friendly modes of transportation and create a more welcoming airport, benefiting travellers, employees and the community.

In working with the CIB, I have seen the organization’s desire to have a real impact by investing in net-zero communities and sustainable, world-class cities.

We look forward to opening our station doors and welcoming more visitors and top talent to Montreal.

As the co-founder, President and CEO of FLO, I’m all in on the electric vehicle (EV) transition. In my role, I proudly oversee our vertically integrated charging network, where we offer reliable EV charging infrastructure at home, at work and on the go.

By electrifying our transportation system and accelerating EV adoption, we can advance climate change action. Increasing access to public chargers will provide a better charging experience to electric vehicle drivers and will enable more drivers to make the switch to emission-free vehicles.

Through our partnership with the CIB, we will nearly double the number of public fast EV charging ports across the country, bringing more than 2,000 high quality, reliable charging ports online.

In the current market, risks such as uncertainty in the rate and pace of EV adoption and charger utilization can create barriers to private investment in charging infrastructure. CIB financing helps us mitigate these financial risks, enabling us to accelerate the expansion of our EV charging network.

We are grateful to partner with an organization committed to delivering the infrastructure necessary to lower transportation sector emissions and advance the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

In my role at Edmonton Transit Service, I oversee bus, light rail (LRT), paratransit and on-demand services. Alongside my dedicated team, I provide strategic direction to implement long-term transit plans in support of Edmonton’s City Plan and Climate Adaptation and Energy Transition plans.

To lower greenhouse gas emissions, we are transitioning our bus fleet away from diesel vehicles and towards zero-emission buses (ZEBs). Although electric buses result in significant cost savings through lifetime fuelling and maintenance costs, they have higher upfront costs which can deter municipalities from making the switch. Through the CIB’s financing, we were able to address this barrier head-on.

The CIB’s investment accelerated our purchase of 20 ZEBs and expanded our fleet to a total of 60 electric buses. With all ‘CIB buses’ now on our roads, we are already progressing towards our climate goals and offering Edmontonians a cleaner, quieter and more comfortable ride.

As a leader in transit electrification, I’m grateful we could partner with the CIB. They have successfully enabled the purchase of zero-emission vehicles in communities across Canada and directly supported a more sustainable transit network in Edmonton.

Meet Max, Chief Performance Officer at Avenue Living. In my role at Avenue Living, an owner and operator of residential properties primarily located in western Canada’s prairie provinces, I work on improving building efficiency and optimizing resident experience through projects such as building retrofits.

The CIB, and its proven experience in enabling large-scale building retrofits, was the natural partner to help us advance upgrades to our low-rise, multi-family rental apartments. We worked closely with the CIB team to develop an investment plan that would result in positive outcomes for both the residents of our buildings and the environment.

Through this partnership, the CIB has committed $120 million towards retrofitting 132 buildings in Avenue Living’s portfolio across Alberta and Saskatchewan. The result? Better energy efficiency and environmental sustainability at over 6,700 residences. These projects include the installation of on-site power generation, bringing new low-carbon heating and cooling systems online and introducing smart technologies and water management systems to reduce utility costs for renters.

I’m proud of what we will accomplish with the help of the CIB, modernizing more buildings, and in turn, improving the day-to-day experiences of approximately 10,000 residents.