CARS National Railway Day 2024
National Railway Day 2024 took place on November 7th and 8th, 2024, in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the RBC Convention Centre.
Railway Legacy and Future
This theme celebrates the rich legacy of rail transport while exploring its dynamic integration within supply chains and envisioning future innovations.
Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we aim to weave together the threads of history, supply chain efficiency,
and cutting-edge technologies, propelling the railway industry into a new era of success and sustainability.
Simplified Agenda
November 6th, 2024
8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. Bus Loading for Tour (Delta Hotel)
9:00 a.m. CST CN Facility Tour (CARS Members Only)
1:30 p.m. CST CARS Board of Directors Meeting
November 7th, 2024
8:00 a.m. CST Light Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CST Exhibitor Move-In
9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. CST Speaker Sessions
- Chris Avery, Arctic Gateway Group
- Matt Foot, CPKC
- Rita Toporowski, VIA Rail
- Richard Walker, Metrolinx
12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST Tradeshow Hall Open
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CST Welcome Reception
November 8th, 2024
8:00 a.m. CST Light Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. CST Tradeshow Hall Open
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST Tradeshow Takedown
1:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. CST Speaker Sessions
- Kevin Sim, Colliers Project Leaders
- David Przednowek, CN
- Rick McLellan, Genesee & Wyoming Canada
- AI Panel Discussion
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CST Reception
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. CST Annual Awards Dinner
- Corey Hirsch, NHL Goalie & Silver Medalist
CARS Annual Awards
Innovation Award: Supercom Industries
Safety Award: International Name Plate Supplies Limited
Diversity Award: L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Corp.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Tim McMillan, Universal Rail Systems
Future in Rail Award: Justin Bell, Ratchet Wrenching Ltd
Complimentary Registration
Class 1, ShortLine, Transit, Shippers, Government Employees, and Students ONLY.
Annual CARS Awards Dinner
November 8th, 2024
Business Formal
Suits, pantsuits, and formal dresses.
Business formal means business, and items that show personality and vibrancy are far less familiar with this attire.
Think of what characters wear in TV shows and movies like “Succession,” “Industry,” “Billions,” or “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Source: https://www.theforage.com/blog/basics/business-attire
Room Block
Delta Hotels Winnipeg
$219 CAD per night
SOLD OUT
Last Day to Book:
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Hampton Inn by Hilton Winnipeg - Book Here
Last Day to Book:
November 1st, 2024
Have questions?
Connect with the team at NRD@railwaysuppliers.ca
Speakers / Panelists
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Jason Pierosara
Client Relationship Leader
Jason Pierosara
Client Relationship Leader
National Research Council of Canada
Jason Pierosara is the Manager of Business Development for the National Research Council of Canada’s Resilient Ground Transportation Program, where he leads efforts to establish groundbreaking research collaborations that advance rail technology for NRC’s clients and Canada’s transportation landscape. Since joining NRC in 2010, Jason has held various management positions, with a strong focus on client engagement, earning awards for teamwork and account development in the process.
With over two decades of experience in sales and marketing, Jason initially built his career in telecommunications and software, working for industry leaders such as Nortel, Bell, and Telus Mobility. However, his interest in impactful innovation led him to the rail sector, where he now applies his expertise to a unique and evolving field.
Jason holds an MBA from McMaster University and a BA in Psychology from Western University. His academic background complements his passion for fostering partnerships that drive resilient transportation solutions across Canada.
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Chris Avery
CEO
Chris Avery
CEO
Arctic Gateway Group
Chris Avery is an accomplished executive with over 25 years experience in the transportation industry. Chris was previously President and CEO of Canadian North and First Air where he successfully lead the airline through its merger and integration, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Canadian North was recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and Regional Airline of the Year in 2022 by Air Transport World. Chris also spent 13 years at WestJet where he held a number of senior leadership positions and has previously held progressive management roles with Alaska Airlines, Canadian Airlines and other travel and transportation companies. He has a Bachelor of Economics degree from Western University and a MBA from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University.
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Rita Toporowski
Chief Service Delivery Officer
Rita Toporowski
Chief Service Delivery Officer
VIA Rail
Ms. Toporowski joined VIA Rail in November 2014, first as General Manager for Central Canada and then as Vice-President, Customer Experience, and Chief Customer Officer. In 2023 she was appointed Chief Service Delivery Officer where her focus is on providing overall direction and strategic leadership to all customer-focused teams, as well as VIA Rail’s Railway Operations, Mechanical Services and Fixed Assets Teams. In this role, she oversees the delivery of VIA Rail’s transformational programs, the Project Management Office, and all activities related to the customer's journey from booking to destination, including their experience on board our trains and in our stations.
Prior to joining VIA Rail, Ms. Toporowski was Vice-President, Corporate Planning and Development, at Second Cup where she was responsible for leading the Strategic Planning process; cross-functional process improvement; procurement and supply chain; and the development and negotiation of new product channels. She also spent 16 years at Air Canada where she held various senior positions, including President of Air Canada Vacations and Senior Director Six Sigma.
Ms. Toporowski holds an MBA from Concordia University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from McGill University.
Mme Toporowski s'est jointe à VIA Rail en novembre 2014, d'abord comme directrice générale pour le centre du Canada, puis comme vice-présidente, Expérience client et ensuite cheffe de la direction, Clientèle. En 2023, elle a été nommée au poste de cheffe de la direction, Prestation de services, afin de se concentrer sur l'orientation générale et le leadership stratégique de toutes les équipes axées sur la clientèle, ainsi que des équipes de l’exploitation ferroviaire, des services mécaniques et de gestion des immobilisations. À ce titre, elle supervise l'exécution des programmes de transformation de VIA Rail, le Bureau de gestion de projet ainsi que toutes les activités liées au parcours de nos clients, de la réservation à la destination, et à leur expérience à bord de nos trains et dans nos gares.
Avant de se joindre à VIA Rail, Mme Toporowski était vice-présidente, Planification et développement d’entreprise chez Second Cup, où elle était responsable des processus de planification stratégique, de l'amélioration des processus interfonctionnels, de l'approvisionnement et de la chaîne d'approvisionnement, ainsi que du développement et de la négociation de nouveaux canaux pour les produits. Elle a également passé 16 ans chez Air Canada où elle a occupé divers postes de direction, notamment celui de présidente de Vacances Air Canada et de directrice principale Six Sigma.
Mme Toporowski est titulaire d'une maîtrise en administration des affaires de l'Université Concordia et d'un baccalauréat en sciences en psychologie de l'Université McGill.
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Richard Walker MEng CEng CEnv CPP FICE FAPM FPWI
Deputy Chief Capital Officer - Metrolinx
Richard Walker MEng CEng CEnv CPP FICE FAPM FPWI
Deputy Chief Capital Officer - Metrolinx
Metrolinx
Richard Walker is the Deputy Chief Capital Officer for Metrolinx on the $13.5bn GO Expansion program (the largest transit expansion in North America) to transform the commuter rail network across the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). GO Expansion will bring modernized, improved train service by delivering new transit infrastructure and operations that will reduce journey times and add more passenger capacity. Upgrades will support higher speeds for the new electrified services which will run on core segments of the GO network – providing faster and more frequent service and saving current GO customers an average of 10-15 minutes per trip.
Prior to joining Metrolinx, Richard has worked within both client and contracting organisations in the UK, West Africa and Mexico. He has worked on complex major projects in transportation including CTRL/High Speed 1, Thameslink, Crossrail, Midland Mainline route modernisation, Network Rail’s track renewals alliances as well as the North West Electrification Program and the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
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Kevin Sim
Principal and National Sector Lead
Kevin Sim
Principal and National Sector Lead
Colliers Project Leaders
Kevin Sim is a Professional Engineer with close to twenty-five years of diverse experience in project management, engineering design and construction delivery. Kevin is passionate about finding tangible solutions to meeting his client’s needs and enabling their project success. Over his career, Kevin has led and delivered projects within multiple sectors – transit, transportation, water and wastewater treatment, education, retail, commercial, recreation, industrial, institutional and more. His clients include public and private sector organizations, municipalities, First Nations and Inuit communities.
As a Principal and National Sector Lead for Colliers Project Leaders, Kevin is currently responsible for leading the growth, development and delivery of projects within the Heavy Rail sector, servicing Class 1 and short-line railroads across Canada. Leveraging his Certificate in Construction Law from Osgoode Law School, Kevin also directly supports the project teams and clients in contract-related matters.
Regardless of the scope of work, Kevin works closely with his clients to meet their project needs as the owner’s representative. His record of successfully delivering on a broad range of projects, using different project delivery methodologies, speaks to his strong abilities as a professional who is adaptable, collaborative and a valuable member of any organization.
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Rick McLellan
President
Rick McLellan
President
Genesee & Wyoming Canada
Mr. Rick McLellan has 41 years of experience in rail operations, beginning his career as a brakeman, conductor, and locomotive engineer with Canadian Pacific (CP).
Rick has held numerous Manager roles related throughout the years, with his focus on rail corridor optimization leading him to the role of Director, Train Control, where he had the principal responsibility of ensuring that Rail Traffic Control staff optimised freight train performance. He was also responsible for intermodal operations over the course of three years, and holds various expertise in service optimization, including precision railroading.
Rick McLellan joined Genesee & Wyoming in 2013 as General Manager of Southern Ontario Railway (SOR) and St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railway (SLQ). Demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities, in 2016 Rick was promoted to Vice-President of Operations, and in 2020 as President. He has been instrumental in driving efficiencies in developing & implementing our Root Reset Program in Canada & the United States which is a precision railroading cost efficiency program.
Rick’s leadership has shaped GWCI’s culture in employee engagement and desertification in qualify Genesee & Wyoming Canada in obtaining great place to work certification. Rick serves on the Railway Association of Canada as a Director and is a member of various Committees and associations in the industry. -
David Przednowek
Assistant Vice-President – Grain
David Przednowek
Assistant Vice-President – Grain
CN
David leads the marketing activities for all movement of grain and processed grain products across the CN network, including carload pricing, car allocation, and commercial car supply products. David also has oversight for most US-based agricultural accounts, focused on grain merchandising along with corn and soybean processing. David Is based out of Winnipeg and grew up on a livestock and grain farm near Beausejour, MB, roughly an hour northeast of Winnipeg. He has been involved in and around the grain business his entire career and has been with CN since October 2014.
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Jean-François Ross
Director | CN Data Services (CNDS)
Jean-François Ross
Director | CN Data Services (CNDS)
CN
Proven track record in delivering complex data systems and building high-performance teams. Renowned for visionary leadership that drives the valuation of data within enterprises, currently leading data & AI strategy and execution at Canadian National Railways. Known for positive and engaging leadership, effectively collaborating with stakeholders at all levels to align and adopt data-driven visions. Achieves significant business impact through a proactive engagement style and entrepreneurial skills.”
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Justin Meyer
Senior Vice-President, Engineering & Mechanical
Justin Meyer
Senior Vice-President, Engineering & Mechanical
CPKC
Justin Meyer joined CPKC (previously CP) in 1998 as an Engineer in Training and has successfully navigated his career over the last 26 years moving into his current position in 2022 where he added Mechanical (car and locomotive), and Operations Technology to his area of responsibility.
His leadership in the industry afforded him Railway Track and Structures’ Engineer of the Year award in 2021. With the formation of CPKC, Meyer’s organization now consists of over 8,300 employees spanning three countries – Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
One team under Meyer’s leadership is the Operations Technology group which is leading the development of the hydrogen locomotive and the conversion kits for diesel electric locomotives, all directly supporting CPKC’s focus on Sustainability. The work done on this has earned Canada’s Hydrogen Mobility Award in 2022.
Upon the combination of Canadian Pacific with Kansas City Southern, Meyer currently serves as chair of CPKC’s Diversity & Inclusion Council. The Council’s goal is to develop impactful strategies and practices to foster a diverse workplace where every CPKC railroader across the network feels valued, has a sense of belonging and can reach their full potential.
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Innovation Zone Stage
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Aage Lindstad
Aage Lindstad
Aage Lindstad has worked for Wabtec Corporation for six years. He serves as a Solutions Architect supporting the Digital Intelligence business. Prior to his current role he was the Senior Director for Professional Services leading Wabtec’s Logistics and Analytics services organization. Aage has 24 years of business management experience including 15 years of railroad industry experience.
On the railroad he most recently served as Director of Automation and Transportation Technology for Genesee & Wyoming Inc.’s (G&W) railroads. Aage began his railroad career when he joined RailAmerica in 2009 as Manager of its Transportation Logistics Center (TLC) and was promoted to TLC Director for the company’s Southeast, Northeast, and Central regions in 2011. In 2012, he joined G&W (G&W acquired RailAmerica) as Customer Service Director and until his promotion to head G&W’s Automation team in 2015.Aage holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lenoir-Rhyne College and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of North Florida.
He is based in Jacksonville, FL where he resides with his wife Sarah and their two daughters, Freya and Pia.
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Sarah Levesque
Business Development and Sales Manager
Sarah Levesque
Business Development and Sales Manager
Sarah Levesque is a proud member of Fort William First Nation in Northwestern Ontario and serves as the Business Development and Sales Manager at Supercom Industries. Supercom Industries is collectively owned by five First Nations situated along the shores of Lake Superior. The company manufactures an innovative railway infrastructure solution, the product is known as Spring Drain (S-Drain) technology. This product significantly enhances the performance of peat subgrades by mitigating the risk of peat liquefaction and improving the stiffness and stability of rail embankments.
In her role, Sarah leads business development initiatives and drives sales for the innovative Spring Drain solution that addresses critical infrastructure needs, with a focus on enhancing rail safety and supporting long-term, sustainable growth.
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Simon Ouellette
Chief Operating Officer
Simon Ouellette
Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Ouellette joined Rail Industries Canada (RIC), part of the CIM Group, in 2022 as their Chief Operating Officer. His role is to oversee the business unit, ensuring a steady growth in both International sales and activities in North America. Prior to RIC, Mr. Ouellette worked in various Engineering and Sales roles in Industrial Automation and Equipment in Canada, USA and Belgium. He has participated in, led or sell small and large projects in various parts of the globe. Mr. Ouellette is a graduate of Université de Montréal École Polytechnique and a Professional Engineer. He also sits on the CARS board as a director.
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Lisa Tuningley
CEO/Founder
Lisa Tuningley
CEO/Founder
Lisa Tuningley is an accomplished leader and passionate advocate for Sustainable Rail Solutions, with over 30 years of experience in the railway industry. As Founder and CEO of T-RAIL Products Inc., Lisa has propelled her company to the forefront of innovation, creating eco-conscious solutions that enhance rail safety and efficiency. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 and the EY Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.
A dedicated mentor, Lisa champions diversity in the transportation sector and believes that empowering others is key to progress. Committed to the message “Rail Connects Us,” she is focused on rail’s potential to drive economic growth and reduce environmental impact across Canada. In her free time, Lisa enjoys exploring Canada’s landscapes, fishing, and supporting local arts and culture.
This National Railway Day, Lisa looks forward to sharing her vision for rail’s future and its essential role in building sustainable communities across Canada.
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CARS Annual Awards Dinner
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Corey Hirsch
NHL Goalie & Silver Medalist
Corey Hirsch
NHL Goalie & Silver Medalist
Corey Hirsch is a former NHL goaltender, coach and an Olympic Games silver medalist and former colour commentator for the Vancouver Canucks with SportsNet Radio. Following his professional hockey career and after dealing with his own mental health struggles, he embarked on a mission to open a conversation to end the stigma around mental health.
In 1994, just three years after being drafted by the New York Rangers, Corey both won a silver medal and drank from the Stanley Cup as a member of the Rangers’ championship team. What no one knew was that Corey tried to take his own life that same year.
Months later, he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks and went on to play 100 more NHL games, before finishing his career in Europe. The entire time, Corey struggled with his mental health issues. When he could no longer play due to debilitating panic attacks and severe weight loss, he finally reached out to his team trainer. Corey was eventually diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and got the lifesaving treatment that he needed.
Corey would go on to coach goaltenders with the Maple Leafs and Blues, before joining Sportsnet Radio to do colour commentary for the Canucks.
In February 2017, Corey wrote a piece for The Players’ Tribune, sharing publicly his mental health diagnosis and suicide attempt. His story sparked important conversations within hockey and beyond, as more athletes began to open up about mental health.
Today, Corey is an advocate in the battle to end the stigma around mental health. He is an engaging speaker that educates, motivates, and inspires his audience. He gives hope to others struggling by showing vulnerability and letting people know they are not alone.
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Registration is now closed