The 2.5 day shutdown of CP Rail’s network last month was a sharp reminder why rail service, especially for agricultural commodities, should be deemed essential. Although the strike/lockout only lasted from a Sunday to a Tuesday, it caused weeks, even months, of disruption in already-stressed supply chains that rely on trains. The entire system was… Read More

Railway performance has been subpar for several weeks when measured by rail car fulfillment for the grain industry. For Week 29 of the marketing year (mid-February) fulfillment hovered below 45 per cent. There’s no denying the numbers, but the context of those numbers bears digging in to, says David Przednowek, assistant vice president of grain for… Read More

It is somehow WEDNESDAY already! Welcome to this mid-week edition of RealAg Radio. You’ll hear: David Przednowek of CN Rail, on the performance of the railways, and the why’s behind some of the numbers when it comes to rail cars; Robert Gobeil of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), on Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, and… Read More

Canadian National Railway (CN) has entered into a resolution agreement with CIFF Capital and TCI (collectively known as TCI), and has named its new president and CEO. Tracy Robinson will serve as president, CEO,  and as a member of its board of directors, effective February 28, 2022. This appointment follows the previously announced retirement of… Read More

CN Rail is currently looking for a new CEO. Normally, an executive search wouldn’t draw that much attention; however, when the position is potentially filled by someone from a shareholding hedge fund, it could impact the direction and mission of the company. That’s according to the federal Conservatives, and Andrew Scheer, shadow minister for infrastructure… Read More

CN Rail says that train movement has resumed on CN’s rail line on the Kamloops-Vancouver corridor, allowing movement of goods to and from the Vancouver port. “CN would like to thank first responders and all emergency management officials for their support and dedication throughout this ordeal,” the company says. “CN crews will continue to monitor… Read More

We’ve all been watching the situation in British Columbia unravel, as this significant weather event continues to transpire and wreak havoc. Amongst the challenges people are facing in all the areas impacted, are challenges to our transportation system, along the highways and railways. David Przednowek, assistant vice president for grain with CN Rail, joined RealAg… Read More

The west coast, Fraser Valley, and further inland at Merrit, B.C. and just to the south has faced two days of incredible rainfall flooding homes, submerging roads, and cutting deep ravines under highways and bridges. Images of stranded cattle and horses, flooded roads and neighbourhoods, and completely destroyed roads have dominated the news since Monday,… Read More

The CEO of CN Rail plans to retire this winter, the railway announced on Tuesday, Oct 19. Jean-Jacques (JJ) Ruest will retire as president and chief executive officer, as well as board member for the company, at the end of January 2022 “or such later time as a successor has been appointed to ensure a… Read More