The Canadian Railway Hall of Fame Accepting Nominations for 2010
OTTAWA – The Canadian Railway Hall of Fame (CRHF) is currently accepting nominations to recognize individuals, communities and technologies that have been instrumental in building the freight and passenger infrastructure that plays such a vital role in Canada’s economy. The CRHF pays tribute to honorees in four categories:
Government of Canada and VIA Rail announce new station for Smiths Falls
SMITHS FALLS,- Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough and Chairman of the All Party Rail Caucus Parliamentary Group, on behalf on Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), and VIA's Senior Director, Real Estate, Magdy Fahmy today announced the construction of the town's new station and rail line upgrading. Made possible by the Government of Canada's investments of close to $21 million for major rail infrastructure work, the projects will increase and improve the safety, frequency and speed of passenger rail service all along VIA's busy Toronto-Ottawa route. MP Del Mastro and Senior Director Fahmy were joined at the announcement by Smiths Falls Mayor Dennis Staples and Canadian Pacific (CP) Vice-President of Government Affairs Michael Murphy.
"The Government of Canada understands how important VIA's rail service is to Smiths Falls and hundreds of other communities and rail travelers across Ontario," said MP Del Mastro. "By investing in rail services and facilities such as these here in Smiths Falls, we are underlining our commitment to VIA's capital renewal as a wise way to stimulate economic activity and job creation, contribute to environmental sustainability and improve Canada's passenger rail system for years to come."
Government of Canada Takes Action to Facilitate Shortsea Shipping
Transport Canada Press Release
OTTAWA — The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced completion of the Southern Railway of British Columbia (SRY) rail barge ramp, a shortsea shipping project at the marine rail terminal on Annacis Island in Delta. This project was made possible by $4.6 million in federal funding under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative.
“This investment in shortsea shipping will help alleviate traffic congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase overall transportation efficiency in the Lower Mainland,” said Minister Day.
The Railway Association of Canada - Railway Emergency Response Course
The Railway industry of Canada is always asked "why don't you provide Canadian based railway emergency response training?", thus the RAC Dangerous Goods Team is proud to announce for a second year their Canadian based training course that deals with responding to dangerous goods incidents on railway property.
On June 7-11, 2010 the RAC is conducting a "Railway Emergency Response" course at the Justice Institute of British Columbia in Maple Ridge, BC.
Year in Review - Canada’s Railways Hope For Better Results in 2010
Ottawa -- After a bumpy run through 2009 as the global economic slowdown cut into the demand for freight movement, Canada’s freight and passenger railways are looking forward, with hope, to better results in 2010.
Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada said: “From all signs, the decline in freight rail traffic hit bottom during this summer and has begun to rebound. It may take a couple of years for the business to rebuild to the peaks of the mid-2000’s.”
For VIA Rail and the country’s commuter rail operators, 2009 brought needed financial injections from government that will help set them on the right track to meet the expectations of their growing number of customers. Inter-city, commuter and tourist traffic totaled 72.3 million passengers in 2008, and is still growing.”
CN Board of Directors recognizes outgoing President and CEO, E. Hunter Harrison
MONTREAL - Mr. Harrison to retire from the company and its board of directors on Dec. 31, 2009.
David G. A. McLean, chairman of the board of directors of CN, today acknowledged the remarkable career of CN's outgoing president and chief executive officer E. Hunter Harrison.
"On behalf of CN's board of directors, I would like to thank Hunter for the outstanding leadership and service that he has provided to this company. His innovative Precision Railroading model and tireless dedication has led to the creation of a great North American railroad and will leave this company well positioned for future success," said McLean. "As Hunter prepares to step down from the company and from its board of directors, we extend our profound gratitude for what he has accomplished, and our best wishes for the future."
Please note that there will be ‘’no increase’’ in service fees provided by the RAC for plant inspections, and training services in 2010. The US exchange rate allows the RAC to maintain very competitive service fees and are in line with the Bureau of Explosives.
Contact Information:
Mr. Andy Ash
Director, Dangerous Goods
Phone: (905) 953-8991
OTTAWA, ONT - Canada's Transport Minister John Baird and the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), today announced the appointment of Mr. Marc Laliberte, of Boucherville, Quebec, as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of VIA Rail Canada Inc. for a term of four years, effective January 4, 2010.
"I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Laliberte to the position of president and CEO," said Baird. "VIA Rail provides a vital service to link our communities and I am confident that Mr. Laliberte's extensive experience in rail and business will be a great asset to the corporation."
"I am delighted that Mr. Laliberte has agreed to assume the leadership of VIA Rail Canada Inc.," said Minister Merrifield. "His extensive experience as a senior executive will prove invaluable to the corporation."