Minister Lebel issues statement on the passing of Cliff Mackay

No. HS001/12
For release - January 27, 2012

OTTAWA — On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to express our deep sadness at the passing of Cliff Mackay, in Napanee on January 26, 2012, and offer our sincere condolences to his family.

As president and chief executive officer of the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) since 2006, Mr. Mackay provided strong leadership and spoke with passion on many key transportation issues. Whatever new challenges the rail industry faced, whether economic, environmental or security-related, Mr. Mackay pursued them with enthusiasm and became an advocate for positive change.

One of Mr. Mackay's many contributions during a time of considerable change and challenges for the transportation sector was to open up public discussion on rail issues, whether highlighting the critical importance of rail to the Canadian economy or supporting development and innovation in the sector.

Mr. Mackay made an extraordinary contribution to the development of the transportation industry in Canada across all modes. This included his work in his previous capacity as president and chief executive officer of the Air Transport Association of Canada.

Mr. Mackay will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched and his legacy, not only as president of the RAC but in the course of his rich and varied career, will remain.

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