VIA president at Montreal Board of Trade

[Tom Box [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

VIA's president spoke to the Montreal Board of Trade (Chambre
de Commerce) today (Tuesday, Sept 30). I hope the text of the
speech will be posted on the VIA web site, at
<http://www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail/media-room/speeches>,
but I don't see it there yet.

Here are a couple of news reports about that event:
<http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/Train+renaissance+track+Rail+president+says/10249694/story.html>
<http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2014/09/30/via-rail-veut-des-trains-a-plus-grande-vitesse>

Both stories mention the "Quebec City-Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto
corridor." It used to be routine to refer to the Quebec -
Windsor corridor, but it seems that the routes west of Toronto
are being deemphasized. You'll recall that frequencies there
were reduced in 2012.

The Gazette story says, "The incremental approach of buying
more and more rail sections from CN and CP over the last five
years will continue, he said. The two rail operators sell
lengths of tracks that can vary from a few kilometres to more
than 100 kilometres in places where they have several lines
that run parallel to each other.

"From time to time, tracks become available so we'll buy them."

I wonder how much track VIA has bought any track in the last
five years. The three main segments that VIA owns are the
Alexandria Sub, the Smiths Falls Sub, and the western half
of the Chatham Sub, and I'm pretty sure they were acquired
well over five years ago. There may be little bits and pieces
that have been added on in recent years, but I don't think
they were very long.

I also wonder what other track that could be of interest to
VIA will be available in the foreseeable future. Perhaps
the Brockville Sub, the western half of the Guelph Sub
(Metrolinx recently bought the eastern half) or the eastern
half of the Chatham Sub, but I don't see other corridor
routes that CN is likely to sell. We saw with the Newcastle
Sub earlier this year that VIA is unwilling to buy non-
corridor routes, even when their abandonment would threaten
the existence of a VIA train. As mentioned above, VIA's
commitment to southwestern Ontario routes doesn't seem
very strong, either.

Tom Box
tbox at ncf dot ca
Port Hope, ON, Canada


------------------------------------
Posted by: Tom Box <tbox-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

[xcnken-/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Thanks for posting the media reports of his speech.


Having glanced at the article published in Post Media I came to one conclusion. They used the wrong adjective i.e. Renaissance. In some ways that word symbolizes what has gone wrong at Via recently. A marketing concept that hasn't left the terminal......yet. For which Ottawa during both Liberal and Conservative mandates have consistently thwarted over the last few decades. All the more so on a three day a week schedule. The ' new ' common denominator ?


I'm of the opinion that any speeches they make are pure propaganda. In all likelihood they' re censored beforehand by Ottawa or Ms.Raitt.


Via' s Evolution blog web site is a good example. Especially when Mr. Siciliano edited the web site. I made a vain attempt to offer some constructive comments. Once a Post Media article appeared about how fuel efficient Via Rail was it certainly received prominent mention on their blog. Right after they slashed a number of runs in the corridor and on east-west services.


I tried posting a constructive, polite and non-profanic comment on the subject. Saying in effect that their cuts ran against public opinion.


Need less to say my comments never appeared. So much for their Evolution. It's a joke.


K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc

[[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Post by xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
I'm of the opinion that any speeches they make are pure propaganda.

Pretty much. In a way, that's only to be expected. Few corporate
executives, invited to speak in public about their company, are
going to discuss its shortcomings.

Post by xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
In all likelihood they're censored beforehand by Ottawa or Ms.Raitt.

Maybe. The job of VIA president is what's known in Ottawa-speak as a
"during pleasure" appointment by the federal cabinet. That means if
the president stops giving pleasure to the government, he stops being
president. Denis de Belleval found that out in 1989 when he opposed
the government's cutbacks to VIA's funding. I expect that the current
president is well aware of that and chooses his words accordingly, so
I'm not sure any censorship by Ms. Raitt is necessary.

Post by xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
Via's Evolution blog web site is a good example. Especially when
Mr. Siciliano edited the web site.

He's still listed as the "Community Host" on the blog, and the last
15 entries have all carried his name as the author. I suspect they
may be ghostwritten by some anonymous VIA employee, but I don't know
for sure.

Post by xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
I made a vain attempt to offer some constructive comments. [...]
Needless to say my comments never appeared.

I commented on a couple of posting soon after the blog started, and
my comments did appear:

<http://www.viaevolution.ca/2012/02/02/it%E2%80%99s-all-about-speed-frequency-and-convenience/>
<http://www.viaevolution.ca/2012/02/09/at-via-rail-it%E2%80%99s-getting-better-all-the-time%E2%80%A6/>

In recent months, I haven't seen any reader comments on the blog.
There's still a form for submitting them. I don't know if VIA fails
to post them, or if nobody bothers writing comments. I don't get
the impression that VIA is interested in having serious discussions
about the topics raised in the blog postings.

Tom Box
tbox at ncf dot ca
Port Hope, ON, Canada

[xcnken-/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Thanks Tom. I concur entirely with your comments. Having noticed that most of yours have been posted at Via's Evolution blog. Someone's getting the message across. That's what's most important regardless of who sends it.


Ohh for sure. Anything Via says is very much 'Ottawa-ease' so to speak.


Not to discredit anything here but was Mr. De Belleval all that passionate about passenger rail service ? I liked the solution the Conservatives came up with afterwards once he got bounced. Appoint CN's Ron Lawless to implement the 50% cuts. Thereby insuring that the remaining service levels ran over CN track.


I guess we can say that government dollars spent on passenger rail services stayed.....All In The Family !


K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc

[[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

He's everywhere! He's everywhere! VIA's president was a guest
Thursday on the Réseau de l'Information (RDI -- the CBC French
network's cable TV news channel), on a business show called
RDI Économie.

You can see it here:
<http://ici.radio-canada.ca/widgets/mediaconsole/medianet/7179895#>
You have to sit through a couple of minutes of commercials, but once
they end, you can skip the first part of the show and go to the VIA
segment, which begins at about 15:30.

As in his other recent public appearances, he says that Canada
needs dedicated passenger tracks, but that taxpayers have already
given enough money, so it's up to private investors to finance
the new lines he wants. Why they would do so with no reasonable
prospect of turning a profit is left unexplained.

Tom Box
tbox at ncf dot ca
Port Hope, ON, Canada

['Terry' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Post by tbox-***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
He's everywhere! He's everywhere!

On Tuesday he'll be here in Vancouver at the VMC for his 2nd visit. He has 2
scheduled meetings with employees that day.



------------------------------------
Posted by: "Terry" <terrybc-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

[xcnken-/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

While he's there let hope that CN and in turn CP delivers # 1 ..........on time ? !


With him leading by example. Taking the train to get there.


K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc


.............Terry who has the maintenance contract for West Coast Express Via or Bombardier ? ?

['Mark W. Walton' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Wouldn’t that be a hoot – Mr. VIA President, aboard a late # 1, blaming CN and/or CP for it being late! If he does, my first question to him (should I ever meet him) will be: “Did you call Claude or Hunter about it?”

Mark Walton
<mailto:mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org> mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org

From: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org [mailto:Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org]
Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2014 10:44 AM
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Subject: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA President
While he's there let hope that CN and in turn CP delivers # 1 ..........on time ? !
With him leading by example. Taking the train to get there.
K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc
.............Terry who has the maintenance contract for West Coast Express Via or Bombardier ? ?
_____

Posted by: xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org
_____

['Terry' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Chances are he could be riding on #1 which arrives here into Vancouver on
Monday, & then he could head back on Tuesday evening on #2? Currently #1
departed Jasper 40 mins late & Kamloops is expected on time. So no
substantial delay at this moment. So far in the last few weeks or so the
arrivals into Vancouver have been pretty good with a delay of no more then 2
hours. Earlier last week there was 1 arrival into Vancouver that arrived 39
minutes early. It been ages since I've last seen an arrival that has arrived
early.

As for West Coast Express maintenance contract VIA has the contract. One
consist a week is pulled during it's layover from the CP Waterfront Stn
(Seabus Terminal) & brought down to the VMC for it's maintenance. Coaches
not in service are stored at the VMC.

Post by xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
While he's there let hope that CN and in turn CP delivers # 1 ..........on time ? !
With him leading by example. Taking the train to get there.
K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc
.............Terry who has the maintenance for West Coast Express Via or
Bombardier ? ?

------------------------------------
Posted by: "Terry" <terrybc-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

['I.W.P.' iftntnfs-XzQKRVe1yT0V+D8aMU/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Sorry but where does it ay here that he will be onboard #1?


My money on him not arriving by train!


Ian
Dorval,QC


-----Original Message-----
From: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
[mailto:Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org]
Sent: October 19, 2014 03:06
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Subject: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA president

Post by tbox-***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
He's everywhere! He's everywhere!

On Tuesday he'll be here in Vancouver at the VMC for his 2nd visit. He has 2


scheduled meetings with employees that day.






------------------------------------
Posted by: "Terry" <terrybc-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------


For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org
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[xcnken-/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Actually it's not stated anywhere.


We' re all just speculating. ( as well as making a joke out of it thanks to Mark...good one by th' way ! )


Yes it's wishful thinking. In th' hope that this ' new ' president arrives on # 2. A real initiative. i.e. Walk th' Talk. Like all the evolutionary ' blogging ' ? he does.


It sure as hell would say miles about any corporate official. Believing in their own product.


K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc.

[Sean Lavallée [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

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<div style="width: 100%; font-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, 'Slate Pro', sans-serif; color: rgb(31, 73, 125); text-align: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">On the subject of the President and the Canadian... &nbsp;Supposedly he was at Winnipeg's Union Station today according to the employee at the check-in counter. # 2 is running 2+ hours late and won't leave before 11:45 tonight.&nbsp;</div><div style="width: 100%; font-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, 'Slate Pro', sans-serif; color: rgb(31, 73, 125); text-align: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></div><div style="width: 100%; font-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, 'Slate Pro', sans-serif; color: rgb(31, 73, 125); text-align: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I will ask more deta
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<p>Sorry but where does it ay here that he will be onboard #1?<br>
<br>
My money on him not arriving by train!<br>
<br>
Ian<br>
Dorval,QC<br>
<br>
-----Original Message-----<br>
From: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org<br>
[mailto:Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org] <br>
Sent: October 19, 2014 03:06<br>
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org<br>
Subject: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA president<br>
<br>
&gt; He's everywhere! He's everywhere!<br>
<br>
On Tuesday he'll be here in Vancouver at the VMC for his 2nd visit. He has 2<br>
<br>
scheduled meetings with employees that day. <br>
<br>
------------------------------------<br>
Posted by: "Terry" &lt;terrybc-***@public.gmane.org&gt;<br>
------------------------------------<br>
<br>
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['Terry' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

As I mentioned the other day the president was conducting 2 scheduled
meetings meetings in Vancouver this afternoon. A reliable source informs me
he did NOT arrive on #1 yesterday, but instead flew into Vancouver possibly
from Winnipeg as he was apparently in Winnipeg over the weekend? I'm sure
he'll fly back to his next destination instead of using #2?



------------------------------------
Posted by: "Terry" <terrybc-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

[xcnken-/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Thanks for that Terry. I was hopeful it would be otherwise.


If so here's what someone could bring up at Via' s next public meeting. When they present their annual report during question period to the public. Directing it not only towards Mr.Siciliano but to each member present from Via's board of directors.


It goes like this after proclaiming a financial analysis that looks highly favorable for Via...........
" Good Day Mr.Sicilano. Your corporation is to be commended on it's remarkable achievements for the last fiscal year. But let me ask. What mode of transportation did you use to get here for this meeting ? "


Suddenly you can only hear a pin drop ? ? ! !


Actually this tactic was used very effectively by the late Donald Gordon from CN in the '50's. During CTC public branch line passenger train abandonment hearings. Somewhere in Ontario. A CRHA's News Report explained his maneuver this way.


When intervening attendees would request that the railway's request be denied for various unfounded reasons. He'd get up with his commanding six foot frame in that booming voice of voice and ask every intervening attendee.........
' Did you use our passenger train service to arrive at this meeting ? '


Apparently afterwards CN's request was granted. Without hesitation.


No I'm not making this up. For the moment I cannot quote the exact date of the published article. But I did read something to that effect. Anyone else ever seen it ?


K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc.

['DAVID J. SCOTT' tiadjs-FFYn/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

I lived in St. Lambert before moving to Toronto in the 1970's.
If I recalled rightly Donald Gordon asked that question to The Mayor of Granby - His Worship Horace Boivin-and delegation from Granby when they had a meeting with Donald Gordon at (10?)McGill St. Headquarters following CN's announcement thay they were planning to abandon the Granby passenger service.. They said auto. END OF MEETING.
David Scott,Toronto
------------------------------------------
On Tue, 10/21/14, xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail] <Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org> wrote:

Subject: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA President ?
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Received: Tuesday, October 21, 2014, 5:40 PM


 









Thanks for that Terry. I was hopeful it
would be otherwise.
If
so here's what someone could bring up at Via'
s next public meeting. When they present their annual
report during question period to the public. Directing it
not only towards Mr.Siciliano but to each
member present from Via's board of
directors. 
It goes like this
after proclaiming a financial analysis that looks highly
favorable for Via..........." Good
Day Mr.Sicilano. Your corporation is to be commended on
it's remarkable achievements for the last fiscal
year. But let me ask. What mode of transportation did you
use to get here for this meeting ? " 
Suddenly you can only hear a pin drop ?
? ! ! 
Actually this tactic
was used very effectively by the late Donald Gordon from CN
in the '50's. During CTC public branch line
passenger train abandonment hearings. Somewhere in Ontario.
A CRHA's News Report explained his maneuver this
way.   
When intervening
attendees would request that the railway's request
be denied for various unfounded reasons. He'd get up
with his commanding six foot frame in that booming voice of
voice and ask every intervening
attendee.........' Did you use our passenger
train service to arrive at this meeting ? '
Apparently afterwards CN's request
was granted. Without hesitation.  
No I'm not making this up. For the
moment I cannot quote the exact date of the published
article. But I did read something to that effect. Anyone
else ever seen it  ?
K.
Wadden                Pointe Claire    Qc.
             









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------------------------------------
Posted by: "DAVID J. SCOTT" <tiadjs-FFYn/***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

[xcnken-/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

I though so David.


Although I speculated as to what province it had more of a local area byline to it than I thought.


Thanks. K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc.

['Mark W. Walton' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Was that the Montreal & Southern Counties - AKA in better circles "Sufferin' Counties", "Seldom Comes", or "Sometimes Comes"?

Mark Walton
mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org [mailto:Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 7:08 PM
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Subject: Re: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA President ?

I lived in St. Lambert before moving to Toronto in the 1970's.
If I recalled rightly Donald Gordon asked that question to The Mayor of Granby - His Worship Horace Boivin-and delegation from Granby when they had a meeting with Donald Gordon at (10?)McGill St. Headquarters following CN's announcement thay they were planning to abandon the Granby passenger service.. They said auto. END OF MEETING.
David Scott,Toronto
------------------------------------------
On Tue, 10/21/14, xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail] <Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org> wrote:

Subject: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA President ?
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Received: Tuesday, October 21, 2014, 5:40 PM

Thanks for that Terry. I was hopeful it would be otherwise.
If
so here's what someone could bring up at Via'
s next public meeting. When they present their annual report during question period to the public. Directing it not only towards Mr.Siciliano but to each member present from Via's board of directors. It goes like this after proclaiming a financial analysis that looks highly favorable for Via..........." Good Day Mr.Sicilano. Your corporation is to be commended on it's remarkable achievements for the last fiscal year. But let me ask. What mode of transportation did you use to get here for this meeting ? " Suddenly you can only hear a pin drop ?
? ! !
Actually this tactic
was used very effectively by the late Donald Gordon from CN in the '50's. During CTC public branch line passenger train abandonment hearings. Somewhere in Ontario.
A CRHA's News Report explained his maneuver this way. When intervening attendees would request that the railway's request be denied for various unfounded reasons. He'd get up with his commanding six foot frame in that booming voice of voice and ask every intervening attendee.........' Did you use our passenger train service to arrive at this meeting ? '
Apparently afterwards CN's request
was granted. Without hesitation.
No I'm not making this up. For the
moment I cannot quote the exact date of the published article. But I did read something to that effect. Anyone else ever seen it ?
K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc.

------------------------------------
Posted by: "DAVID J. SCOTT" <tiadjs-FFYn/***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------





------------------------------------
Posted by: "Mark W. Walton" <mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

[[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

If I recalled rightly Donald Gordon asked that question to The
Mayor of Granby - His Worship Horace Boivin-and delegation from
Granby when they had a meeting with Donald Gordon at (10?)McGill St.
Headquarters

The Canadian National head office was formerly at 360 McGill St.
(not to be confused with McGill College Avenue). The building was
originally built by the Grand Trunk for its Canadian headquarters,
circa 1900. The ultimate headquarters of the GTR was in London.

CN moved to a new headquarters building next to Central Station in
1961, but the old building is still standing.
<http://goo.gl/maps/9sZZR> It now houses the Montreal offices of
the provincial Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion.

Tom (aka Tim :-) Box
tbox at ncf dot ca
Port Hope, ON, Canada


------------------------------------
Posted by: tbox-***@public.gmane.org
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

['Mark W. Walton' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Also still standing: the old M&SC "Gare Union" Terminal at 600 Marguerite-d'Youville, now a Pizzaiolle restaurant. I was in there once years ago; it's very nicely decorated with M&SC pictures. http://tinyurl.com/ksbef6s

Mark Walton
mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org [mailto:Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 10:27 PM
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Subject: [CanPassRail] Former CNR headquarters (was Re: VIA President ?)

If I recalled rightly Donald Gordon asked that question to The Mayor
of Granby - His Worship Horace Boivin-and delegation from Granby when
they had a meeting with Donald Gordon at (10?)McGill St.
Headquarters

The Canadian National head office was formerly at 360 McGill St.
(not to be confused with McGill College Avenue). The building was originally built by the Grand Trunk for its Canadian headquarters, circa 1900. The ultimate headquarters of the GTR was in London.

CN moved to a new headquarters building next to Central Station in 1961, but the old building is still standing.
<http://goo.gl/maps/9sZZR> It now houses the Montreal offices of the provincial Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion.

Tom (aka Tim :-) Box
tbox at ncf dot ca
Port Hope, ON, Canada
------------------------------------
Posted by: tbox-***@public.gmane.org
------------------------------------





------------------------------------
Posted by: "Mark W. Walton" <mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

[[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Post by 'Mark W. Walton' mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
Also still standing: the old M&SC "Gare Union" Terminal at
600 Marguerite-d'Youville, now a Pizzaiolle restaurant.
I was in there once years ago; it's very nicely decorated with
M&SC pictures. http://tinyurl.com/ksbef6s

As the link given by Mark shows, that building does indeed have
a sign saying "Gare Union" on the facade. But I'm pretty sure
that's a recent addition, and the building was never known as such
when it was in use as an interurban terminal.

Coincidentally, the former CNR/VIA/MUCTC station in the Town
of Mount Royal is also now a Pizzaiolle restaurant.
<http://goo.gl/maps/kv0nm>

Tom Box
tbox at ncf dot ca
Port Hope, ON, Canada


------------------------------------
Posted by: tbox-***@public.gmane.org
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

['Mark W. Walton' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Tony Clegg and Omer Lavallée's 1966 book "Catenary Through the Counties" has only one clear picture of the station, without the "Gare Union", on page 9. I'll have to recheck my copy of Tom Grumley's 2004 book.

Mark Walton
mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org [mailto:Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 11:29 PM
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Subject: [CanPassRail] Former railway buildings in Montreal (was Re: ...CNR headquarters)

Post by 'Mark W. Walton' mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
Also still standing: the old M&SC "Gare Union" Terminal at
600 Marguerite-d'Youville, now a Pizzaiolle restaurant.
I was in there once years ago; it's very nicely decorated with M&SC
pictures. http://tinyurl.com/ksbef6s

As the link given by Mark shows, that building does indeed have a sign saying "Gare Union" on the facade. But I'm pretty sure that's a recent addition, and the building was never known as such when it was in use as an interurban terminal.

Coincidentally, the former CNR/VIA/MUCTC station in the Town of Mount Royal is also now a Pizzaiolle restaurant.
<http://goo.gl/maps/kv0nm>

Tom Box
tbox at ncf dot ca
Port Hope, ON, Canada

------------------------------------
Posted by: tbox-***@public.gmane.org
------------------------------------





------------------------------------
Posted by: "Mark W. Walton" <mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

['Terry' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Post by xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
Thanks for that Terry. I was hopeful it would be otherwise.

I was told by a reliable source who is a VIA employee that this has been a
past practice with former VIA Presidents to fly, rather then using the
train. I wonder how Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano would feel riding a mega late
Canadian?

On a unrelated topic the Canadian is now down to it's winter consist with 2
units, baggage car, 1 or 2 coaches, Skyline, Diner 3 Manor Sleepers, & a
Park Car. The Prestige class park car will still be on the consist once a
week alternating Tuesday's & Friday's on #2 & Alternating Tuesday's &
Saturday's on #1. Currently the Laurentide Park is on the consist with the
Prince Albert Park stored at the VMC.



------------------------------------
Posted by: "Terry" <terrybc-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

[xcnken-/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Well ok. Now we outta tell Steve and Lisa in Ottawa to look for more savings at Via. That they always preach about.


Disallowing or at the least limit frivolous airline ticket costs with other no cost options available. A no brainer.


Thanks for the adjusted consist information now in effect. K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc

['Mark W. Walton' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

If they fly, do they fly economy, or business class?

Mark Walton
mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org [mailto:Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 7:26 PM
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Subject: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA President ?

Post by xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
Thanks for that Terry. I was hopeful it would be otherwise.

I was told by a reliable source who is a VIA employee that this has been a past practice with former VIA Presidents to fly, rather then using the train. I wonder how Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano would feel riding a mega late Canadian?

On a unrelated topic the Canadian is now down to it's winter consist with 2 units, baggage car, 1 or 2 coaches, Skyline, Diner 3 Manor Sleepers, & a Park Car. The Prestige class park car will still be on the consist once a week alternating Tuesday's & Friday's on #2 & Alternating Tuesday's & Saturday's on #1. Currently the Laurentide Park is on the consist with the Prince Albert Park stored at the VMC.
------------------------------------
Posted by: "Terry" <terrybc-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------





------------------------------------
Posted by: "Mark W. Walton" <mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

['Terry' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Marc I'm sure he would be flying business class. It's like if he was
travelling on VIA chances are he would be travelling business class on the
corridor, or in a bedroom on either the canadian or the ocean.

If they fly, do they fly economy, or business class?




------------------------------------
Posted by: "Terry" <terrybc-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

['I.W.P.' iftntnfs-XzQKRVe1yT0V+D8aMU/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Don't forget the kerfuffle when the President's of GM, Ford and Chrysler
went to Washington ask for money instead of going under. They all took the
company jets!!!

Ian
Dorval,QC

-----Original Message-----
From: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
[mailto:Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org]
Sent: October 21, 2014 21:51
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Subject: RE: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA President ?

If they fly, do they fly economy, or business class?

Mark Walton
mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
[mailto:Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 7:26 PM
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Subject: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA President ?

Post by xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
Thanks for that Terry. I was hopeful it would be otherwise.

I was told by a reliable source who is a VIA employee that this has been a
past practice with former VIA Presidents to fly, rather then using the
train. I wonder how Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano would feel riding a mega late
Canadian?

On a unrelated topic the Canadian is now down to it's winter consist with 2
units, baggage car, 1 or 2 coaches, Skyline, Diner 3 Manor Sleepers, & a
Park Car. The Prestige class park car will still be on the consist once a
week alternating Tuesday's & Friday's on #2 & Alternating Tuesday's &
Saturday's on #1. Currently the Laurentide Park is on the consist with the
Prince Albert Park stored at the VMC.
------------------------------------
Posted by: "Terry" <terrybc-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------





------------------------------------
Posted by: "Mark W. Walton" <mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org
------------------------------------

Yahoo Groups Links




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------------------------------------
Posted by: "I.W.P." <iftntnfs-XzQKRVe1yT0V+D8aMU/***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

['Terry' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Speaking with a source I know here in Vancouver from what I was not many
people from inside the station & OBS were not to interested in attending his
meeting. Not sure what the turn out was like for the maintenance staff, but
perhaps more as his meetings were held inside the VMC. I'm told he did not
go out on #2 this evening which means he probably hi tailed it in a cab out
to YVR & flew back later this afternoon or evening?



------------------------------------
Posted by: "Terry" <terrybc-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

['Mark W. Walton' [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Donald Gordon was CN president from 1950-1966. The time you’re referring to would have been before 1961, when the then-Board of Transport Commissioners told CN “Hey, not so fast!” That prompted Gordon to wonder aloud how CN could expect to make money on a business they were trying to kill, and decided to try to make it pay. Hence the Red, White, and Blue fares, among many other initiatives.

Mark Walton
<mailto:mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org> mark.walton-***@public.gmane.org

From: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org [mailto:Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 5:40 PM
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Subject: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA President ?
Thanks for that Terry. I was hopeful it would be otherwise.
If so here's what someone could bring up at Via' s next public meeting. When they present their annual report during question period to the public. Directing it not only towards Mr.Siciliano but to each member present from Via's board of directors.
It goes like this after proclaiming a financial analysis that looks highly favorable for Via...........
" Good Day Mr.Sicilano. Your corporation is to be commended on it's remarkable achievements for the last fiscal year. But let me ask. What mode of transportation did you use to get here for this meeting ? "
Suddenly you can only hear a pin drop ? ? ! !
Actually this tactic was used very effectively by the late Donald Gordon from CN in the '50's. During CTC public branch line passenger train abandonment hearings. Somewhere in Ontario. A CRHA's News Report explained his maneuver this way.
When intervening attendees would request that the railway's request be denied for various unfounded reasons. He'd get up with his commanding six foot frame in that booming voice of voice and ask every intervening attendee.........
' Did you use our passenger train service to arrive at this meeting ? '
Apparently afterwards CN's request was granted. Without hesitation.
No I'm not making this up. For the moment I cannot quote the exact date of the published article. But I did read something to that effect. Anyone else ever seen it ?
K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc.
_____

Posted by: xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org
_____

[xcnken-/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Ahh yes Mark. That larger than life figure. Mr.Gordon. A lot of things were happening back then. Steam excursions included.


I well remember those days of Red White and Blue. Plus all the bargain priced, second hand passenger equipment they bought. Skytops to boot. All for a song one retired CN officer told me.


They even had x-FEC sleepers from the same family as our belovingly ! stored Pavilion.


K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc

[Dan Garcia smallspy_g-FFYn/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

So you're expecting the man, who happens to be the President of a Crown Corp., to take 8 days - 4 in each direction - to get to a meeting that he will only need a day for? Oh and during those 8 days, he will be virtually without any communication with which he needs to run the company?

You don't think that sounds pretty dumb now, too?

Dan
Toronto, Ont.



________________________________
From: "xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]" <Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org>
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 5:40 PM
Subject: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA President ?







Thanks for that Terry. I was hopeful it would be otherwise.

If so here's what someone could bring up at Via' s next public meeting. When they present their annual report during question period to the public. Directing it not only towards Mr.Siciliano but to each member present from Via's board of directors.

It goes like this after proclaiming a financial analysis that looks highly favorable for Via...........
" Good Day Mr.Sicilano. Your corporation is to be commended on it's remarkable achievements for the last fiscal year. But let me ask. What mode of transportation did you use to get here for this meeting ? "

Suddenly you can only hear a pin drop ? ? ! !

Actually this tactic was used very effectively by the late Donald Gordon from CN in the '50's. During CTC public branch line passenger train abandonment hearings. Somewhere in Ontario. A CRHA's News Report explained his maneuver this way.

When intervening attendees would request that the railway's request be denied for various unfounded reasons. He'd get up with his commanding six foot frame in that booming voice of voice and ask every intervening attendee.........
' Did you use our passenger train service to arrive at this meeting ? '

Apparently afterwards CN's request was granted. Without hesitation.

No I'm not making this up. For the moment I cannot quote the exact date of the published article. But I did read something to that effect. Anyone else ever seen it ?

K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc.

[xcnken-/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Well Dan as illogical as it may sound there is a certain amount of thought to it. Such as:

1-If someone's goin' all th'way out west for only one meeting why even go? Couldn't it be done via video conferencing instead?
2-if you have to go regardless why not better plan your agenda to make other meetings or whatever all on the same trip?
3-if a corporate president is giving the employees a pep talk why not tell them how you arrived......by train? Perhaps not necessarily both ways. But at least part of it to show you...walk th'talk.
4-If a corporate president is announcing more funding and resultant job cuts to a group of gathered employees. By electing to fly there and back for one day or one meeting how would you feel about it?


In this day of virtually instantaneous communications it is not difficult to stay in touch anywhere. Even if you're gone for eight days. I'm sure he has enough subordinates in his office to handle any and all situations.


A trip or two would show a lot of good will Dan don' t you think?


K. Wadden. Pointe Claire Qc.

[Dan Garcia smallspy_g-FFYn/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

I don't know the need or reasons of this meeting. Suffice to say that if he feels that a face-to-face meeting is required, that he is in his rights to have it.

As for items 2 through 4, do we know that any of them are applicable, or are you just grasping at straws? All we know is that there was a meeting in Vancouver and that he felt it was necessary to attend. Anything beyond that is heresay.

Could it have been planned so that he made some sort of "whistle stop" tour? Absolutely. But that still goes back to the point of being out of the office - and largely out of communication - with his staff for 4 days. Taking the train back doubles that, and with no appreciable benefits that I can see.


Thus, yeah, I feel he is justified in flying out there and back.

Dan
Toronto, Ont.



________________________________
From: "xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]" <Canadian-Passenger-***@yahoogroups.com>
To: Canadian-Passenger-Rail-***@public.gmane.org
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2014 9:58 PM
Subject: Re: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA President ?





Well Dan as illogical as it may sound there is a certain amount of thought to it. Such as:

1-If someone's goin' all th'way out west for only one meeting why even go? Couldn't it be done via video conferencing instead?
2-if you have to go regardless why not better plan your agenda to make other meetings or whatever all on the same trip?
3-if a corporate president is giving the employees a pep talk why not tell them how you arrived......by train? Perhaps not necessarily both ways. But at least part of it to show you...walk th'talk.
4-If a corporate president is announcing more funding and resultant job cuts to a group of gathered employees. By electing to fly there and back for one day or one meeting how would you feel about it?

In this day of virtually instantaneous communications it is not difficult to stay in touch anywhere. Even if you're gone for eight days. I'm sure he has enough subordinates in his office to handle any and all situations.

A trip or two would show a lot of good will Dan don' t you think?

K. Wadden. Pointe Claire Qc.

[Chris Fox tieplatecaf-FFYn/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

I believe family has a lot to do with it ...

A job is a job .... Regardless ....
Away from your family for 8 days is extreme ....

Fox

Sent from my iPad

Post by Dan Garcia smallspy_g-FFYn/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
I don't know the need or reasons of this meeting. Suffice to say that if he feels that a face-to-face meeting is required, that he is in his rights to have it.
As for items 2 through 4, do we know that any of them are applicable, or are you just grasping at straws? All we know is that there was a meeting in Vancouver and that he felt it was necessary to attend. Anything beyond that is heresay.
Could it have been planned so that he made some sort of "whistle stop" tour? Absolutely. But that still goes back to the point of being out of the office - and largely out of communication - with his staff for 4 days. Taking the train back doubles that, and with no appreciable benefits that I can see.
Thus, yeah, I feel he is justified in flying out there and back.
Dan
Toronto, Ont.
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2014 9:58 PM
Subject: Re: [CanPassRail] Re: VIA President ?
1-If someone's goin' all th'way out west for only one meeting why even go? Couldn't it be done via video conferencing instead?
2-if you have to go regardless why not better plan your agenda to make other meetings or whatever all on the same trip?
3-if a corporate president is giving the employees a pep talk why not tell them how you arrived......by train? Perhaps not necessarily both ways. But at least part of it to show you...walk th'talk.
4-If a corporate president is announcing more funding and resultant job cuts to a group of gathered employees. By electing to fly there and back for one day or one meeting how would you feel about it?
In this day of virtually instantaneous communications it is not difficult to stay in touch anywhere. Even if you're gone for eight days. I'm sure he has enough subordinates in his office to handle any and all situations.
A trip or two would show a lot of good will Dan don' t you think?
K. Wadden. Pointe Claire Qc.

[Tom Box [e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

... here's what someone could bring up at Via's next public
meeting. When they present their annual report during question
period to the public. Directing it not only towards Mr. Siciliano
but to each member present from Via's board of directors.
It goes like this after proclaiming a financial analysis that
looks highly favorable for Via...........
"Good Day Mr.Sicilano.

It's a mouthful, but his family name is Desjardins-Siciliano.

Your corporation is to be commended on it's remarkable
achievements for the last fiscal year. But let me ask. What
mode of transportation did you use to get here for this meeting?"

The 2011 annual public meeting was at the Ottawa station, and the
2012 meeting was at the Winnipeg station. I believe they were open
to the public to attend in person. But the 2013 and 2014 meetings
were held as webcasts, presumably from VIA's head office in Place
Ville Marie, with no live audience present. People could e-mail
questions in advance, but not ask them live. Some questions were
answered orally during the meeting, others in writing in a document
posted on the VIA web site after the fact.

After the 2012 meeting, Global TV news in Winnipeg reported that
the VIA brass all flew to the meeting that year.

The full board of directors doesn't attend the meeting. There were
just four people at the 2013 and 2014 meetings: the chairman of the
board, the president, the chief financial officer and the corporate
secretary. Here's the 2013 meeting (no sound at all until about 0:45,
then dreadful sound quality):

and here's 2014 (much better sound):

Tom Box
tbox at ncf dot ca
Port Hope, ON, Canada


------------------------------------
Posted by: Tom Box <tbox-***@public.gmane.org>
------------------------------------

For help, send an email to Canadian-Passenger-Rail-help-***@public.gmane.org

[xcnken-/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Well I'm not about to address him with that mouthful of whatever ? Tim.


Talk about controlling the message. I was unaware that their annual public meetings don' t have a live audience. Except for the media in attendance.


What a *&^%$ joke ! No spontaneous, non-scripted questions from a live audience ? If it's done via a web cast or online will they post and answer all questions ? ( probably not ) Was there any embarrassment at all with what Global reported i.e. they flew there ?


I actually do not let my decision process get clouded by my support for passenger rail of any kind. Certainly within reasonable boundaries. But using an airline to get out to a major event that they're sponsoring ? l


As I 've said before it says ' spades ' about them setting any example.


Thanks Tim. K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc

[tim_hayman-FFYn/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Post by xcnken-/***@public.gmane.org [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]
Thanks Tim. K. Wadden

Well now this is interesting, I post a couple things and start getting credit for all of Tom Box's messages, haha! ;-)

Tim
Halifax, NS

[xcnken-/[e-mail] [Canadian-Passenger-Rail]]

Aww Ben Colin Da Bin. As we say here in Quebec. Or Oup Be Lie.


Just call me Ren rather than...........Ken.............ok Tom ? K. Wadden Pointe Claire Qc.