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| 2008 Archives |
December 30, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| Growing Challenges | |
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Ottawa -- Coming off a banner year in 2007, Canada’s railways were optimistic that 2008 would prove equally successful. Instead, they were hit with the double economic whammy that pushed the world into a recession—soaring fuel prices followed by the international credit squeeze that slashed imports and softened international demand for Canadian resources. In September, 2008, Statistics Canada says both intermodal and other freight traffic was down 1.4 per cent from the same month of 2007. Hardest hit were loadings of grains, potash, coal, iron ore and concentrates, and lumber which represent about 40 per cent of the total non-intermodal loadings. |
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December 30, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| Inducted Into Canadian Railway Hall of Fame | |
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Ottawa – Three railroaders were inducted into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame today to mark their milestones as Leader, Hero and for Industry Achievement. They made definitive contributions to the industry during their careers. One is still active, one is retired and the third is being honoured posthumously. Keith Hunt, a native of Frome, Ontario in 1923, rose from an apprentice electrician to corporate vice-president of CN. Jim F. Munsey, born in Edmonton, began his railway career as a Morse code telegrapher. He worked in various operational management positions across Canada, including as regional safety manager for the CN Management Region during the 1980’s. Steve Harvey, a native of Montreal and an 18-year employee of GO Transit working as a System Safety Officer in Toronto, has been awarded a Canadian Railway Hall of Fame Industry Achievement Award for his work in promoting rail safety to the public. The community of Capreol, a CN divisional point in northern Ontario for the past 90 years, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in August to mark its birthday during a family reunion, other events and the community’s restoration of steam locomotive 6077. |
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December 24, 2008 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| 2009 RAC DG Team Rates Published | |
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BOE members, In an effort for our valued members to control costs, the RAC has decided NOT to increase service fees in 2009 for plant inspections, and training. Your Railway Association of Canada, (RAC), Transportation of Dangerous Goods Specialists, will continue to invoice in Canadian dollars for BOE plant inspections and training services. (with applicable taxes applied) |
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Document(s): Click here to download the document in PDF (40 KB) |
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November 27, 2008 |
RAC News |
| The Annual RAC Christmas Reception | |
 Cliff MacKay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada welcomes John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities to the annual RAC Christmas reception.
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Document(s): Click here to download the photograph in JPEG (57 KB) |
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November 25, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| Railways Carried Record Volume Last Year | |
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OTTAWA – Canada’s modern and efficient railways carried a record-breaking 361.6 billion revenue tonne kilometres of freight in 2007 and 67.9 million inter-city passengers and commuters during the year. The information is in the 2008 Railway Trends publication published today. It is available on the industry’s website at www.railcan.ca and is an annual composite of financial and operating data for the 55 member railways’ performance over the past decade. Cliff Mackay, Railway Association of Canada President and Chief Executive Officer, said “the railways established new records for some key financial, workload and productivity indicators last year, but not as many as the banner year prior.” Canada’s railways operate approximately 775 trains a day in Canada, and keep their environmental footprint to only three per cent of the transport sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
November 20, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| Science and Technology Will Help Fuel Trains in Future | |
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COLLINGWOOD, ON – Canada’s freight and passenger railways and environmental specialists in Southern Ontario have agreed on an initiative that will keep their fuel storage tanks and related products for trains safe and secure in the future. “The agreement involves development of a training manual and material for field staff as well as plans for modification and construction of new and existing installations,” said Craig Fisher of Collingwood, ON, President of Stragis Environmental Services. |
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November 13, 2008 |
RAC News |
| Award Winners Announced | |
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The winners of this fall’s Railway Interiors ‘Innovation & Excellence’ Awards 2008 in Amsterdam were: Passenger Comfort Innovation of the Year – LPA Excil; Safety / Accessibility Innovation of the Year – VAG / Nuernberg Metro, line U3; Security Innovation of the Year – Bombardier SEKURFLO; Passenger Infotainment Innovation of the Year – SNCF for Connexion TGV; Refurbishment of the Year – Thalys International; Passenger Service Innovation of the Year – Virgin Trains; Design of the Year – Siemens Mobility for the Velaro E HST for RENFE, and Railway Interiors Expo Innovation of the Year Award – Sovereign Planned Services Online Ltd. The event, although smaller than 2007’s, was a success. It attracted some very senior individuals from the winning organizations to collect their Awards. Competition judges included Cliff Mackay of Ottawa, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada. |
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October 22, 2008 |
RAC News |
| Business Television in Vancouver | |
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Television stations across Canada and in the U.S. aired a weekly business program on the weekend, with Host Taylor Thoen, that focused on innovation, the environment and growth in the freight and passenger railways and suppliers in Canada. The program included interviews by Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the RAC, who discussed the railways’ growing role in domestic and international trade today and their plans for the future. Intercity and commuter traffic grew by four million riders last year alone, for example. Click on the following: Video 1 (1.9 MB) Video 2 (4.3 MB) Video 3 (2.1 MB) |
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October 14, 2008 |
RAC News |
| Fall Edition of Interchange | |
 Now available, the fall edition of Interchange features CP’s new Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer Kathryn McQuade, CN’s Vice-President of Labour Relations Kim Madigan, other stories including the potash industry’s expansion of its distribution facilities, future rail fuel savings, the safety and environmental awards and U.S. Midwest flooding.
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
October 9, 2008 |
RAC News |
| 2008 RAC Safety Award - CN | |
 Cliff Mackay, president and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada: Jean Ouellette and Paul Miller of CN during presentation of the safety award for the railway's initiative to train emergency responders in B.C.
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Document(s): Click here to download the photograph in JPEG (296 KB) |
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October 9, 2008 |
Miscellaneous |
| Globe and Mail Special Supplement: Canada's Railways - Building Capacity | |
 With billions of dollars in new infrastructure investments underway in projects to improve passenger rail services and capture increasing global trade, Canada’s railways are on a roll, fuelling our national interests.
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Document(s): Click here to download the Globe and Mail Supplement in PDF (1.9MB) |
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October 6, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| VIA Green Teams Get Industry Recognition | |
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Montreal - VIA Rail Canada received the Railway Association of Canada’s 2008 Environment Award today for creating 11 volunteer Green Teams to raise and promote environmental awareness with passengers and their communities across Canada. “The initiative is unique, brings flexibility and encourages individual contributions to VIA’s environmental performance,” said RAC President and CEO Cliff Mackay. “Their commitment fuels employee passion for reducing waste, reusing and recycling materials.” |
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October 6, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| CN Safety Program in B.C. Gets National Recognition | |
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Vancouver, B. C. – CN’s Dangerous Goods Team has won the Railway Association of Canada’s 2008 Safety Award for their efforts to improve contact and communications with emergency responders in the field. The program started in British Columbia two years ago when the Port of Prince Rupert was being expanded to handle import/ export container traffic. Communities felt CN’s Emergency Response presence had room to grow, and believed they lacked sufficient training and equipment in the event of a railway derailment. CN partnered with Channel Solutions and Quantum Environment to develop and deliver an on-line two-day training program for responders through six hub sites in B.C. They offered the program to 120 municipal responders in 36 communities. Cliff MacKay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, said: “The project is a smart way to invest in the safe, secure transport of dangerous goods by rail. It fosters open communications and builds partnerships with local communities resulting in better emergency preparedness and planning. They hope to build on it system-wide.” |
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October 6, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| QNS & L Employees Tap Into System To Improve Fatigue Management | |
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Sept-Isles, QUE. - The Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway has won the Railway Association of Canada’s 2008 Safety award for giving their employees a more direct connection to crew calling as part of their fatigue management program. Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the RAC, said the initiative uses the Internet to help employees plan their rest periods more efficiently and increase the safety of their operations. The main benefit is that employees don’t depend on receiving a call to work from their supervisor. Information is updated every five hours, there are no other operators on the rail line and the system is password protected. The annual Safety and Environmental Awards program was created in 2005 by the Railway Association of Canada, which represents some 55 freight and passenger railways, to encourage workers to adopt safe, environmental practices and operational techniques. They transport 75 per cent of surface freight in the country, move 67.9 million passengers annually and generate only three per cent of the country’s transportation greenhouse gas emissions. Media Contact: Roger Cameron Railway Association of Canada 613-564-8097 rogerc@railcan.ca |
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September 25, 2008 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| Understanding Railway Dangerous Goods Response | |
 Ottawa - On Thursday September 25 the dangerous goods response portion of the RAC's Railway 101 program was delivered to a class of emergency response contractors and industry personnel.This was a full one day course that consisted of a description of railway operations safety, rules and regulations, dangers at a rail incident, first response to dangerous goods, documentation, damage assessment, incident command, site assessment and a "hands on" look inside a working railway yard. |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
September 16, 2008 |
RAC News |
| 2008 Roger Cyr Award | |
 Lorrie Johnson of New Brunswick Southern Railway, Saint John, and Claude Cyr, Montreal, son of Operation Lifesaver’s late founder, Roger Cyr, received special awards during OL’s 20th annual conference in Gatineau Tuesday. Lorrie received her award for outstanding community safety initiatives. Ginette Bourgeois of Transport Canada in Moncton and OL National Director, Dan Di Tota, Ottawa, participated.
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Document(s): Click here to download the photograph in JPEG (74 KB) |
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September 9, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| Tax Reduction Welcomed | |
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Ottawa – The Prime Minister’s announcement to reduce taxes on diesel fuel was received with high praise from the railway industry today. Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, welcomed his intention to reduce the excise tax on diesel fuel from 0.04 to 0.02 cents over four years. The rail industry has long held the view that the federal excise tax on locomotive diesel fuel should be eliminated in order to reduce costs for Canadian shippers and travelers and contribute to Canada’s environmental goals. The U.S abolished its comparable federal excise tax in January 2007. “Rail is the most fuel-efficient form of surface transport. This initiative will help our manufacturers and exporters compete domestically and internationally,” said Mr. Mackay. Canada’s railways transport 75 per cent of freight in Canada and 65 million commuters and inter-city passengers while creating only three per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Media Contact: Roger Cameron Railway Association of Canada rogerc@railcan.ca 514-697-0830 |
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August 20, 2008 |
Miscellaneous |
| Industry officials looking at Canada's rail system | |
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Source: New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal Infrastructure to remain competitive, ports need to look closely at inland connections Saint John - A faster, more efficient rail system is key to the growth of Canadian ports, said leaders in the industry at a conference of port authorities Tuesday. "It's really simple and it's really all about logistics. You have to be able to move a particular cargo from point A to point B at an acceptable price in an acceptable condition within an acceptable time frame," said Andrew Dixon, vice-president of marketing and business development at the Saint John Port Authority. He was speaking on the second day of a four-day conference of port authorities at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre in Saint John. |
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August 2, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| Capreol Inducted into Canadian Railway Hall of Fame on its 90th Birthday | |
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Capreol, ON – Capreol, a CN divisional point in northern Ontario for the past 90 years, was inducted into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame Saturday night. The event involved a series of festivities, from sports to music and eating competitions, from dancing to a town-wide yard sale. Prompted by a reunion of the Prescott Family, the community organized a massive restoration and re-painting of steam locomotive 6077, with the finishing touches completed this past weekend by volunteers, as part of its 90th birthday party. Tony Marquis, General Manager, Operations for CN’s Champlain Division in eastern Canada, made the announcement on behalf of the Railway Hall of Fame tonight. A native of Capreol, he is a third-generation railroader and a former locomotive engineer. |
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July 31, 2008 |
RAC News |
| 2007 Annual Report | |
 The Railway Association of Canada’s 2007 Annual Report is now available on this website.
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Document(s): Click here to download the Annual Report in PDF (392 KB) |
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July 31, 2008 |
Member News |
| Railpower Technologies Awarded Contract from Virginia International Terminal for Three Fuel Efficient Locomotives | |
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Brossard – Railpower Technologies Corp. (TSX: P) announced today that Virginia International Terminal (VIT) purchased two multi-genset, low emission, fuel efficient, four-axle RP20BD locomotives and one hybrid GG20B locomotive from the Corporation. The agreement reached between Railpower and VIT is a three year long term lease with the commitment to purchase at its expiry. “Over time, these locomotives will pay for themselves in fuel savings, efficiency, maintenance and overall operating costs while significantly reducing the Port of Virginia’s carbon emissions” said Heather Mantz, VPA’s Director of Environmental Affairs. |
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July 21, 2008 |
RAC News |
| Summer Edition of Interchange | |
 The Summer edition of the RAC’s quarterly magazine Interchange is now available. Peter Touesnard, Northeast regional vice-president of RailAmerica, talks about his operations. Jean Tierney, Senior Director, Customer Experience discusses her career with VIA and the opportunities for employees today. First Waste Transload will remove some 37,000 truck trips from Toronto area highways and CROR will help keep employees safer at work.
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
July 18, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| VIA Rail Provides On-Board Defibrillators | |
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Montréal -- VIA Rail has won the railway industry’s 2008 Safety Award for giving employees and passengers in cardiac arrest access to 185 life-saving defibrillators on all trains, at select passenger stations and workplaces. The units went into operation from coast to coast in mid-July. “Six hundred and 25 VIA staff were trained to operate the units by the company’s first aid instructors since the initiative started last December,” said Cliff Mackay, RAC President and CEO. “VIA Rail is the first in the passenger rail industry to make the devices available.” |
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July 18, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| OLEV Mobile Classroom For Sale | |
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Ottawa -- Operation Lifesaver’s mobile classroom will go on sale this weekend after logging 150,000 kilometres since 2004, visiting 250 communities and interacting with 800,000 Canadians. The classroom carried a wireless high-speed Internet, DVD and CD players, a laptop train simulator, train bell and a projector for use at outside events to help it deliver a highway/ railway safety message to the public. That equipment has been removed. Funds from the sale will go back into the OL program. |
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July 12, 2008 |
RAC News |
| New Railway Freight and Passenger Train Brake Inspection and Safety Rules | |
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On July 12, 2008 the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities approved the new Freight and Passenger Train Brake Inspection and Safety Rules, submitted by the RAC on behalf of the industry. The new rule has been developed to address specific safety requirements raised by Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board. This new rule provides for changes to address remote control operations. Some of the major changes would include brake tests, some of the tests have been combined together for easier understanding and clarity. The new Freight and Passenger Train Brake Inspection and Safety Rules were approved on July 12 but will not take effect until October 1, 2008; this will allow industry time to train all of their effected employees. Contact Information: Kevin McKinnon Operations & Regulatory Affairs Director Regulatory Affairs and Policy Liaison (613) 564-8101 kevinm@railcan.ca |
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Document(s): Click here to download the Rules in PDF (83 KB) |
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June 23, 2008 |
Miscellaneous |
| Time to ride rails again? | |
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Source: Moncton Times & Transcript Rail was once the heart and soul of Moncton, NB, but its prominence faltered when the CN shops closed in July 1988. Twenty years on, Moncton, the province, and the country as a whole may need to look to the past to find the way of the future. With the cost of fuel getting higher every year, rail is poised to become an attractive alternative to shipping freight by truck, though not without a significant investment. "I don't know that the love affair with the automobile is over yet, but it is getting pretty badly bruised I am beginning to think," says Harold Nicholson, president of Transport 2000 Atlantic. "If everyone stops and thinks for a while, they will see that the future probably lies in rail." Nicholson's national counterpart, David Jeanes, agrees. "Certainly over the long distances fuel costs, emissions and just highway safety and congestion are all factors that contribute to it being worthwhile to go back to moving more freight by rail," says Jeanes, president of Transport 2000 Canada. |
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June 23, 2008 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| “Operation 60 Minutes” a Success | |
 On June 21 and 22, the Norfolk County Fire Department conducted their annual Fire School in Courtland, Ontario.This annual school offers specialized first responder training to fire departments across Norfolk County. Surrounding counties and police are also invited to attend the training. This year, as part of the curriculum, there was a training session conducted on railway dangerous goods response called “Responding to Railway Dangerous Goods Incidents” followed the next day with an emergency exercise called “Operation 60 Minutes”. |
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June 11, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| New Study Shows Short Lines Benefit Ontario Economy And Environment | |
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Ottawa - A new study for the Railway Association of Canada and the Ministry of Transport for Ontario says short line railways contribute up to $1.2 billion in economic and social benefits to Ontario’s economy. "Short lines are an integral part of Ontario's transportation network and play a key role in economic development and environmental sustainability. In order to intensify trade and to stimulate economic growth, Ontario must have the capacity to transport goods safely, effectively and efficiently. The railway network plays a key role in providing this service," said RAC President and CEO Cliff Mackay. The cost of the study was shared by the province and the railways. Approximately 400 employees work for the shortline railways in Ontario. They earn $20 million in wages annually and contribute $7 million in federal and provincial taxes. The shortlines support local industries whose total revenue is estimated at $4 billion annually. “That illustrates the dynamic relationship between transportation and industrial production,” said Mr. Mackay. |
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June 5, 2008 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| TDG Regulations Amendment 6 Guidance Document, June 2008 | |
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Andy Ash, Manager, Dangerous Goods The Railway Association of Canada Toronto, Ontario, Canada 905-953-8991 |
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Document(s): Click here to download the Amendment 6 Guidance Document in PDF (47 KB) Click here to download the TDG Amendment 6 Job Aids in PDF (51 KB) |
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May 6, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| RAC Launches New Environmental Tool for Shippers | |
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Ottawa – The Railway Association of Canada launched its Rail Freight Greenhouse Gas Calculator today, a user-friendly tool that calculates the emissions associated with specific shipments. “Transportation users are under increased pressure to reduce GHGs involved in the movement of their products. This tool helps our customers and others better understand the difference they can make by choosing rail, on a shipment by shipment basis, and by making better environmental choices overall,” said Bruce Burrows, vice-president of corporate and public affairs, for the RAC. |
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May 2, 2008 |
Miscellaneous |
| Rail Safety Week: Moose Jaw, SK | |
 CP Locomotive Engineer Greg Myers talks with grade 9 students of Central Collegiate High School on Friday, May 2, 2008, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. This week is Operation Lifesaver’s Rail Safety Week across Canada.
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Document(s): Click here to download the photograph in JPEG (361 KB) |
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April 30, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| Canada’s Railways Cleaner and Greener | |
 Ottawa – Canada’s railways continue to invest in greener technologies and to introduce cleaner operating practices. The industry’s just-released Locomotive Emissions Report for 2006 shows the railways acquired 60 new, more fuel-efficient locomotives during the year, upgraded 19 high-horsepower units and retired 21 older ones.“The railways are always seeking new ways to save energy,” said Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, which represents the almost-60 freight and passenger railways operating in Canada. “They have changed policies and procedures and introduced new technologies that reduce locomotive idling, minimized fuel consumption with automatic engine stop-start devices and maximized their asset utilization.” |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
April 28, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| Lorrie Johnston Received Roger Cyr Award | |
 Saint John, N.B. – Lorrie Johnston of Operations and Safety in New Brunswick Southern Railways’ short line, based in Saint John, has been named the recipient of the 2008 Roger Cyr Award. The new award is given to individuals who receive significant recognition of their efforts to reduce railway crossings collisions and trespass accidents.Lorrie started with NB Southern 10 years ago and moved into the Safety program in 2005. She works closely with communities, schools, bus drivers, trucking companies, government and industry. |
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April 28, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| All Aboard for Rail Safety Week | |
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Ottawa - Operation Lifesaver, in cooperation with Transport Canada, the Railway Association of Canada and their partners, will begin the 2008 Rail Safety Week today on April 28. It’s a national effort to promote safe decisions around highway-railway crossings and operations. “We are very excited to be kicking off this annual Rail Safety Week,” said Dan Di Tota, Operation Lifesaver national director. “Rail 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 9, 2008 |
RAC News |
| Spring edition of Interchange | |
 The Spring issue of Interchange is full of interesting news and developments about the freight and passenger railways in Canada. You will see that the 13 short lines in Ontario contribute up to $1.2 billion to the province's economy and the local industries they serve support another $4 billion in revenue.The Ontario, Quebec and federal governments have agreed to share the $2 million cost of a high speed corridor study that will also assess the potential for private sector participation. |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
March 20, 2008 |
RAC News |
| New Track Safety Rules | |
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On March 17, 2008 the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities approved revisions to the Track Safety Rules, submitted to Transport Canada by the RAC on behalf of the industry. Key revisions include changes to the definitions of main track, siding, and sub division track to mirror the definitions that are in the new Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR). These revisions are now in effect. Kevin McKinnon Railway Association of Canada Operations & Regulatory Affairs Director Regulatory Affairs and Policy Liaison (613) 564-8101 kevinm@railcan.ca |
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Document(s): Click here to download the Rules in PDF (149 KB) |
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March 20, 2008 |
RAC News |
| New Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) | |
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On February 26, 2008 the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities approved the new CROR, submitted by the RAC on behalf of the industry. This new document will provide for a more modern, meaningful and readily understandable operating rule book. The new rule book will also facilitate the introduction and use of new and improved technologies for safe railway operations. It will also serve to remove redundant rules and practices contained in the old CROR. The new CROR was approved on February 26 but will not take effect until May 28, 2008; this will allow industry time to train all of their effected employees. Kevin McKinnon Railway Association of Canada Operations & Regulatory Affairs Director Regulatory Affairs and Policy Liaison (613) 564-8101 kevinm@railcan.ca |
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March 14, 2008 |
Miscellaneous |
| 2008 Transportation Security, Safety and Risk Management Event | |
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Wednesday, March 26th At the Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Drive, Ottawa Hosted by industry leaders Bombardier Transportation, March Networks and Wabtec Railway Electronics |
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| more (this posting has attachments available) | |
March 7, 2008 |
RAC News |
| Industry Responds to Report On Railway Safety Act Review | |
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Ottawa – Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada said Canada’s railways were active participants in the Railway Safety Act review process and they look forward to further, constructive dialogue on railway safety now that the Minister has released the Panel’s recommendations. “The RAC will work with government and other stakeholders to help make the industry’s good safety record better,” said Mr. Mackay. He thanked the panel members, their staff and advisers for their efforts to deliver their report to the Minister in such a timely manner on how the Act can be improved and better managed. |
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February 29, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| Interactive Driver Training Unveiled By Operation Lifesaver | |
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Ottawa - Operation Lifesaver has launched a computer-based training program, “Train to Drive,” to help train new drivers the best way to approach highway/railway crossings. Dan Di Tota, National Director of Operation Lifesaver in Canada said: “Using the newest technology and an interactive design, this new training module will appeal to newly-licensed drivers, and bring the lesson of ‘Look, Listen and Live’ to young motorists across Canada.” Through consultation with the transportation industries, and those involved in new-driver training, Operation Lifesaver was able to develop the program that complements current driver training. The program utilizes video clips, sound, and presents railway safety information specifically targeted at the 15-24 age groups. The entire program is available on the “Train to Drive” website, at www.traintodrive.net. Once students have gone through the information, they can take a railway safety quiz. If they score 80 per cent or more, students can print a Certificate of Completion for their driver training instructors. |
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February 27, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| RAC Welcomes Federal Budget Support for Public Transit | |
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Ottawa - The new federal budget has allocated up to $500 million to support capital investments in public transit and established a trust fund to encourage public-private partnerships. “The initiative will be good for rail commuters and for the environment,” said Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada. Railways carry 65 million commuters and inter-city passengers annually in Canada, ease traffic congestion in urban areas, contribute to cleaner air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Rail passenger growth has been steady and will continue to grow as a result of greater public awareness of environmental concerns, the higher cost of gas and the impact of urban congestion,” said Mr. Mackay. |
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February 26, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| Federal Budget Will Increase Investment and Jobs in Canadian Railway Industry | |
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Ottawa - The Railway Association of Canada and industry suppliers welcomed today’s federal budget announcement to increase the depreciation rate for new and re-built locomotives. The move could lead to as much as $300 million in investment by the industry over the next five years and as many as 6,000 jobs throughout the supply and service sector. Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the RAC, said: “The government’s change in its tax policy will encourage the acquisition of more fuel-efficient locomotives that is good for the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and good for society by helping to reduce congestion.” The new Capital Cost Allowance rate of 30 per cent for locomotives will make Canadian railways more competitive with U.S. railroads’ depreciation rates. U.S. railroads can also fully depreciate their rolling stock within eight years while it takes Canadian railways more than 20 years to fully depreciate similar assets. |
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February 25, 2008 |
RAC News |
| The Railway Association of Canada presents the Railway 101 Industry Education Series | |
 The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) presents the Railway 101 Industry Education Series. This series includes four separate courses designed to enhance participants’ understanding of the industry. The courses are developed and facilitated by industry experts and include hands‐on exercises, site tours, and interactive classroom sessions.
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February 25, 2008 |
Miscellaneous |
| Ron E. Lawless Receives the Order of Canada | |
 Ron E. Lawless, former President of CN and VIA Rail, received the Order of Canada from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, during the Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony today at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. The recognition was for his community service as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Old Brewery Mission, past president of Bishop’s University and Governor Emeritus of Concordia University. Mr. Lawless was inducted into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame in 2004 in recognition of his 52 years of service to the railway industry.Photo: Sgt. Eric Jolin, Rideau Hall |
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February 22, 2008 |
RAC News |
| Rail - Government Interface 2008 – May 27th, 2008 | |
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Don't forget to mark your calendar for this year's not-to-be-missed 'Rail-Government Interface 2008' conference. This will take place on Tuesday, May 27th at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa.
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February 15, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| New Western Canada Dangerous Goods Team Member for RAC | |
 Ottawa – The Railway Association of Canada has appointed Curtis Myson of Edmonton as its new Dangerous Goods Specialist for Western Canada to work with the railway industry, shippers, emergency responders and communities in the safe transportation of dangerous goods. The appointment, announced by team manager Andy Ash, is effective April 1 with the retirement of John Lewis.Mr. Myson has 24 years of experience in the field gained from work as a CN dangerous goods officer, in shipping fertilizer and chemical plant operations for 15 years, as an emergency response contractor and as a trainer at the former Alberta Fire Training School for five years and in Saudi Arabia. |
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February 5, 2008 |
RAC Press Release |
| 2007 Rail Accidents Down Almost Seven Per Cent | |
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OTTAWA – Canada’s railways were pleased with their safety results in 2007 and look forward to on-going improvements. There were 1,282 rail-related accidents in 2007, down 6.9 per cent from 1,378 in 2006 and down 7.8 per cent from an annual average of 1,391 over the past five years. Accidents involving dangerous goods dropped from a five-year average of 210 to 182 in 2007. Accidents per million train miles – a critical indicator of safety performance in the face of growing traffic -- declined 4.5 per cent to 13.78 last year from 14.43 in 2006 and were down 8.9 per cent in 2007 from 15.01 on average over the past five years. Figures for fatalities and injuries also improved. Fatalities were down to 86 last year compared with 95 in 2006 with no increase over the past five years. Serious injuries dropped to 54 last year from 70 in 2006 compared with an annual average of 79 over the past five years. |
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February 4, 2008 |
Miscellaneous |
| Operation Lifesaver Seeking Nominations for Roger Cyr Award for Public Safety | |
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Ottawa - Operation Lifesaver is now seeking nominations for the Roger Cyr Award for Public-Rail Safety. The award, named after the late Mr. Cyr, the founding national director of Operation Lifesaver in Canada, recognizes excellence, dedication and initiative in the field of public-rail safety across Canada. “There are so many people and initiatives involved with Operation Lifesaver and the railway industry that deserve recognition for their role in improving rail safety,” said Dan Di Tota, national director of Operation Lifesaver in Canada. “Public-rail safety is of the utmost importance, and this award highlights the extra efforts that people have taken to achieve those ends.” The award is specific to activities during the 2007 calendar year, and is open to all active Operation Lifesaver partners and volunteers who have undertaken efforts to improve railway safety and encourage others to do the same. |
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January 31, 2008 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| Bureau of Explosives Hazmat Seminar | |
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On May 20-22, 2008, the AAR Bureau of Explosives is hosting the 21st annual Hazmat Seminar in St. Louis, MO. This seminar is attended my major railways, shippers, regulators, suppliers and contractors and boasts a variety of seminars dealing responding to dangerous goods incidents, product information, regulations and case studies. As always, there will be a large exhibitor hall demonstrating the latest in emergency response technology and services. For more information contact: Andy Ash, Manager, Dangerous Goods The Railway Association of Canada Toronto, Ontario, Canada 905-953-8991 |
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January 18, 2008 |
Dangerous Goods News |
| 2008 RAC DG Team Rates Published | |
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BOE members, In an effort for our valued members to control costs, the RAC has decided NOT to increase service fees in 2008 for plant inspections, and training. Your Railway Association of Canada, (RAC), Transportation of Dangerous Goods Specialists, will continue to invoice in Canadian dollars for BOE plant inspections and training services. (with applicable taxes applied) |
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Document(s): Click here to download the Inspection and Training Rates in PDF (16 KB) |
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January 18, 2008 |
Miscellaneous |
| Canadian Rail Conference and Exhibition, Toronto, May 6-7, 2008 | |
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A 2-day conference and exhibition event for the Canadian Passenger and Freight Rail industry, providing a forum for the exchange of information between government, rail operators and technology providers on emissions reductions and environmental best practices in the railway industry. Click here |
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January 14, 2008 |
RAC News |
| Winter edition of Interchange | |
 Winter Interchange demonstrates the range of developments that are underway and planned in the Canadian railway industry. The revitalization of VIA’s fleet is the subject of the magazine’s cover feature.The story behind the new CN-CP routing protocol comes down to one million less car-miles operated annually and better customer service. |
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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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