Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains Media Release November 7th is National Railway Day (SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - November 6, 2013): This time last year members of the Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains (CAPT) board were at Sault Ste. Marie city council to make a proclamation that November 7 is National Railway Day. This year, we are announcing National Railway Day by issuing a local CAPT media release to accompany a media advisory that Transport Action Ontario (TAO) has sent out to numerous Ontario media relating to National Railway Day. November 7 is a good instrument to again raise the profile of rail in our district, province and country. The TAO advisory is being sent out by Greg Gormick, a Transport Action Ontario rail expert, who will also be responding to interview requests. Please see TAO advisory below. Also, to mark National Railway Day, the 2014 annual CAPT calendar of fabulous images of local scenes along Algoma rail lines is hot off the press and can be purchased for $10 at the Art Gallery of Algoma (10 East St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON), Shabby Motley (356 Queen St. East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON), by ordering through [email protected] or calling Linda Savory Gordon at 705 949 2301 ext 4320. Some amazing photographers have generously contributed the use of photos for the calendar. What a great way to celebrate National Railway Day since the proceeds from the calendar sales will go to CAPTs efforts to restore and enhance passenger rail service in the Algoma District with connection to points beyond. WHAT: National Railway Day WHEN: November 7, 2013 WHO: Transportation policy adviser Greg Gormick on behalf of Transport Action Ontario WHERE: Available for in-studio or telephone interviews at (416) 802-7555 In 2010, transportation policy adviser Greg Gormick succeeded in having the current federal government declare November 7 to be Canadas National Railway Day, commemorating annually the driving of the last spike in the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) - often called the wedding band of Confederation. The completion of the transcontinental railway made Canada a united, modern and forward-looking nation back in 1885, says Gormick. But one is left to wonder what has happened to that national dream and the vision that inspired it. Now, our rail passenger and freight systems are once again in the news, but not in ways that should make Canadians proud. In recent months, Canada has experienced the tragedy of the Lac-Mégantic derailment, several other serious rail accidents, cuts to the nationwide VIA Rail Canada passenger service, a hostile takeover of the CPR by an American corporate raider and the dismantling of a 200-mile section of the CPRs transcontinental main line in eastern Ontario. In short, our rail system - once the pride of the nation - is in turmoil. This contrasts sharply with every other G8 nation - including the United States - all of which are investing heavily in their railways to tap the vast economic, social and environmental benefits of moving people and goods with steel wheels rolling swiftly and safely on steel rails. The time has come to ponder the consequences of Canadas failure to do the same. Where does this leave Canada in an increasingly competitive world? On behalf of the public transportation advocacy organization, Transport Action Ontario, Gormick will be available throughout the week of November 4, 2013, to discuss this troubling transportation situation and the service-proven solutions from around the world that can change it for the benefits of Canadians coast to coast. About CAPT The Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains (CAPT) is a regional not-for-profit organization of individuals, municipalities, First Nations, businesses and other stakeholders who recognize the significant social, economic, cultural, historical and environmental value of Northern Ontarios passenger trains. It is dedicated to preserving and enhancing remote passenger train service in the District of Algoma as well as the adjacent districts around Hearst and Sudbury. About Transport Action Ontario Transport Action Ontario (TAO) is the regional branch of the nationwide, non-profit advocacy group, Transport Action Canada. Founded in 1976 as Transport 2000, its goal is convenient, affordable, and sustainable public transportation for all Canadians. TAO is involved in research, consumer advocacy, and education - touching all aspects of public transport throughout Ontario. TAO defends the interests of public transport users and is in regular contact with government, regulatory bodies, transport companies, labour and other groups. Representatives regularly attend regulatory hearings and participate in public forums. TAO recognizes that public transportation is a key factor in accessibility to housing, education, health services, employment and leisure for all Canadians. But the organization also acknowledges that certain groups are especially vulnerable to lack of passenger transport options. Accordingly, particular emphasis is placed on the needs of the poor, the disabled, seniors, youth, the unemployed, and those who live in rural and remote areas. About Greg Gormick The CTV television program, W5, described Greg Gormick as a Toronto consultant with a client list that reads like a Whos Who of Canadian transportation. Gormick is a member of the fourth generation of his family to serve Canadas railways. He has worked as a writer, strategic analyst and policy adviser in the railway and transit fields since 1978. He has reported on, for and to these industries extensively and contributed his knowledge to numerous public transportation agencies. His industry clients have included the CPR, CN, VIA Rail Canada, the Toronto Transit Commission and several major rail and transit equipment builders, including Bombardier and General Motors Electro-Motive Division. In the public sector, Gormick has served in several notable roles as a senior transportation policy adviser. His clients have included Toronto Mayor Art Eggleton, Toronto City Council, the Government of Ontario, the Coalition of Corridor Mayors, a coalition of five New Brunswick cities concerned about the future of their rail service and MPs Bruce Hyer (Independent - Thunder Bay-Superior North), Phil Toone (NDP - Gaspé-Îles-de-la-Madelaine) and Dean Del Mastro (Conservative - Peterborough). On Del Mastros behalf, Gormick created the concept plan for Toronto-Peterborough rail passenger service restoration. In 2012-2013, Gormick served as the facilitator for Transport Actions National Dream Renewed project, conducting a series of town hall workshops from Halifax to Thunder Bay to alert Canadians to the untapped potential in public investment in our national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 17:53:18 +0000
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