Our Railcan Team
The Railway Association of Canada’s staff is a dedicated team of professionals with a wide range of backgrounds—from railway operations, to government and media relations. Our Railcan team is committed to supporting and meeting the needs of RAC members, and to working with railways, governments and other stakeholders to ensure that Canada’s rail industry remains safe, competitive and sustainable.
Andy Ash
Director, Dangerous Goods
Operations & Regulatory Affairs(905) 953-8991Andy AshDirector, Dangerous Goods
Operations & Regulatory AffairsWith a background in HR Management, Andy has been working in the industry for over 42 years, is a Certified Railway Car Inspector and Tank Car Specialist and has been with the RAC for 20+ years. Current duties include servicing member railways, DG shippers, emergency response contractors and serves on Committees representing railway interests in the transport of dangerous goods in North America. He has produced and delivered many training courses on various aspects of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods in transport and has responded to thousands of incidents involving dangerous goods and continues to do so; he and his RAC team also train first responders on how to approach and deal with dangerous goods incidents.
Michael Barfoot
Director, Regulatory Affairs
Operations & Regulatory Affairs(613) 564-8094Michael BarfootDirector, Regulatory Affairs
Operations & Regulatory AffairsMichael has more than 15 years of operations and regulatory affairs experience in the Canadian transportation sector. Prior to joining RAC, Michael served as the General Manager of Regulatory Compliance for Air Canada where he was the primary liaison with domestic and global safety regulators, responsible for flight operations certification, compliance, and rulemaking. He also chaired both the Flight Operations Committee at the National Airlines Council of Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration’s Operations Specification Working Group representing the interests of international airlines. Mike holds a Master of Aviation Management from Griffith University, Brisbane.
Maryse Bétournay
Coordinator, Operation Lifesaver Programs
Operation Lifesaver(613) 564-8100Maryse BétournayCoordinator, Operation Lifesaver Programs
Operation LifesaverMaryse Bétournay has been Coordinator of Programs for Operation Lifesaver Canada since 2017, managing day-to-day operations and overseeing the development and promotion of various rail-safety programs and initiatives. With more than 10 years of experience in the railway industry, Maryse first joined OL as a Senior Administrative Assistant in 2013. Prior to joining the organization, she worked as a Counter Sales agent for VIA Rail Canada. Maryse is fluently bilingual and has a strong background in customer service.
Marian Bowman
Accounting/ Payroll Administrator
Human Resources, Finance & Administration(613) 564-8099Marian BowmanAccounting/ Payroll Administrator
Human Resources, Finance & AdministrationMarian joined the RAC in 2013. As Accounting/Payroll administrator, she supports the finance and administration functions of the Association including accounts payable, accounts receivable, HR administration as well as office administration. Marian maintains good working relationships with RAC members and suppliers. She reports directly to the Vice President Finance & Operations.
Brianna Bowman
Administrative Assistant
Finance & Administration(613) 564 8091Brianna BowmanAdministrative Assistant
Finance & AdministrationBrianna Bowman joined the RAC in 2020 as an Administrative Assistant. Brianna supports the Policy and Advocacy team in areas of planning and coordination of committee meeting logistics; organizing training sessions; and preparing and circulating relevant documents and minutes. Brianna also provides technical support for RAC’s virtual event platforms and assists the Director Member Engagement in delivery of in-person and virtual events. She reports directly to the Vice President, Finance & Operations.
Marc Brazeau
President and Chief Executive OfficerMarc BrazeauPresident and Chief Executive OfficerMarc brings close to 30 years of experience in the transportation industry to his leadership role with the RAC. He was the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Uni-Select where he brought significant growth to this North American auto parts distributor. Previously, Marc served as the President and CEO of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada where he was responsible for delivering a number of important industry initiative and programs aimed at growing the automotive service and repair industry in Canada for 20 consecutive years. Marc is a graduate in Public Relations from Humber College and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) Degree from the University of Ottawa.
Kim Buffone
Senior Administrative Assistant
Operations & Regulatory Affairs(613) 564-8098Kim BuffoneSenior Administrative Assistant
Operations & Regulatory AffairsKim joined the RAC in 2004 as an experienced receptionist coordinator. During her tenure with the RAC, Kim’s duties have expanded to include supporting the Operations and Regulatory Affairs Team in areas of planning and coordinating committee meeting logistics; organizing training sessions; and preparing and circulating relevant documents and minutes. In her current capacity as Senior Administrative Assistant, she reports directly to the Vice President, Finance & Operations and works closely with the Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Dangerous Goods, Mechanical Services and several consultants in support of the Operations and Regulatory Affairs Team. Her 17 years of experience with the RAC has allowed her to train new team members in the area of office administration.
Ben Chursinoff
Policy Analyst and Program Coordinator
Public & Corporate Affairs(613) 564-8095Ben ChursinoffPolicy Analyst and Program Coordinator
Public & Corporate AffairsBen has several areas of responsibilities at the RAC including the Environment Committee, Safety Culture Steering Committee, and the Proximity Initiative Steering Committee. Prior to moving to Ottawa, he spent 4 years with the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, as a Senior Policy Analyst, in his hometown of Regina, SK. Ben then spent a little over a year at the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) as an Analyst before joining the RAC team. Ben holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Certificate in Economics from the University of Regina where he played university level rugby.
Robert Corfield
Manager, Car Loading Rules
Operations & Regulatory Affairs(604) 532-1084Robert CorfieldManager, Car Loading Rules
Operations & Regulatory AffairsRobert has been working in the rail industry for over 52 years. Prior to his joining Railway Association of Canada in 1998, he held various positions within CN Mechanical Department. Starting out as a Carman Apprentice in 1969 and on completion of the four-year Apprenticeship, entered the workforce as a certified journeyman. In 1973 transferred from Vancouver to Prince George, holding a first line Management position. Transfer to Prince George proved to be a valuable career changing move as it is where he got his initial exposure to Rail Car loading, Dangerous Goods and Wrecking Forman. In 1987 another opportunity opened up when he transferred to Edmonton Alberta working under Bruce Garbutt in the planning department this is where he learnt a different side of railroading planning. Following two years at Regional HQ, he again transferred back to Vancouver as Car Foreman in charge of Thornton and surrounding yards. Again in 1998 an opportunity arose, this one at the R.A.C as a Manager Car Loading Rules located in Vancouver. R.A.C. accepted my application and seconded his services from Canadian National. Roberts current duties include the provision of mechanical services to RAC members, railways and shippers by promoting safe loading procedures and practices pursuant to mandatory loading rules issued by the RAC, the Association of American Railroads and Transport Canada. As rules and methods evolve RAC provides training sessions to RAC members, railways and shippers.
Jean-Pierre Couture
Transportation Dangerous Goods Specialist
Operations & Regulatory Affairs(450) 473-4459Jean-Pierre CoutureTransportation Dangerous Goods Specialist
Operations & Regulatory AffairsJean-Pierre Couture (JP) has been working in the industry for over 42 years and started his career with CN Mechanical Dept. Held numerous management positions in field operations and has been involve in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods for over 34 years. As a TDG Specialist with the RAC for 20 + years based in Montreal, his current duties are to support and work with member railways, DG shippers, E.R. contractors and government agencies through various activities. He is fluently bilingual and has produced and delivered training courses on various aspects of TDG regulations and has responded to hundreds of incidents in Eastern Canada. He is also dedicated in community outreach supporting member railways in providing training to first responders on railway operations and how to approach and assess dangerous goods incident.
Enzo De Benetti
Consultant, RAC Spectrum & Telecommunications
Operations & Regulatory Affairs(438) 455-7236Enzo De BenettiConsultant, RAC Spectrum & Telecommunications
Operations & Regulatory AffairsEnzo De Benetti is the Consultant, RAC Spectrum & Telecommunications . He has overall responsibilities for providing safe, interference-free and efficient communications throughout the rail network from coast to coast to coast and works closely with railway members and the Federal Government by monitoring and commenting on the development of policies and regulations with respect to radiocommunication and telecommunications. Enzo is a Graduate with First Class Honors from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and he brings with him 35 years of experience in telecommunications acquired at CN. He is recognized as a subject matter expert for his knowledge of radio telecommunications systems and was called upon for assistance in resolving complex problems. Enzo possesses an intimate knowledge of business operations which will no doubt be an asset in supporting our members and allow him to communicate their position with governments and key stakeholders.
Johanne Delaney
Executive Assistant
Office of the President(613) 564-8093Johanne DelaneyExecutive Assistant
Office of the PresidentJohanne Delaney is the Executive Assistant of the President & CEO and the Executive Vice President and General Counsel at The Railway Association of Canada. Prior to joining the RAC in 2010, Johanne was an Administrative Specialist at Autodesk Canada, a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software. Johanne is also the Secretary and Treasurer of the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame and the Chair of RAC’s Health and Safety Committee. Johanne is a graduate of Algonquin College’s Business Administration, is fluently bilingual, and has 25 years of administrative experience. Johanne Delaney is the Executive Assistant of the President & CEO and the Executive Vice President and General Counsel at The Railway Association of Canada. Prior to joining the RAC in 2010, Johanne was an Administrative Specialist at Autodesk Canada, a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software. Johanne is also the Secretary and Treasurer of the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame and the Chair of RAC’s Health and Safety Committee. Johanne is a graduate of Algonquin College’s Business Administration, is fluently bilingual, and has 25 years of administrative experience.
Claude Gagnon
Director, Mechanical Services
Operations & Regulatory Affairs(438) 827-5110Claude GagnonDirector, Mechanical Services
Operations & Regulatory AffairsClaude has been working in the railway industry for over 44 years. Prior to his joining the Railway Association of Canada, he held various positions with CN. He is currently based in Montreal. Claude's current duties include the provision of mechanical services to RAC members, railways and shippers by promoting safe loading procedures and practices pursuant to mandatory loading rules issued by the RAC, the Association of American Railroads and Transport Canada. As rules and methods evolve RAC provides training sessions to RAC members, railways and shippers.
Janet Greene
Director, Member Engagement
Public & Corporate Affairs(613) 564-8109Janet GreeneDirector, Member Engagement
Public & Corporate AffairsJanet is in charge of planning and implementing corporate events, trade shows and training courses for the RAC. She also works collaboratively with community colleges offering the Railway Conductor Program in Canada. Janet leads RAC’s Human Resources Committee, which aims to advance Canada’s railway industry workforce through employee training, development, and recruitment initiatives. She joined the RAC in 2002 while attending Carleton University, where she received her BA in Law.
Caroline Healey
Executive Vice President and General Counsel(613) 564-8103Caroline HealeyExecutive Vice President and General CounselCaroline Healey is RAC’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel. She is fluently bilingual and brings fifteen years of transportation experience to her role in leading RAC’s operations and regulatory affairs, as well as its government relations activities. Prior to joining the RAC, Caroline served as Executive Vice President Legal & External Affairs and Corporate Secretary for the Canadian subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming. Caroline works with RAC members, government representatives, regulators and other key stakeholders on a variety of issues affecting the railway industry and its customers in the areas of safety, environment, economic trade and innovation. She holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in North American Common Law from the University of Montreal, a Postgraduate certificate in Chinese Legal System, from the University of Political Science and Law in Beijing, and an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Law (LL.B), from Laval University.
Sandra Kazaka
Vice President, Finance & Operations
Human Resources, Finance & Administration(613) 564-8089Sandra KazakaVice President, Finance & Operations
Human Resources, Finance & AdministrationSandra acts as Secretary-Treasurer for the RAC and works closely with the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board. She is responsible for developing and overseeing, with the President & CEO, the financial, human, material and information technology resources of the Association in keeping with the strategic vision and policies established by the Board of Directors. She also contributes greatly to the operational excellence and financial sustainability of the Association. Sandra is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds Bachelor of Administration and Bachelor of Commerce degrees from University of Ottawa.
Gregory Kolz
Director, Government Relations
Public & Corporate Affairs(613) 564-8105Gregory KolzDirector, Government Relations
Public & Corporate AffairsGreg manages the government relations activities of RAC at both the federal and provincial levels. He is a bilingual Government Relations professional with an established reputation on Parliament Hill. He is also well versed in public policy, excellent at monitoring and analysing parliamentary/government/political developments and is well positioned to advocate on behalf of the industry. Greg has over two decades of relevant work experience in the public and private sectors. Greg hold a bachelor in Political Science degree from University of Ottawa
Sarah Mayes
National Director
Operation Lifesaver(613) 564-8097Sarah MayesNational Director
Operation LifesaverSarah has more than 15 years of combined media, communications and project-management experience. Prior to joining OL in 2016, Sarah served as RAC’s Director of Public Affairs, managing the association’s day-to-day communications and media relations. Before that, she worked as an associate producer and reporter for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), as an online journalist for CBC.ca, and in the CBC’s national political bureau as a researcher and writer. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science from McGill University (2001), a Master of Journalism from Carleton University (2018), and is currently working towards a Master of Public Health.
Stéphanie Montreuil
Senior Director, Communications and Media Relations
Public & Corporate Affairs(613) 564 8101Stéphanie MontreuilSenior Director, Communications and Media Relations
Public & Corporate AffairsStéphanie provides strategic advice and leadership on all internal and external communications matters. She also directs RAC's media relations and social media efforts. A data driven strategic communicator, she brings a well-rounded skillset that includes strategic communications, media and public relations, brand strategy development, social media and multimedia marketing campaigns. She recently managed the communications function within the Canadian Fuels Association and previously held positions with the Canadian Propane Association, Nordion and ran her own consulting practice.
Curtis Myson
Transportation Dangerous Goods Specialist
Operations & Regulatory Affairs(780) 992-8417Curtis MysonTransportation Dangerous Goods Specialist
Operations & Regulatory AffairsCurtis joined the RAC in 2008 after 2 years as a CN DGO. Based in Fort Saskatchewan (Edmonton area) his territory includes Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. In his role as a TDGS, he works with and supports all member railways, associate members, and other stakeholders through various activities such as TRANSCAER®. He is also the lead Instructor for the RAC Railway Emergency Response course at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC). He has 38 years of TDG and emergency response experience, including responding to Dangerous Goods incidents and delivering Emergency Response training across Canada, in the USA and Saudi Arabia. Curtis’ background includes work in the Chemical Industry as an Emergency Response Advisor, as a Fire Services Instructor at fire-etc (Fire Training School in Vermilion, Alberta), an Emergency Response Contractor and Dangerous Goods Officer for CN Rail.
Aline Porrior
Digital Media Specialist
Public & Corporate Affairs613-564-8110Aline PorriorDigital Media Specialist
Public & Corporate AffairsAline provides social media and content creation support for the RAC. She is an expert in digital media with a proven track record representing national industry associations to Canadians. Before joining the industry association world, she worked on Parliament Hill serving Members of Parliament as a Legislative and Executive Assistant, as well as a Page in the House of Commons. Aline graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Joint Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Communication and Political Science.
Jonathan Thibault
Senior Research Analyst
Public & Corporate Affairs(613) 564-8104Jonathan ThibaultSenior Research Analyst
Public & Corporate AffairsJonathan performs research and analysis to support RAC’s various initiatives. He leads the data collection and analysis for RAC’s annual publications, including Rail Trends and the Locomotive Emissions Monitoring Report. With over five years of work experience in policy and economics, he is well-versed in synthesizing data and presenting results in meaningful ways. Jonathan holds a Master of Arts in Economics from Queen’s University.