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 […]
This summer has been a challenging one on several economic fronts. Strikes at B.C. ports hurt our importers and exporters, caused supply chain chokepoints, and backed up freight networks for weeks. Intense wildfires have displaced entire communities and forced emergency responders to restrict access to huge swaths of the west and north. Many farmers and […]
If there is one thing official Ottawa loves more than anything else, it’s a summer cabinet shuffle. Last week, the Prime Minister delivered a substantial one. Seven ministers are out, seven rookies are in. Eight ministers kept their previous roles. And 31 moved or had their titles tweaked. (We have a full list below.) Not […]