RailCAN25
Connect with Industry Leaders at Canada’s Premier Rail Conference
Join top industry executives, policymakers, and government officials in the heart of Canada’s capital for a can’t-miss event focused on the future of rail. This national conference and industry showcase will feature in-depth discussions on the critical issues shaping rail in Canada—from its role in driving economic growth and supporting supply chains, to advancements in passenger and commuter safety, innovation, and technology. Gain valuable insights and engage in meaningful dialogue that’s helping to define the future of rail.
The Industry Showcase will feature cutting-edge products, services, and technologies that are shaping the future of rail. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with leading suppliers and innovators from across the sector. Details on exhibitor opportunities and sponsorship packages can be found below.
When:
November 26-27, 2025
Location:
Rogers Centre Ottawa (formerly Shaw Centre), 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON
Hotel Information:
The Railway Association of Canada has preferred rates at the following hotels:
ALT Hotel (15-minute walk)
185 Slater Street, Ottawa, ON [ Rate: $204/night ]
To book a room, click here
Westin Hotel (beside the Rogers Centre)
11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON [ Rate: $305/night ]
To book a room, click here
Our Gold Sponsors
Draft Agenda
November 26-27, 2025Canada Hall 3, Rogers Centre Ottawa (formerly Shaw Centre), 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON
| DAY 1 | November 26 |
|---|---|
| Times | Session |
08:00 – 09:00 | Registration and breakfast in exhibit space |
09:00 – 09:15 | Welcome Eric Harvey, President and CEO, Railway Association of Canada |
09:15 – 10:00 | State of the Canadian Economy: Rail’s Impact and What’s Ahead Professor Trevor Tombe, Professor of Economics, University of Calgary |
10:00 – 10:30 | Break in exhibit space |
10:30 – 11:15 | Labour Disruptions and Work Stoppages: Building Toward Stability Professor Rafael Gomez, Director, Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, University of Toronto |
11:15 – 12:15 | Building Effective Partnerships: Tools and Approaches for Indigenous Engagement As Indigenous participation in major projects continues to grow, this session focuses on how organizations can move beyond consultation to meaningful collaboration. Hear from speakers who will share proven approaches to partnership and introduce insights into a new Indigenous engagement toolkit designed to help members apply these principles in practice. Thomas Benjoe, Founding Partner, OneHoop and Founding Partner & CEO, FLOWING RIVER CAPITAL |
12:15 – 13:30 | Lunch in exhibit space with keynote speaker |
13:30 – 14:30 | Tony Hatch, Senior Transportation Analyst, ABH Consulting |
14:30 – 15:30 | Moving Economies: Supply Chains, Growth, and Investment in Canada Explore how bold solutions and smarter policies can strengthen supply chains, accelerate investment, and modernize Canada’s approach to labour and infrastructure. Moderator: Eric Harvey, President and CEO, Railway Association of Canada Keith Currie, President, Canadian Federation of Agriculture Isabelle Des Chênes, Executive VP, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada Geoff Smith, Vice President, Government Relations, The Mining Association of Canada David Adams, President, Global Automakers of Canada |
15:30 – 16:00 | Break in exhibit space |
16:00 – 16:45 | Political Overview Bruce Anderson, Chief Strategy Officer, Partner, Co-Founder, spark*advocacy |
16:45 | Closing remarks Eric Harvey, President and CEO, Railway Association of Canada |
17:30 – 20:00 | Awards Ceremony – Queen St. Fare, 170 Queen St., Ottawa ON |
| DAY 2 | November 27 |
|---|---|
| Times | Session |
08:00 – 09:00 | Registration and breakfast in exhibit space |
09:00 – 09:05 | Welcome Eric Harvey, President and CEO, Railway Association of Canada |
09:05 – 10:05 | Safety Culture Dr. Mark Fleming, Professor, St. Mary’s University |
10:05 – 11:05 | Innovation and technology Jason Pierosara, Client Relationship Leader, National Research Council Canada James Mutcher, Director, Mechanical & Equipment, Cando Rail & Terminals |
11:05 – 11:35 | Break in exhibit space |
11:35 – 12:05 | Operation Lifesaver Chris Day, National Director, Operation Lifesaver Canada |
12:05 – 13:15 | Lunch in exhibit space |
13:15 – 14:15 | Keeping Riders Safe: A Commitment to Passenger and Commuter Rail Safety |
14:15 – 15:15 | Showcasing Rail Adaptation to Extreme Weather Events Dr. Quentin Chiotti, Principal, QPC Consulting |
15:15 – 15:45 | Break in exhibit space |
15:45 – 16:45 | Health and Safety Dr. Ahmed Elmezughi, Chief Medical Officer, CN Dr. George Lambros, Chief Medical Officer, CPKC |
16:45 | Closing remarks Eric Harvey, President and CEO, Railway Association of Canada |
16:45 – 18:15 | Reception in exhibit space |
Speakers
Stay tuned for our incredible lineup of speakers and panelists.
Registration
Cancellation policy:
All registration, sponsor and exhibit fees are non-refundable. Should you need to cancel your registration, sponsorship or exhibit booth, a credit in the amount of said fee (less a $50 administrative fee) will be issued to you for a future annual RailCAN event. If RAC cancels or postpones RailCAN25, you will receive a full credit for your registration for a future RailCAN event.
There is no credit given for cancellations that occur within 14 days of the event.
Exhibitor information:
Please click here to view the exhibitor brochure and complete the form to reserve your booth.
Sponsorships:
Please click here to explore our sponsorship opportunities and secure your sponsorship package.