Message from the President – March 2025

The trade challenges Canada is facing are forcing us to examine the competitiveness of our economy. While we cannot control decisions made by the U.S. administration, the Canadian rail industry can participate actively in the efforts – with other supply chain users – in improving the performance of our economy. It is for this reason that the Railway Association of Canada, joined by nine other associations, is making recommendations to the soon to be soon elected government. I invite you to review the three specific and critical proposals found at Moving Economies | Let’s Level the Playing Field. This initiative shows how all participants in the supply chain agree on fundamentals (need for more investments, rapid permit approvals and labour stability).

A highlight for me last month was attending the launch of the TRANSCAER Canada Safety Train (CCPX911) in Vancouver. Alongside the Chemical Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) and RAC team members, we launched this mobile classroom — a converted railway tank car that will travel across the country, offering real-life training to emergency responders and raising awareness about rail safety. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to safety, preparedness, and community engagement.

Safety is a team effort, and I’m proud of the work our Dangerous Goods and Mechanical teams do to support railways, first responders, and communities, providing 24/7 on-call support.

Looking ahead, with April 28th — Election Day — just around the corner, the political landscape will bring opportunities for our sector. Each political party have proposals respecting infrastructures, trade and energy corridors along with measures to support the economy. The rail industry’s role in Canada’s economy cannot be overstated — we rely on clear and stable policies to drive investment, keep goods flowing efficiently, and support the continued growth of Canada’s economy. Moving forward, we must stay focused on advocating for policies that strengthen our infrastructure, reform regulatory processes, and help increase Canada’s competitive advantage in a shifting global economy.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with feedback or ideas.

Sincerely,
Eric Harvey