Mike Proudfoot
Last updated on May 9, 2023
"What career could be more rewarding than public service? Meaningful work, contributing to the betterment of our communities, improving the quality of life of our citizens, all while working with incredible people committed to making a difference."
Mike Proudfoot received the Legacy Premier’s Award in 2011 and was inducted into the Hall of Excellence in 2014. His well-travelled road to the BC Public Service Hall of Excellence took a number of turns along the way. From a modest start as a paving aide to Assistant Deputy Minister of Highways, Mike has participated in and led countless major transportation projects across the province during his career.
As Assistant Deputy Minister, Mike was responsible for the delivery of road and bridge maintenance, rehabilitation and capital construction projects throughout the entire province. He worked with transportation experts in the private sector, local governments and other agencies to protect and revitalize B.C.’s roads and other infrastructure.
Ever aware of the link between transportation and prosperity, Mike led the development of major transportation infrastructure such as:
- The Gateway Program: As Executive Director, he oversaw the planning and development of a series of road and bridge improvements along and across the Fraser River including the North and South Fraser Perimeter Roads and the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project
- The Lions Gate Bridge rehabilitation project: As Director of Design and Construction, the $125-million project to fix the bridge (first opened in 1938) was one of the most complex infrastructure projects in British Columbia’s history
While it would be near impossible to list all of Mike’s accomplishments, one of particular note was the coordination of the ministry’s role in the Olympic Transportation Planning Committee. His leadership with the Olympic Paralympic Transportation Team demonstrated British Columbia’s technical and logistical capabilities to the world, providing flawless highway routes during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
Mike put in tireless hours to ensure every issue that could possibly come up during the Olympics was addressed. He built teamwork by being in the trenches with his team and he collaborated with external agencies. The result was the International Olympic Committee stating the 2010 Games had the best transportation system ever.