OTTAWA, Jan. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - The Board of Directors of The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) today announced the passing of its President and C.E.O. Cliff
Mackay, on January 26th after a brave battle with cancer. Cliff was in
his 64th year and is survived by his mother and stepfather, wife Joan, three
children and two grandchildren.
"The Board wishes to acknowledge Cliff's valuable contribution to the
leadership of the Association and our industry and wishes to express
its sincere condolences to his family," said Claude Mongeau, Chairman
of RAC, and President and C.E.O. of CN. "His spirit and wise counsel
will be sorely missed by the Board, employees and members of the RAC."
Under his leadership, the industry worked in close partnership with
various government and regulatory agencies to accomplish a great many
benefits, including a successful review of the Railway Safety Act
Review Panel for which results are now before Parliament. Other industry efforts during his tenure resulted in increased capital
cost allowances for Canadian railways that generated significant
savings and investment for the industry and new infrastructure support
for short line railways.
Prior to his appointment to the RAC, Cliff had a distinguished career in
the aerospace industry and the federal government. He was President and
C.E.O. of the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC), Senior Vice
President at Spar Aerospace, and a Board member of NAV CANADA. His
twenty years of experience in the federal government culminated in his
appointment as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Industry and Regional
Operations, at Industry Canada.
"RAC staff was inspired by the way he dealt with his illness with no
complaint, a fighting spirit and endless optimism," said Bruce R.
Burrows, Vice President, Public and Corporate Affairs. "He was a fine
leader, a valued colleague, and a good friend. We will miss him
profoundly."
Mr. Burrows, a V.P. of the RAC since 2000, was recently appointed
interim President and C.EO. until a decision is made on who will be
named as the new RAC leader.
About Railway Association of Canada
The Railway Association of Canada represents some 50 goods, tourist,
commuter and intercity Rail businesses in Canada, their more than
35,000 employees. RAC also has 45 associate member suppliers and
partners. RAC acts to inform officials, develop programs, policies and
resources and respectfully communicate with the public and media to
strengthen the role and capacity of Rail to deliver leading services
that are economically viable, socially cohesive, future focused and
environmentally sustainable.