OTTAWA, April 16, 2012 - The board of directors of the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) today announced the appointment of Michael Bourque as president and chief executive officer of the association.

"Michael brings extensive experience in policy development and advocacy, with established relationships with government and other organizations. He has a strong drive to meet the rail sector's innovation priorities and human resources challenges," stated RAC chairman, Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of CN.

Michael joins RAC from the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada where, as vice president of External Relations, he was responsible for parliamentary relations, communications and information technology. Prior to that he was Director of Federal Public Affairs with Bayer Inc., a management consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and an executive in the Federal public service in the Department of Communications and the Privy Council Office.

"This is a very exciting time for Canada's rail sector and I look forward to working with RAC members as we continue to promote rail's unique strengths and to secure its position as the backbone of a highly interconnected supply-chain that delivers goods efficiently and allows Canadian industries to compete effectively in global markets."

Michael started his career as a political aide during the Mulroney government, as a special assistant to the Honorouble Perrin Beatty, in the departments of National Revenue, Solicitor General, National Defence, Health and Communications.

Michael is fluently bilingual and is married with two sons.