Last week, we were pleased to bring our community together in Calgary for the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on a successful year, review key initiatives, and look ahead to the future of our association.
A Strong and Stable Foundation
A central highlight of the AGM was the Treasurer’s Report, which confirmed that the association remains in a strong and stable financial position. With strong cash reserves and growing investments, we are well-positioned to continue delivering value to our members.
Year-to-date results show a healthy surplus, driven largely by consistent membership support. While a modest deficit is projected by year-end, proactive measures, including new revenue initiatives and continued cost management, are already underway to ensure long-term sustainability.
Member Engagement and Growth
Our Marketing and Membership Committee shared encouraging updates, including steady membership growth over the past year.
The association also saw strong engagement through signature events such as the CN Breakfast, Supplier Suites, Golf Tournament, and National Railway Day. These in-person opportunities, combined with continued growth across digital platforms like social media, InsideTrack magazine, and podcast initiatives, help keep members informed and connected.
Advocacy and Industry Leadership
Government Relations remains a cornerstone of CARS’ work, particularly as Canada’s economic and policy landscape undergoes significant change. Over the past year, evolving global trade dynamics and a renewed focus on domestic procurement have reshaped the environment in which Canadian rail suppliers operate.
CARS has been actively advocating for fair-market access and protections against unfair bidding practices, working closely with partners such as the Rail Security Alliance. This collaboration has strengthened cross-border coordination with U.S. counterparts and supported joint outreach to federal decision-makers, ensuring key issues like regulatory alignment, procurement fairness, and the importance of a stable CUSMA review are consistently raised.
Trade policy has also been a major focus. CARS has participated in federal consultations and prepared submissions on behalf of members as part of the ongoing CUSMA review, while also engaging through forums like the Canada-U.S. Trade Council to align rail sector priorities with broader industry advocacy.
At the same time, domestic procurement advocacy has taken on increased importance with the introduction of policies such as the Buy Canada framework and Buy Ontario Act. CARS has been engaging directly with procurement officials to highlight the capabilities of Canadian rail suppliers and support a more strategic and transparent approach to infrastructure investment. A key initiative supporting this work is the Arrow Initiative, a growing directory of Canadian rail suppliers that helps connect government buyers with domestic expertise.
CARS also continues to represent members at key federal regulatory tables, providing early insight into policy and regulatory developments and ensuring members are informed and ready to engage. Through all of this work, CARS is strengthening the voice and competitiveness of Canada’s rail supply industry at both the national and international level.
Investing in the Future
We were proud to recognize Hannah Free, Chemical Engineering Technology student at Durham College, as the recipient of this year’s CARS Women in Rail Scholarship.
Supporting the next generation of talent remains a priority as we work to build a strong and diverse future workforce for the rail sector.
Board Leadership and Transitions
The AGM also marked an important moment of transition for our Board of Directors. We extended our sincere thanks to outgoing board members Jason Klukas, David Caron, Simon Ouellette, and Ewan Abbott for their many years of dedicated service and leadership.
At the same time, we were pleased to welcome new board members Jason Tillmanns, Ryan Mobley, Cameron Lonsdale, and William Whitford, whose perspectives and expertise will help guide the association forward and continue delivering value to our members.
Looking Ahead
With a strong financial position, engaged membership, and clear strategic priorities, the association is well-prepared for the year ahead.
We are excited to bring members together at upcoming events, including the 12th Annual Golf Tournament (https://railwaysuppliers.ca/events/golf2026) and National Railway Day 2026 (https://railwaysuppliers.ca/events/nrd26), both of which offer valuable opportunities for networking and industry collaboration.
Members are also encouraged to play an active role in shaping the work of CARS by joining one of our committees:
https://railwaysuppliers.ca/english/about-us/committees
There are several ways members can increase their visibility and engagement within the association, including:
- Participating as a guest on the CARS InsideTrack Podcast (recorded via Teams)
- Posting job opportunities on the CARS Job Board
- Sharing company news and press releases through the InsideTrack e-newsletter
- Applying for one of our annual industry awards
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Calgary and continues to support our mission. We look forward to another year of collaboration, advocacy, and growth.