Jane McKenna Elected as New Chair of PortsToronto Board
PortsToronto today announced the election of Jane McKenna as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective March 14, 2025. McKenna has served on the PortsToronto Board since her appointment by the Provincial Government in 2023. During her tenure she has played an active leadership role, serving as Chair of the Communications and Outreach Committee and as a member of the Governance and Human Resources Committee.
Jane McKenna brings a strong background in Ontario politics, having served as the Progressive Conservative Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Burlington from 2011 to 2014, and again from 2018 to 2022. During Ontario’s 40th Parliament, she held roles as Government Critic for Economic Development, Trade and Employment, Government Services and Children and Youth Services. In government, she served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development (2018-2021); and later as Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues. Prior to entering politics, McKenna built a successful career in advertising and entrepreneurship, founding her own consulting firm, Rainmaker Consulting.
“I’m honoured to be elected Chair of the PortsToronto Board of Directors. PortsToronto plays a vital role in shaping the future of Toronto and the GTA, and I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to advance initiatives that strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve."
Ms. McKenna succeeds Ms. Sandra Pupatello, who was appointed to the PortsToronto Board by the Federal Government in 2023 and assumed the role of Chair in April 2024. Earlier this month, she was appointed to the Senate by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and, as a result, is no longer eligible to serve on the Board of the port authority. She resigned from the Board on March 13 to begin the next chapter of her public service as a Senator.
“On behalf of PortsToronto, I want to thank Sandra Pupatello for her leadership over the past year. We wish her every success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter as a Senator."
During her tenure, Pupatello, together with the PortsToronto Board of Directors, helped drive strong financial and operating performance and oversaw several key achievements for the organization. Notably, at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, this included confirming the establishment of a new US Customs Border Patrol Preclearance facility and securing a new amending agreement for the Tripartite Agreement.
PortsToronto is a self-sustaining government business enterprise, accountable to the Federal Government through Transport Canada. It is guided by a Board of Directors composed of individuals appointed by all levels of government – federal, provincial and municipal. For more information on the Board of Directors and Governance structure at PortsToronto please visit www.portstoronto.com.
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The Toronto Port Authority owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomes approximately two million passengers and generates approximately $2 billion in economic impact per year; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and the marine Port of Toronto, which facilitates businesses such as marine shipping, cargo services and passenger cruises to generate approximately $460 million in economic activity annually. Since 1911, and in its role as a city builder, the Toronto Port Authority has worked with partners and every level of government to enhance Toronto’s transportation infrastructure and economic growth. The Toronto Port Authority is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities, and has invested more than $30 million in recent years to fund charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto's waterfront and beyond.
The Toronto Port Authority is a federal agency and operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act. It is guided by a Board of Directors that includes representation from all three levels of government.