Although Michael Warren is best known for his leadership in the revitalization of two of Canada’s largest and most talked about public enterprises — the Toronto Transit Commission and Canada Post Corporation — today he volunteers much of his time to commenting on public policy for The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, and Sun Media newspapers. Writing three or four pieces a month, Michael explores solutions to pressing public concerns related to the environment, urban design, transit, energy, and other social issues.
Public service has been a large part of Michael’s life. He was appointed Deputy Provincial Secretary and Deputy Minister of Citizenship at the age of 29 — the youngest person ever to hold such a senior position in the Ontario Government. Following that, as the Toronto Transit Commission’s first chief general manager, he led efforts to rebuild ridership, expand the subway and LRT network, and improve operations. Later in his career he was appointed the first President and CEO of Canada Post Corporation, where he led efforts to transform the nation’s floundering postal department into a more customer-oriented and financially self-sufficient crown corporation.
Today Michael is a passionate advocate for greater public investment in mass transit, and regularly references the Pembina Institute’s work on sustainable transportation when researching his opinion pieces.
“Right now Toronto has gridlock that is worse than any other North American city,” he says. “I’ve used Pembina’s studies on rapid transit to advocate for more provincial investment in transit in Toronto. It’s crucial that we find more environmentally friendly ways of moving people and goods around Canada’s largest city.”
Moreover, Michael believes that Pembina’s studies on more efficient cities and the transit plans for the Toronto area (GTA) have influenced opinion-leaders.
“Pembina is improving its presence and credibility,” he says. “The province of Ontario has followed Pembina’s work very closely. Pembina has done really influential work on the effect of rapid transit on urban form.”
Independent analysis, Michael believes, is crucial. “It’s really important that Pembina reach out the way it is,” he says. “Pembina is providing a relatively new source of independent analysis, and shares a perspective that is very important to Canadians.
“Pembina has demonstrated that a cleaner environment and a stronger economy are not conflicting goals. We can have climate prosperity: that is, grow our economy and care for the environment at the same time.”
“I encourage people and corporations to donate to Pembina. I encourage organizations that are looking for independent analysis — on the environment, energy, transportation and efficient cities to support Pembina studies.”
Editor’s note:
Our new "Clean energy champions" blog series tells the stories of people who support the Pembina Institute and the difference Pembina's work makes from their perspective.
Inspired? Find out how you can join the Pembina community in advancing sustainable energy solutions, or share your Pembina story.
