July started with a first for me and for RAC VP Lora Smith: we headed west for the Calgary Stampede. Over six days in one of Canada’s great rail cities, not only did we learn why the Stampede is called the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, we also saw firsthand why so many businesspeople converge […]
The RAC team was in Winnipeg last week – alongside other newly minted railroaders at CN’s Claude Mongeau Training Centre – and we saw firsthand the real and concerted emphasis our Class 1s place on railroader safety. Railroading is physical work. It also comes with risk – especially if people take safety shortcuts. One wrong […]
With a second consecutive summer of supply chain uncertainty looming large, the federal government has referred a question to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), delaying potential labour disruption that could otherwise have begun on May 22nd. The question is ‘what, if any, rail activity must continue during a strike or lockout at Canada’s two […]
The tabling of the federal budget is always a big deal in Ottawa. Despite two weeks of orchestrated previews and pre-budget announcements across Canada, the federal government reserved several surprises for Budget Day itself. Under Chapter 5, Safer, Healthier Communities, RAC was pleased to see a commitment to renew VIA Rail’s cross-Canada fleet. This will […]
March may have turned to April, and International Women’s Day may have come and gone for another year, but we at the RAC are not quite done celebrating the women tRAILblazers that help run our railways. In fact, we’re just getting started. Our Women in Rail conference is back for another year. It’s virtual so […]
As we close out a month that is dedicated to romance of all kinds, it’s clear that Canadians love the lore of rail’s heritage. You see it in the throngs of attendees at model train shows happening across the country over recent and coming weeks. It’s clear in the faces of the young and the […]
From paralyzing snowfalls in B.C. to record cold and power grid concerns in Alberta to icy, windy storms in the east, winter weather was back with a vengeance across Canada this month. Extreme conditions tested each of us. But for railroaders – many of whom must brave the elements to keep Canada moving – it […]
Safety is job one for every Canadian railroader. It is at the heart of railway operations 24/7/365. And it is engrained into our members’ corporate culture (including as a key value for those of us at the RAC). It is also a key part of sustainability. In November, we had several marquee opportunities to explore […]
Last week’s Bank of Canada rate decision may have been welcome news for people who are struggling to pay their mortgage or service consumer debt and worried about rates climbing higher. But Governor Tiff Macklem’s opening remarks had some gloomy language that signals economic tough times could be with us for some time yet. Global […]
This past weekend, I joined people from coast to coast to coast in marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. My commemoration involved some reflection about how we can further the journey of reconciliation, listen and learn, and help build a better country for all. Building a better country is something railroaders know all […]