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| 2007 Archives |
December 21, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Career on Track Website Launch | |
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The Railway Association of Canada is proud to announce the launch of the new Career on Track website, designed to showcase careers in the rail industry! The website profiles occupations, training and apprenticeship programs and job opportunities in rail, one of Canada’s fastest growing industries.
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December 20, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| 2007 - A Year of Living Boldly | |
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Ottawa - Two major acquisitions, the launch of an innovative intermodal service and a deal to streamline the movement of freight cars were major milestones for Canada’s railway industry in 2007. As well, VIA Rail got the green light to proceed with a program to modernize a large chunk of its locomotive and passenger car fleet. The railway industry and the federal government agreed on further reductions in locomotive emissions, and on enhancements in rail freight and passenger security. Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the 58-member Railway Association of Canada, said CN and CP continued to post strong earnings despite a jerky North American economy. They used their healthy status to reinvest in their businesses and to improve and expand customer service by buying significant railway lines in the United States, he said. Both acquisitions have yet to receive final approval from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. |
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| more | |
December 12, 2007 |
Member News |
| Ron Bailey Inducted into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame | |
 Jim Hawthorne (left), President, Railway Veteran’s Organization and Shawn Smith (right), representing the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame, present an inductee plaque in the Leadership category of the Hall of Fame to Ron Bailey, retired civil railway engineer in Edmonton, Wednesday, December 12, 2007. Bailey began his railway career in 1946 but created his legacy as Chief Engineer for CN's Mountain Region in the 1970's and 1980's. (CPimages PHOTO/Railway Association of Canada) |
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November 27, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Mobile Classroom to Accompany Holiday Train | |
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Ottawa – Operation Lifesaver’s mobile classroom will accompany Canadian Pacific’s Holiday Train across Canada in December, delivering its safety message to almost half a million Canadians in more than 70 communities along the railway’s tracks in six provinces. Dan Di Tota, National Director of OL, said winter, with its extreme weather and poor visibility, is a time of higher risk for motorists and pedestrians. “The time for people to Look, Listen and Live is never greater,” said Mr. Di Tota.” We want people to exercise caution year round, and at this time of year in particular, because the life they save may be their own.” “Operation Lifesaver and its message of public rail safety will be a great addition to our Canadian Holiday Train stops,” said Jim Cunningham, Vice-president, Mechanical for Canadian Pacific with an overall responsibility for safety. “The engaged individuals who generously donate food and money at our events will now be able to benefit from one-on-one education about staying safe around rail operations. They, in turn, will share the message and essentially become rail safety ambassadors in their communities.” |
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November 16, 2007 |
Member News |
| Local Children will once again ride the rail to the North Pole on Ontario Northland’s Santa Claus Express | |
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Children from across Northeastern Ontario will once again have an opportunity to ride the rails to the North Pole for a visit with Santa Claus on Ontario Northland’s Santa Claus Express. This special train runs each year and is made possible by a unique partnership between Ontario Northland, the Ontario Northland Employees Benefit Association, employee unions and many community volunteers. “Ontario Northland’s Santa Claus Express train has become a true symbol of Christmas in our communities and I’m very proud of our employees and community partners, who give of themselves each year so that thousands of children can enjoy this experience,” said Steve Carmichael, President and CEO of Ontario Northland. |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
November 15, 2007 |
Miscellaneous |
| Notes for a Speech by Hon. Lawrence Cannon, M.P., P.C. Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities to a Media Conference Regarding a Memorandum of Understanding with The RAC | |
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Ottawa Dear friends, Thank you for joining us today. I am here today with Cliff Mackay, President of the Railway Association of Canada, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that will enhance the security of rail transportation in Canada, and I thank John Marginson, COO of VIA Rail Canada for making this train station available for this ceremony. The Memorandum of Understanding is one of a series of security measures implemented in the last few years to enhance the security of rail and transit operations. It primarily addresses security of freight rail and complements the security measures being implemented for passenger operations through the Transit-Secure program. |
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| more | |
November 15, 2007 |
Miscellaneous |
| Speaking Notes by Cliff Mackay, President and CEO, Railway Association of Canada | |
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Ottawa - Train Station Security Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony Thank you very much. It is an honour and a privilege for me to participate in today’s ceremony. This agreement demonstrates the trust and respect that exists between the Government of Canada and the railway industry in this critical area of Canada’s security. For Canada’s railway industry, security is an important part of our job every day, at every level of our operations, throughout the whole network. It makes a difference and it does count. Because Canada’s freight railways carry 65 per cent of the country’s surface freight, and our passenger railways carry some 65 million people each year. |
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November 15, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Signing a Memorandum of Understanding | |
 Transport Minister Hon. Lawrence Cannon and Railway Association President and CEO Cliff Mackay shake hands after signing a Memorandum of Understanding today that will enhance freight and passenger security in Canada. The railways in Canada transport 65 per cent of surface freight and 65 million passengers annually.
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November 15, 2007 |
RAC News |
| The Government of Canada and Railway Association of Canada Sign New Agreement on Railway Security | |
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Ottawa - The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Mr. Cliff Mackay, president and chief executive officer of the Railway Association of Canada (RAC), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen railway security. "The safety and security of the travelling public are top priorities for the Government of Canada and much has been accomplished to enhance transportation security in the past few years," said Minister Cannon. "I am pleased that our strong working relationship with the Railway Association of Canada has led to the development of a new railway security Memorandum of Understanding that will benefit all Canadians." "This agreement demonstrates the trust and respect that exist between Canada's government and the railway industry in this critical area of Canada's security," said Mr. Mackay. "Security is part of the industry's work every day, at every level of our freight and passenger operations, throughout the whole network." |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
November 9, 2007 |
Miscellaneous |
| A Day of Remembrance | |
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It is the VETERAN , not the preacher,
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November 6, 2007 |
Member News |
| Trillium Railway Playing its Part | |
 Trillium Railway moved its third trainload of windmill components for installation at wind farms in Clear Creek and Dunnville, Ontario Tuesday. The loads moved from Vestas’ plant in Saskatoon by CN to St. Thomas on 89-foot flat cars, were interchanged with Trillium, and off-loaded at Delhi for local delivery by truck. The wind farms, being developed by AIM Powergen, will help power 6,000 homes.
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November 1, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Globe and Mail Special Supplement: Canada's Railways - A Force in the Global Economy | |
 For Cliff Mackay, a simple statistic sums up the importance of Canada’s railway sector: two-thirds of all freight that moves in the country moves by rail.“Canada’s strength as a trading nation in a rapidly expanding global economy is underpinned by a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly railway system,” he says. |
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Document(s): Click here to download the Globe and Mail Supplement in PDF (3.4MB) |
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November 1, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Fall edition of Interchange | |
 The 68-page Fall edition of Interchange has an extensive cover feature on the opening of the new Port of Prince Rupert and associated stories on CN Worldwide’s North American operations along with rail-related intermodal developments across the nation.
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
October 29, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Continuing Improvements By Canadian Railways | |
 Ottawa - Canadian railways set new records in 2006, carrying more freight and passengers than ever before while increasing their productivity.The information is captured in the 2007 Railway Trends publication, an annual composite of financial and operating statistics and a rolling 10-year report on key indicators of the 58 freight and passenger railways’ performance. It is now available on the industry’s website at www.railcan.ca. Cliff Mackay, RAC President and Chief Executive Officer, said the industry broke key records in 2006, but not as many or as remarkably as in 2005. It earned a record $10.6 billion in operating revenue last year, 6.8 per cent more than the year prior and 37.3 per cent greater than a decade ago. The industry recorded its highest operating income to date, $2.4 billion, an 11 per cent improvement over 2005 and more than double its operating income 10 years ago.” |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
October 23, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Historic Anniversary for the Railway Association of Canada | |
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Ottawa - The Railway Association of Canada will mark the 90th anniversary of the creation of the Canadian Railway Association for National Defence today, October 23. The organization was created to expedite the flow of freight cars back from the U.S. to help the Canadian war effort during the first world war. The name was changed to the Canadian Railway War Board. Because the concept worked so well, the War Board was dissolved and the Railway Association of Canada was established on December 1, 1919. Representatives from Canada’s railways first met in Montreal to create a volunteer, national board to coordinate related industrial activities regarding the war on October 23, 1917. Its purpose was to “render the most efficient possible service to the national cause.” The timeline of the Association’s activities was to be for the duration of the war, and gave general authority to formulate a policy of operation for all or any of the railways. |
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October 19, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Proximity Panel | |
 The Railway Association of Canada’s annual general meeting in Vancouver included a panel on municipalities and railways working together to solve common problems. Shown are Cliff Mackay, RAC President and CEO; John Dalzell, CN, Montreal; Mayor Sharon Hartwell, Telkwa , B.C., Federation of Canadian Municipalities; Fred Green, CP President and CEO, Calgary; Helena Borges, Transport Canada, Ottawa; James Allen, Ottawa Central Railway; Bruce Burrows, RAC; and Capt. Gordon Houston, Vancouver and Fraser Port Authority.
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Document(s): Click here to download the photograph in JPEG (187 KB) |
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October 19, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Vancouver meetings | |
 Delegates and presenters to the RAC annual meeting and working committee sessions met recently in Vancouver. They included Mario Brault, President, Genesee and Wyoming Canada, Montreal; David Fung, First Vice-Chair, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Assoc, West Vancouver; Werner Knittel, Vice-President, B.C. Division, CMEA, and Cliff MacKay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, Ottawa.
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Document(s): Click here to download the photograph in JPEG (96 KB) |
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October 15, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Railway Hall of Fame Inducts 2007 Nominees | |
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Ottawa – The Confederation Train, a rolling exhibit with its distinctive O Canada horn that crossed Canada during Centennial year in 1967, is among this year’s inductees into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame. The selection helps honour the heroes, technologies, leaders and communities of the Canadian railway industry. Others include Calgary author Donald Bain and CPR photographer Nicholas Morant. Railway civil engineers, represented by the late J.E. Schwitzer of CP and CN retiree Ron Bailey of Edmonton, are being recognized for their engineering feats in harsh weather and terrain. The Town of Mount Royal, QC, was created as a model community by the Canadian Northern Railway, a predecessor of CN, to finance construction of the tunnel that still carries commuters into downtown Montreal through Central Station. |
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October 12, 2007 |
Miscellaneous |
| Canada's New Government Revitalizes Inter-City Passenger Rail Services in Canada | |
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The Government of Canada has announced $691.9 million in funding to revitalize inter-city passenger rail service over the next five years. The program includes locomotive and car fleet renewal, strategic infrastructure improvements to eliminate bottlenecks in the Quebec-Ontario corridor and station refurbishments. The work will help improve VIA’s environmental performance through increased fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
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Document(s): Click here to download the Transport Canada Press Release in PDF (34 KB) |
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October 12, 2007 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| Toronto Firefighters benefit from TransCAER | |
 In a coordinated effort, Canadian Chemical Producers' Association member companies put together a TransCAER, (Transportation Community Awareness Emergency Response), presentation to over 300 Toronto firefighters, including Toronto Fire Hazmat, the week of October 1 at Univar Canada's Downsview site.With assistance from the RAC and Railway 101 Consulting, 24 sessions took place over a period of 5 days to educate firefighters about railway operations, safety and initial response to dangerous goods incidents. |
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October 11, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Railways and Municipalities to Discuss Community Issues | |
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Vancouver - Representatives from the railway industry, the shipping sector, municipalities and government will meet in Vancouver October 15 and 16 to discuss some of the successes and future challenges of growing cities and a growing rail industry. The conference is part of a two-day event hosted by the Railway Association of Canada. It will feature their annual general meeting and committee meetings for members, a tradeshow and the conference on community issues. Speakers at the Tuesday session will include Gordon Houston, Vancouver Port Authority; James Allen, Ottawa Central Railway; Helena Borges, Transport Canada, and Mayor Sharon Hartwell of Telkwa, B.C. She and conference moderator John Dalzell of CN are co-chairs of the RAC-Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ project steering committee. |
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September 20, 2007 |
Miscellaneous |
| Operation Lifesaver Speakers | |
 A full day of presentations at the annual Operation Lifesaver conference in Aylmer, Quebec, today (Tuesday) included Luc Bourdon, Transport Canada; Cliff Mackay, Railway Association of Canada; Dr. Jim Cairns, Deputy Chief Coroner of Ontario; and Dan Di Tota, Operation Lifesaver.
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Document(s): Click here to download the photograph in JPEG (75 KB) |
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September 20, 2007 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| Operation Mile Marker 265 | |
 On September 19, VIA Rail, CN, Transport Canada, County of Northhumberland and the City of Cobourg conducted a mock disaster scenario called Operation Mile Marker 265.This exercise simulated a level crossing accident at Mile 265 of CN's Kingston Subdivision involving a VIA train coming in conflict with a tanker truck loaded with dangerous goods. There was a breach of the tank truck spilling dangerous goods while Cobourg emergency services (Fire, Police, EMS), Cobourg Social Services and Health Unit, CN Police and the VIA train crew had to deal with mass casualties and evacuations on the VIA train. |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
September 20, 2007 |
Member News |
| Travel by train and experience the magic of fall aboard the Dream Catcher Express! | |
 The Dream Catcher Express, an exciting train excursion traveling between North Bay and Temagami, will be returning this year for a limited 6-day engagement in 2007: September 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30.
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Document(s): Click here to download the document in PDF (186 KB) |
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September 17, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Operation Lifesaver to hold Annual Conference | |
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Representatives from government, health and safety groups, and the railway industry will convene in Aylmer, Quebec on Tuesday, September 18, for the nineteenth annual Operation Lifesaver Conference. The agenda for the conference will cover a number of different subjects varying from annual rail statistics, the investigation of railway fatalities, and reducing the incidences of suicide on rail systems. With that, topics will also encompass research initiatives, community based programs, the future vision of public-rail safety initiatives, and grade crossing improvement updates. |
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September 13, 2007 |
RAC News |
| RAC Environment Award Presented to Canadian Pacific Railway | |
 Canadian Pacific Railway was awarded the Railway Association of Canada Environment Award for 2007 at the RAC Environment Committee meeting this morning in Ottawa. The award was presented to CPR for its effort to improve vegetation control around 1,000 of their highway/railway crossings, with another 1,300 to be improved this year. For more information about the award and CPR’s efforts please click here. Pictured from left to right are, Mike Lowenger, Vice-President, Operations and Regulatory Affairs, who presented the award, and Ken Roberge, Manager, Environmental Policy and Programs with Canadian Pacific Railway. Contact Information Ken Lancastle Public Affairs Officer Railway Association of Canada kenl@railcan.ca |
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September 6, 2007 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| The CCPA and RAC introduce an updated Rail Carrier Evaluation protocol | |
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The CCPA (Canadian Chemical Producers' Association), with the cooperation of the Railway Association of Canada , recently updated and revamped the Canadian Rail Carrier Evaluation (CRCE) Protocol.
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August 26, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Ottawa Central Railway Keeping Ottawa ‘On Track’ | |
 Ottawa - This weekend, the Ottawa Central Railway hosted the beloved children’s character, Thomas the Tank Engine, allowing children and adults alike to ride aboard the smiling locomotive. It was just another example of how Ottawa Central Railway is remaining involved in the community.Year after year, the railway has opened its doors to the general public to view historical and modern railcars side-by-side, as well as the operations of one of Ontario’s short line railways. Ottawa Central Railway also plays a part in the Computers for Schools program, moving refurbished computers along the line, which are then donated to schools, libraries and not-for-profit organizations across Canada. |
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August 14, 2007 |
RAC News |
| RAC Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance-Pre-Budget Consultations 2007 | |
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The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) is pleased to have the opportunity to submit the views of its membership regarding measures that the Government of Canada must take to improve the competitiveness of Canada’s rail system and the economy as a whole. Railways are an important part of the Canadian economy, as they move approximately 65 percent of total freight by volume to domestic and international markets, employ more than 35,000 people, and pay approximately $750 million in federal and provincial taxes.
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Document(s): Click here to download the document in PDF (35 KB) |
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August 8, 2007 |
Miscellaneous |
| 10th World Level Crossing Symposium, 24-26 June 2008 - UIC, Paris | |
 The UIC (International Union of Railways Companies - www.uic.asso.fr), is pleased to announce the countdown to the 10th World Symposium on safety at the road/rail interface (level crossings) and trespass prevention, to be held at the UIC's Headquarters in the heart of Paris, from the 24th – 26th June 2008. Building on the success of the previous Level Crossing Symposiums held in, amongst others, the USA, Australia, the UK and Canada, the 10th Symposium will be only the 2nd time that a European venue has hosted the event. Please click here to be immediately directed to the dedicated symposium website where you will find all the necessary information. |
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August 2, 2007 |
RAC News |
| A special report on Canada’s railway sector | |
 The Railway Association of Canada and the Globe and Mail will publish their annual railway transportation supplement Oct. 15. The 2007 edition will be distributed to 1.3 million business and opinion leaders across Canada. Editorial content will focus on the importance of international trade in the railway industry’s role in Canada’s economy, rail’s environmental strengths, the freight commodities and passenger markets served, and the modern technology and information systems that help keep business rolling.
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Document(s): Click here to download the document in PDF (634 KB) |
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July 24, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Summer Edition of Interchange | |
 The summer 2007 edition of Interchange magazine is now in circulation. It provides a “one-stop shop” of what is going on in the industry in Canada, with context. Ethanol, emissions, iron ore, associate members, open house, upgraded hopper cars, gateways, facelifts, industry news, more locomotives, safety, people and advertisers just scratch the surface!
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
July 17, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Business News Network Discusses North American Railway Industry | |
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Tony Hatch, an independent railway analyst, was recently featured on July 5, on the Business News Network in an interview about the North American railway industry. The footage of the interview can be found here. The link will redirect you to the external BNN website, where the interview can be found at 22:25 in the clip that opens. Contact Information: Ken Lancastle Public Affairs Officer Railway Association of Canada 613-567-8591 kenl@railcan.ca |
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July 11, 2007 |
RAC News |
| New updates to the Canadian Railway Medical Rules Handbook | |
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In May 2007 the RAC Medical Advisory Group released a revised version of this guide. Two new sections where added – 4.4 Epileptic Seizures and 4.6 Cardiovascular Disorders. The revised version is now available.
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Document(s): Click here to download the Medical Rules Handbook in PDF (1.6MB) |
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July 5, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Welcomes Public-Private Investment In Quebec Railway Infrastructure | |
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Ottawa - On behalf of Canada’s railways, Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, welcomed today’s announcement of an agreement by the governments of Canada and Québec, and Québec shortline railways to invest $75 million to improve rail infrastructure. “These investments in rail, ties and bridges are critical to maintaining competitive rail services in many regions of Québec. These services are key contributors to the regional economies and make it possible for many communities to grow and prosper,” he said. |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
July 4, 2007 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| Trillium Railway and Norfolk County Fire/Rescue conduct training | |
 On Saturday June 30 at Courtland, Ontario the Trillium Railway offered TransCAER style training to the members of the Norfolk County Fire and Rescue Services Department.These community first responders learned about specific railway operations in their coverage area, how to protect themselves from railway operations while responding to emergencies, safe emergency response to rail based dangerous goods incidents, how to read documentation and train journals and Operation Lifesaver. |
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July 3, 2007 |
Miscellaneous |
| The Governments of Canada and Quebec are Investing in the Restoration of the Chemin de fer de la Matapédia et du Golfe | |
 New Carlisle, Quebec - The governments of Canada and Quebec and the Chemin de fer de la Matapédia et du Golfe (CFMG), today announced an investment of over $14 million to restore the CFMG between Rivière-du-Loup and Matane, and between Mont-Joli and Matapédia. The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ms. Nathalie Normandeau, Deputy Prime Minister of Quebec and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Regions, on behalf of Ms. Julie Boulet, Quebec Minister of Transport, and Mr. Marc Laliberté, President, Quebec Railway Corporation, met for the announcement in New Carlisle."Infrastructure projects such as this clearly demonstrate Canada's New Government's commitment to improving Canadians' quality of life and protecting the environment," said Minister Cannon. "This project is a perfect example of partnership between the federal and provincial governments and railway companies to improve the rail network, thus improving citizens' safety and quality of life." |
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July 1, 2007 |
Miscellaneous |
| Lawless named to Order of Canada for Public Service | |
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Ron E. Lawless of Beaconsfield, Quebec, former President and CEO of CN and VIA Rail Canada, was appointed a member of the Order of Canada on June 29 for Public Service by Governor-General Michaelle Jean.. He is also past-president of Bishop’s University, Governor Emeritus of Concordia University, continues to be active on the Board of Directors of Montreal’s Old Brewery Mission and was named to the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame as an industry leader in 2004. |
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June 29, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Trillium Railway to Host Presentation on Dangerous Goods Transportation | |
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Courtland - Firefighters, police and other emergency responders will join representatives from Trillium Railway and the railway and chemical industries on Saturday June 30 in Courtland, Ontario, for a TransCAER presentation about dangerous goods transportation by rail and what to do in the event of a dangerous goods incident. “The TransCAER program, which is a part of the Responsible Care program of the Canadian Chemical Producers Association, is an excellent example of the proactive role the railway industry undertakes to ensure the safe transportation and handling of its commodities,” said Cliff Mackay, president and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada. “It is also an excellent way to meet the first responders who may have to arrive at a dangerous goods incident, and to show them the different situations they may encounter. The industry takes the safe transportation of dangerous goods very seriously, and these presentations are vital to that goal.” |
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June 21, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Operation Lifesaver Promotes a Safe Summer Season | |
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Ottawa - As the summer travel season begins, Operation Lifesaver wants to encourage Canadians to continue to maintain caution and use common sense around highway/railway crossings and train operations. “With more people traveling throughout different areas of the country, it is increasingly important to remain diligent about crossing safety and trespass prevention,” said Dan Di Tota, national director of Operation Lifesaver in Canada. “While people should always use caution and make safe decisions around railway operations and highway/railway crossings, it is especially important when approaching unfamiliar crossings or operations in different parts of the country.” |
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May 20, 2007 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| CERCA elects new Executive | |
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At the latest meetings in Montreal, CERCA (Canadian Emergency Response Contractors' Alliance) elected their new executive committee for a 2 year term. Chair - Mark Jasper, Echelon Response, Hamilton, ON. Vice-Chair - David Elsie, Drain-All, Ottawa, ON. For those unaware, this group consists of E/R contractors, trucking industry, chemical industry, railway industry and Transport Canada. The mandate of this alliance is to ensure effective emergency response to dangerous goods incidents. We in the railway industry participate in this group to ensure that in the event of an incident involving DG's, there is a competent response company available. Check out the website: cerca-aceiu.ca Andy Ash, Manager, Dangerous Goods The Railway Association of Canada Toronto, Ontario, Canada 905-953-8991 www.railcan.ca |
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May 16, 2007 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| The city of London welcomes Emergency Responders for Training | |
 The city of London organized and hosted the National Emergency Preparedness week for first responders. A six day event that kick off on Monday May 07, with a Media conference to meet the people view the Emergency Vehicles and learn about the training event held Tuesday May 8 to Saturday May 12 in partnership with Railroads, Industry and Government agencies.The morning sessions consisted of lectures conducted by the CCPA members (Canadian Chemicals Producers Association) Nova Chemicals, Cognis, Ethyl and Imperial Oil, Harmac trucking industry, CN overview and derailment site safety, CP Rail overview and Dangerous Goods Documentation, RAC and Shortline Railways (Railway Association of Canada), Transport Canada’s Role and contribution during a DG incident and the OPP Dangerous Goods Enforcement (Ontario Provincial Police). |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
May 15, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Railway Association of Canada and the Government of Canada keep Canadian Railways On Track with Environmental Goals | |
 The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) with Transport Canada and Environment Canada today announced and signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the rail sector in Canada.The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, and Cliff Mackay, president and CEO of the RAC, were all on hand for the signing at the VIA Rail Station in Ottawa. |
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May 10, 2007 |
Member News |
| Drowsy drivers put themselves and others at risk: 2nd Fatigue Impairment Awareness Day kicks off with Driver Fatigue Symposium Wednesday, May 16, 2007 | |
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Every year, more than 400 Canadians die and more are injured because drivers take the wheel despite being drowsy or tired. In fact, at least 20% of Canadians admit they have nodded off at the wheel in the past 12 months. Driver fatigue impairment is not just a problem for long-distance truck or bus drivers; it can affect all drivers. In most Canadian jurisdictions police have the power to temporarily suspend the license of a driver with a 0.5 BAC. These issues will be discussed at the Driver Fatigue Symposium on May 16. The industry event is hosted by the Highway Safety Roundtable and sponsored by Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Media are invited to attend. |
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May 2, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Safety Award Recipients Named | |
 Ottawa - The Railway Association of Canada announced its 2007 Safety Award recipients today. They are employees of the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway who adapted remote work equipment to carry an injured worker to medical care, and, in the passenger category, VIA Rail employees who developed their own risk assessment database to reduce injuries.Cliff Mackay, president and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada described the initiatives by the employees, with the support of their companies, play a vital role in the maintenance of a safe and viable railway industry. “These two initiatives are excellent examples of this creativity,” he said. |
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May 1, 2007 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| Ottawa Central Railway and the RAC team up for Training. | |
 Ottawa - The OCR and the RAC conducted a very successful training session for members of the Ottawa Fire Department, Ottawa FD Hazmat Team, Ontario Provincial Police and Ottawa EMS.On Friday April 27, 2007 the railway conducted a morning lecture session that dealt with OCR operations, dangerous goods documentation, railway incident response, a case study of an actual incident and finally presentation by the OPP's Marc Schram on dangerous goods response from a policing perspective. The morning lecture was followed by an afternoon of "hands-on" instruction with the CCPA911 training tank car, a railway locomotive, boxcar and Operation Lifesaver's OLEV railway operations training vehicle. Andy Ash, Manager, Dangerous Goods The Railway Association of Canada Toronto, Ontario, Canada 905-953-8991 www.railcan.ca |
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April 30, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| All Aboard For Nominations to Canadian Railway Hall of Fame | |
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Ottawa - Heroes, technologies, leaders and communities have all played an important role in Canada’s railway industry, and the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame is asking the public to make nominations in those categories. The hall of fame, which is a virtual exhibit featured at www.railfame.ca, celebrates the many people, technologies and communities that have played significant roles in the Canadian railway industry. Through the annual nomination process, the public has a chance to make suggestions for induction. |
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April 26, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Member of Ontario Parliament Addresses Conference on Ethanol and Rail | |
 Kevin Flynn, M.P.P. and Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Energy, spoke today at the Railway Association of Canada’s conference on ethanol and rail.Flynn spoke to more than 60 attendees who gathered in Mississauga to learn what the emerging ethanol sector can mean for the Canadian economy and railway industry. |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
April 24, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Railway Association of Canada to hold Conference on Ethanol | |
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Ottawa - With increasing talk of ethanol and its role in Canada, the Railway Association of Canada is hosting an ethanol conference in Mississauga on April 25 and 26 to inform attendees about what ethanol can mean for the Canadian economy and railway industry. “We are very excited to be hosting this conference, and, given the prominence of the current discussion about ethanol, we feel this is a fantastic time to do so,” said Bruce Burrows, vice-president, public and corporate affairs with the Railway Association of Canada. |
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April 24, 2007 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| "RACWeek" at ERTC a Success! | |
 The RAC Dangerous Goods team facilitated a Railway Emergency Response course at the Emergency Response Training Center (ERTC) in Pueblo, Colorado from April 16-20.This course was designed for Canadian Emergency Response Contractors with the intent of giving these contractors a perspective of railway operations and what to expect from a Canadian railway in the event of an incident involving dangerous goods on railway property. |
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April 20, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Improving CPR Sightlines at Crossings Brings Several Environmental Benefits | |
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Ottawa - Canadian Pacific Railway has won this year’s Railway Association of Canada Environment Award for the company’s outstanding effort to improve vegetation control around more than 1,000 of their highway-railway crossings. Another 1,300 crossings will be done this year. Cliff Mackay, president and CEO of the RAC said: “The railway’s primary goal in the competition is to improve safety by applying ecological principles which will lead to a more sustainable control of vegetation at their crossings. The program is designed to shift plant species to low growing vegetation which does not impede sightlines and requires much less ongoing maintenance. Overall, safety is improved. |
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April 18, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Rail Safety Week On Track | |
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Ottawa - Operation Lifesaver, in cooperation with Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada and their partners, will begin the 2007 Rail Safety Week on April 23, a national and annual effort to promote safe decisions around highway-railway crossings and operations. “We are very excited to be kicking off the annual Rail Safety Week,” said Dan Di Tota, Operation Lifesaver national director. “Railway safety is a very important message to bring to Canadians and we have seen first-hand how Canadians can make a difference.” |
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April 13, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Spring Edition of Interchange | |
 The Railway Association of Canada is pleased to release the Spring edition of its quarterly magazine, Interchange. The issue examines the continuing growth and most recent developments of the Pacific Gateway project, major new investments by Canada’s Class 1 railways, and a new initiative between the Railway Association of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
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March 29, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Rail Takes Giant Steps With Small Footprint | |
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Toronto - Cliff Mackay, the President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, told an industry audience in Toronto today that the public’s current focus on climate change can help rail build a bridge between people’s hearts and minds. The railways transport two-thirds of the surface freight in Canada and move 63 million passengers, but generate only three per cent of transport emissions, he said. “This is an industry that has re-invented itself. It is an industry with a great future that is still ahead of it!” |
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March 29, 2007 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| Ottawa Valley Railway conducts a Railway TransCAER event | |
 On Saturday March 24 the Ottawa Valley Railway (a division of RailAmerica) conducted a railway TransCAER (Transportation Community Awareness Emergency Response) event in the Township of Markstay-Warren. Representatives from the Ottawa Valley Railway and the Railway Association of Canada were on hand to deliver this training.
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March 28, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Railway Fame | |
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(from St. Albert Gazette, by Bryan Alary, Staff Writer) Revered as a priest, teacher and peacemaker, Father Albert Lacombe’s name is synonymous with the title of community leader. Perhaps overlooked in the annals of history is his legacy as a former president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Lacombe’s contributions to the railway industry earned him the posthumous honour of induction into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame. The award was presented at last Monday’s council meeting. Hall of fame volunteer director Shawn Smith said Lacombe’s abilities as a peacemaker were instrumental in allowing the CPR to pound railway spikes west of Calgary. He brokered peace between the Blackfoot and Cree nations, and later convinced the Blackfoot to allow the CPR to extend the rail line through their territory. |
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March 27, 2007 |
Miscellaneous |
| First Visit to Shortline | |
 Ontario Transport Minister Hon. Donna Cansfield, centre, and her staff visited Ottawa Central Railway recently to get first hand experience with the railway in the Ottawa area. Left to right are Chris Vivone and Bruce Burrows, RAC; Jamie Rilett, Director of Communications, Minister’s Office; Jurgen Kinghor of the minister’s staff; James Allen, OCR GM and Cathy Moore with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, based in eastern Ontario. (Photo by Ian A. McCord)
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March 23, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| FCM and RAC Work Together To Improve Community Relations | |
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Ottawa - The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) have signed a new two-year agreement to work together to improve community relations between the FCM members and railways. Jean-François Trepanier, acting CEO of the 1,400-member FCM, and Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of RAC, which represents 56 freight and passenger railways operating in Canada, announced the agreement today on behalf of their organizations. |
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March 21, 2007 |
Miscellaneous |
| Railways Respond to TSB Report | |
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Ottawa - Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, said the industry is pleased with the decline in railway accidents reported today by the Transportation Safety Board. There were 11.9 accidents per million train miles last year, compared to 13 in 2005. Rail related fatalities totaled 95 in 2006, compared to 103 in 2005. Eighty-seven of those fatalities were at highway-railway crossings or in trespassing incidents over which the railways have limited control. Rail incidents in 2006 reached a 24-year low of 225, down from 243 in 2005 and down from the five-year average of 283. |
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March 20, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Locomotive Emissions Monitoring Program 2005 | |
 The annual Locomotive Emissions Monitoring (LEM) data filing has been completed for 2005 in accordance with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 1995 between Environment Canada and the Railway Association of Canada (RAC). The analysis shows that the reference emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) for 2005 totalled 114.86 kilotonnes (kt) – which is below the voluntary cap of 115 kt in the MOU.
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Document(s): Click here to download the report in PDF (981 KB) |
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March 20, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Railway Industry Setting Good Environmental Record | |
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Ottawa - The railway industry has demonstrated its commitment to a cleaner environment by meeting a cap on locomotive emissions even though it is handling a lot more freight and passengers. A report from Environment Canada and the Railway Association of Canada says that for 2005, the railways came in at 114.86 kilotonnes of nitrous oxides, just under a voluntary emissions cap of 115 kts. “This compares with 117.05 kt emitted during 2004 despite increases of 2.8 per cent in revenue traffic and 1.1 per cent in fuel consumption.” The report credits a series of on-going initiatives including the introduction of new locomotives that meet the tougher “emissions standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.” The cap was set in a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding with Environment Canada signed in 1995, said Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the RAC. |
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March 19, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Railways Budget Response | |
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Ottawa - Canada’s railways welcomed the federal government’s continued budget support for gateway spending to help cope with the growth in international and continental trade, but were disappointed by the lack of movement on Capital Cost Allowances. Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada said being able to depreciate their locomotives and freight cars sooner, as recommended by the Industry Committee, would have made it possible for railways to modernize their fleets faster with more environmentally-friendly equipment. CCA rates for rail are 15 per cent, 25 per cent for aircraft, 33 per cent for ships and 40 per cent for trucks. |
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March 13, 2007 |
RAC News |
| “Railway Operations Live" course returns for 2007 | |
 “Railway Operations Live!” is back for 2007, with four planned course - 3 in Alberta and 1 in Ottawa.“Railway Operations Live!” is an introductory program in basic railway operations sponsored by the Railway Association of Canada and delivered by the Canadian Heartland Training Railway. “This course provides an excellent opportunity for employees new to the industry, shippers, or simply those interested in railway operations to experience some basic day-to-day railroading” remarked Bruce Burrows, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Railway Association of Canada. |
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Document(s): Click here to download the document in PDF (264 KB) |
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March 9, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Railway Association on solid track with Mackay at the helm | |
 Cliff Mackay’s first 10 months as president and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada has been challenging but the position has more than met his expectations.The former president of the Air Transport Association of Canada, Mr. Mackay was appointed head of the railway group last May 1. The RAC represents 60 railways that move two-thirds of Canada’s freight and 60 million passengers annually. |
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Document(s): Click here to download the Profile in PDF (213 KB) |
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February 15, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Responding to the challenge of sustaining a clean, healthy transportation system | |
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Ottawa - Canada’s railways pledged to continue their efforts to reduce emissions and improve service to our customers, according to Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the almost 60 member freight and passenger railways of the Railway Association of Canada. He was responding to Minister of Transport Hon. Lawrence Cannon’s announcement today in Trois Rivieres of $30 million in funds that will be available over four years to all modes to improve freight efficiency. Mr. Mackay was represented at the ceremony by Mario Brault, President and CEO of Genesee and Wyoming Canada and RAC board member. |
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February 12, 2007 |
Miscellaneous |
| 8th World Congress on Railway Research - Call for papers | |
 The World Congress on Railway Research seeks and serves to promote international sharing and cooperation in the fields of railway research and innovation covering operational, environmental and safety management as well as the traditional engineering issues.
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Document(s): Click here to download the Call for papers in PDF (169 KB) |
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February 7, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Canadian Manufacturing Rising To the Rail Challenge | |
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Ottawa - Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, said Canada’s railways support the Industry, Science and Technology Committee’s recommendations issued Tuesday to help Canadian manufacturers be more competitive in domestic and world markets. One of the report’s 22 key recommendations would raise the Capital Cost Allowance rate for railway rolling stock, locomotives and intermodal equipment to 30 per cent, said Mr. Mackay. That would double the current CCA rate for depreciating railway rolling stock in Canada and more closely match the depreciation rates with other modes. |
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February 6, 2007 |
RAC Press Release |
| Remote Essential Services At Risk By Planned Legislation | |
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Ottawa - Richard Bell, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Tshiuetin Rail Transportation -- the first aboriginal-owned and operated railway in North America -- told the House of Commons’ Human Affairs Committee today (Tuesday) that proposed labour legislation before the committee could wipe out remote essential services his people depend on for their survival. Bill C-257 does not contain any provision for essential services and “essential service’ is exactly what this mixed freight and passenger train means for the population it serves! We are the first aboriginal railway, not only because of our ownership, but also because of our customers; 75 per cent of them are first nation people. |
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January 22, 2007 |
Member News |
| Railway Operations Live! | |
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Canada’s railways play a vital role in the economic fabric of North America by moving millions of tons of freight annually over thousands of miles of track - connecting communities and delivering goods and passengers safely and efficiently. Learn more about the Canadian railway industry through “Railway Operations Live!” – a unique opportunity that affords participants with a chance to safely experience and participate in actual rail operations. “Railway Operations Live!” is an introductory program in Canadian railway operations sponsored by the Railway Association of Canada and delivered by the Canadian Heartland Training Railway. |
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Document(s): Click here to download the Course information in PDF (31 KB) |
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January 5, 2007 |
RAC News |
| Winter Edition of Interchange | |
 The Winter edition of the Railway Association of Canada’s quarterly magazine, Interchange, tracks the industry’s growth and developments. It outlines the introduction of electronic braking to more Canadian railways in 2007, and the use of advanced technology to expedite track and related switch changeouts.
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January 4, 2007 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| RAC DG-04 Released | |
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The RAC DG Committee announces the release of RAC DG-04 that are guidelines for railways to request Estoppel Agreements from Transport Canada.This guideline is effective January 1, 2007. |
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Document(s): Click here to download the DG-4 Circular in PDF (46 KB) |
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| Summer 2010 Edition of Interchange | |
| Railway Emergency Response Training Complete | |
| Locomotive Emissions Monitoring Program 2008 | |
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Mr. Paul Goyette Director, Communications and Public Affairs Phone: (613) 564-8097 |
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