ISSUE 2 | 2020 ON NEWS YOUR NORTHLAND EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER

Connecting the Northwest

In May, Ontario Northland had its first ever “This route extends the integrated trip across the Ontario border to Winnipeg, transportation system that is growing Manitoba. throughout the province to provide passengers with more convenient connections and direct “This is a proud and historic day for Ontario stops at hospitals, post-secondary education Northland, to expand bus service across institutions and other transportation providers.” northwestern Ontario, with stops in Thunder Bay, Dryden, Kenora and Winnipeg,” says Corina Moore, President and CEO. - 2 - Connecting the Northwest

The Passenger Services team deserves a round of applause for working quickly to get the new service mobilized as communities in the Northwest were without intercommunity bus transportation.

The current service, offered a few times a week will facilitate essential travel needs with plans to increase frequency on the routes later this year.

Did you know? • The new route from Sault Ste Marie to Winnipeg is over 1,250 kms. • A ticket from to Winnipeg is as low as $263.35 for an adult (before tax) or $223.85 for student or senior (before tax). • Winnipeg’s train station was designed by the same architects who designed New York City’s . • Winnipeg is the headquarters for Canada’s grain industry. It is home to the only commodity exchange in the country – the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange. • The Winnipeg Jets has the smallest market of all the NHL teams yet they sell more merchandise than any others.

New Vice President of Transportation

We’re pleased to introduce Drew has held a variety of positions throughout his Ontario Northland’s new Vice 35 year career in rail, some of which were Rail Traffic President of Transportation, Controller, Train Master, and management roles Drew Duquette. Drew is a responsible for preventative maintenance and major 4th generation railroader and infrastructure projects. is proud that his two sons continue on the legacy as “I am very pleased to be joining Ontario Northland, 5th generation railroaders. a company with strong roots and a rich history. I look forward to bringing my experience to this team “Drew is a strategic leader of railroaders,” says Drew Duquette, incoming Vice with exceptional railway President of Transportation. “I was born in the North, so experience,” says Corina it feels good to return and contribute to a region that has Moore, President and CEO always been important to me.” of Ontario Northland. “I am confident that his strong In his role, Drew will be responsible for strategic skillset will continue to leadership that will shape company policy and culture, improve and expand our further our legacy and astutely oversee operating and transportation services.” capital budgets for rail freight, mechanical, infrastructure and passenger and freight car remanufacturing. - 3 - Continuously Welded Rail (CWR) Delivery Kicks Off Busy Track Work Season

Railways in northern climates such as ours have only a few short months to get a year’s worth of infrastructure work completed. This season, our rail replacement program’s target is to replace 165,000 feet of rail.

To kick off the busy work season, 96,000 feet of continuously welded rail was delivered. This rail was purchased from L.B. Foster, was Ontario Northland Family manufactured by Steel Dynamics out of Columbia City, Indiana and delivered using special cars able Shows Support for Front line to handle 1600 foot lengths of rail. Health Care Workers Part of the replacement program also includes installing 80 foot pieces of rail, this is the In April, Ontario Northland employees in Cochrane and North standard length of rail and is bolted together, not Bay showed their support for front line health care workers in continuously welded. This rail came to us all the the form of a parade of its vehicles and honking as a tribute way from Poland. It was delivered to the port of to their commitment to keeping our communities safe during Thunder Bay and arrived by rail in North Bay. the pandemic. The rail is delivered alongside the track using In partnership with railways across Canada, Ontario specialized equipment, an OTM Tracker that is a Northland locomotives have been sounding one long whistle single, fully integrated track maintenance machine. at 7pm everyday recognizing the front-line heroes who are The OTM Tracker is pulled on the track by a Brandt providing care and essential services. Truck, which pulls railcars for rail distribution. Sometimes, a hi-rail excavator is used to help with The Remanufacturing and Repair Centre’s famous daily horn rail distribution as well. has been giving an extra blow at 7:30pm everyday too! If Ontario Northland continues to replace between Thank you to our very own front line heroes who keep our 150,000-180,000 feet of rail every year, the entire company moving goods and people safely. railway will be completely renewed in 13 years. - 4 - Working at Ontario Northland through COVID-19

COVID-19 has had many impacts in the way we conduct business. We are an essential service and we must keep people and goods moving to and from northern Ontario. We’ve adapted quickly and continue to make changes where we need, to ensure the health and safety of all our employees, passengers and customers we serve. Check out these pictures to see how we’ve adapted.

Lil’ Railroader

Kellyn Ames reached out via Facebook in May to let us know how appreciative she was for the Locomotive Engineers and Conductors who wave to her son Tucker as they passed by. “I live in Swastika, ON right beside the train tracks and every single day my son waits for them. I almost swear the workers look for my son now, as every single day they make sure to open their window, wave and make an extra honk! I just wanted to say thank you, as they honestly give my 2 year old something to look forward to each and every single day!! It is now his daily routine!”

Recently, a couple of employees dropped off some Ontario Northland merchansie and a colouring book for Tucker. - 5 - - 6 -

Meet Our Commissioners Get to know your Ontario Northland Transportation Commissioners!

In this issue of the ON News, we are featuring Lillian Trapper and Randy Nickle. We look forward to continuing to feature our Commissioners in each issue.

Pictured in front of the Cobalt Station painting reminds him of his roots, he was born in Cobalt. Lillian Trapper Randy Nickle

Lillian Trapper, a resident of South Porcupine, is Randy Nickle, a resident of Kenora, has a strong business passionate about preservation, conservation and the background as an A&W Franchise owner for more than management of natural resources. In her current role 38 years. as Regional Climate Change Coordinator with Chiefs of Ontario, she participates on federal and national climate Randy and his wife Lori jointly operated a motor coach change initiatives as per the Assembly of First Nations agency in Dryden and Kenora making him very familiar agenda and with Ontario First Nations through the with the transportation industry needs of northwestern political body of the Chiefs of Ontario. Ontario.

Her work experience includes local, regional and national He has spent decades committed to tourism in the forums on First Nation issues and concerns. She also northwest, most notably chairing the Committee of sits on the Northern College Indigenous Council on Harbourfest, one of northwest Ontario’s largest Music and Education and is a member on the Board of Governors. Family festivals. Lillian practices and promotes cultural indigenous activities and lifestyle and speaks Cree. She holds a He’s participated in various board and committees, Bachelor of Geography from Carleton University and ranging from economic development and tourism, to a Masters of Arts Environment and Management from Copperfin credit union board member and many years in Royal Roads University. minor sports.

Randy’s roots span all the way to Temiskaming Shores, where he was born in Cobalt and still has family.

- 7 - Paint Shop Secures New Business

Ontario Northland’s paint shop is known for quality and workmanship when it comes to applying paint and decals to railcars. The 20,000 square foot state- of-the-art facility can accommodate a variety of different transportation equipment and that’s exactly what they’ve been doing. If you have recently visited the facility you would have noticed trucks, buses, mining equipment and locomotives.

“Having diversity in the paint shop allows us to showcase our expertise to other industries,” says Stan Lonsdale, Manager of the Paint Shop. “We have an excellent reputation and attracting more work to the shop is our priority.”

Recent work includes Miller Waste dump trucks, Minesteel underground mining rail cars and Cementation’s mining equipment.

Cochrane Station Inn Corina Moore named Honorary Donates to Men’s Shelter Colonel of 21 Aerospace Control The Cochrane Station Inn donated surplus linen & Warning Squadron and pillows from guest rooms to the Ga Beh Shoo men’s shelter in Cochrane. Corina Moore, President and “It feels great to be able to support local charities CEO of Ontario Northland, such as this one,” says Eric Rochon, Manager has been named the new of Passenger Services. “Even though we aren’t Honorary Colonel with the 21 using the products for our guests, they are still in Aerospace Control & Warning excellent condition.” Squadron.

Ontario Northland supports many other “I’m looking forward to organizations through donations of gently used applying the same passion items in the communities it serves throughout and innovation towards this northeastern Ontario. role as I do here at Ontario Northland,” says Corina Caption: Julie Fasano, Ontario Northland Moore. “I am amazed by the work of the Armed Forces and Cochrane Station Inn employee with Mike Robin, the unbelievable impact they have across our community and Ga Beh Shoo men’s shelter. our country. As HCol, I am excited to be a strong advocate for them and a voice for how very fortunate we are to have such a significant presence right here in North Bay.”

An Honorary Colonel provides a connection between the Canadian Forces and the community.

In March, Corina was proud to join the Canadian Forces Liaison Council in Ontario, an organization of more than 140 Canadian volunteers who work in partnership with the Defence Team to engage employers, education institutions and other organizations on the value of reserve service to Canadian communities.

Congratulations Corina! - 8 -

New Internal Tool Features COVID-19 Available Inventory

It’s been an unusually busy time for Procurement and Stores as they work with Project Management Office to procure, control, forecast and monitor COVID related inventory.

A dedicated product class has been created for all COVID related supplies – Class 91. For your convenience, a catalogue has been created to give employees a visual of the Class 91 products available for ordering through AS400. Tim O’Grady retires after 37 of Employees should be aware of the following: • Use your COVID GL Account when requesting COVID supplies service at Ontario (your financial analyst can provide this to you) Northland. • Priority is given to employees who require products and PPE to perform their duties safely Tim is a locomotive engineer and • You might receive a different brand than you ordered depending on also held the position of Manager of inventory levels Rules and Operating Practices. He’s pictured here at the Englehart Station • All COVID related products are to be purchased through a purchase on his final trip with Jon Corley, requisition (not a Pcard, over the telephone or direct from a source) Director of Transportation. Tim’s • All procured products have been reviewed by Health and Safety favourite memory was getting married and are Health Canada approved products on the Chief Commanda II, when it was operated by Ontario Northland. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Jason Baker, Manager of He looks forward to gardening, wood Strategic Procurement [email protected] working and travelling in his retirement and leaves us with some final words The COVID inventory catalogue can now be found in the COVID-19 “Make every day a better one”. Information site on the intranet.

Best Wishes in Your Retirement

Pensioner Last Position Location Ron Carriere Manager, Freight North Bay Paul Demers Leadhand Machinist North Bay Peter Dowdall Supervisor, Diesel Shop North Bay Timothy O’Grady Engineman North Bay - 9 -

Jordan Campbell Kathy Dominico Anne Savage Health and Safety Awards

Daily efforts are made to reduce Ann Savage accidents and injuries in the Paul Laporte Ann was nominated by Health and workplace. Continuously improving Paul was nominated by the Intelex Safety Manager for making the safety at work is a priority for Implementation Team. Paul’s Intelex implementation a personal the company and all employees acceptance and advocacy of the priority. Continuing to provide have a personal commitment and new safety management program support for the development of responsibility to work safely. to improve the safe operations dashboards, reports and notifications of the rail transportation division to make sure the new software The Health and Safety Awards demonstrates his commitment to the allowed Ontario Northland to be as recognize individuals who contribute health and safety of all employees. safe as possible. Her positive attitude to a safe workplace. If you witness a towards a safety culture is inspiring. colleague going above and beyond Kathy Dominico for the health and safety of others, Kathy was nominated by the Thank you Jordon, Paul, Kathy please consider nominating them by Manager Co-Chair of the Workplace and Ann for your commitment to contacting the Health and Health and Safety Committee for Health and Safety. You are leading Safety Manager her dedication to developing and by example. Continue to Take Extra [email protected] delivering health and safety training Care, Take Action and Speak Up! and tools that assist all committees, Jordon Campbell taking on extra inspections and Jordon was nominated by his investigations. Her efforts and management team for his quick contributions go above and beyond response to ensure that all switches to ensure a healthy and safe Ontario were aligned when he heard that a Northland. rail car was moving.

Recently retired Locomotive Engineer Phil Clement (second left) submitted this picture of his first day on the railway as a brakeman trainee, alongside his dad, Jean Guy (second right) who just happened to be working his last day as a locomotive engineer July 3, 1986. Phil says his dad was very proud of that moment, and so was he. They’re pictured with Peter Harris, Assistant Superintendent and mother and wife Isabelle. - 10 - Welcome National Indigenous History Month

New Employees June is national Indigenous History Month. It is an opportunity to highlight our Since March 2020, 10 employees connection with Indigenous people and communities. have joined us. Be sure to introduce yourself and personally Did you know at Ontario Northland, over 5% of our workforce identifies as welcome them to Ontario Indigenous? Northland! Also, our motor coach and rail service provide transportation to over 15 First Rene Bergeron Nation communities. “I want all employees to learn, reflect and recognize Bus Operator the important history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous people in North Bay Canada. By expanding our understanding we become more empathic and Christina Dubeault knowledgeable,” says Danielle Baker, Chief Human Resources Officer. Cleaner Cochrane Here are a few ways you can broaden your understanding: Ken Fraser Bus Operator Cree Cultural Interpretive Centre Cultural Mindfulness Video North Bay The Cree Cultural Interpretive Centre, This short film was filmed and edited Rhonda Holmes located in Moose Factory features by Ed Regan, who has produced information exhibits and arts and many of Ontario Northland’s videos. Bus Operator Thunder Bay crafts. It is a place to learn about the vibrant history and culture of the For this film he partnered with Donna Jaques Mushkegowuk Cree people. George Couchie, a former OPP General Counsel officer who now teaches cultural North Bay The centre showcases pre and post awareness. This video promotes Tania Kennedy European exhibits and modern day broadening perspectives and Bus Operator Cree culture. showing how youth are embracing North Bay and reclaiming their culture and past. Sammy Mukungu If you want to learn more about https://vimeo.com/319101583 Bus Operator the Cree people and culture, this Thunder Bay is the place to visit after COVID-19 Natasha Orton restrictions have been lifted. Operations Support Planner North Bay Kevin Roper Bus Operator Thunder Bay Scott Strange Clerk North Bay Downie Wenjack Fund The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund is part of Gord Downie’s legacy Pensioners - Visit and embodies his commitment, and that of his family, to improving lives Website for future of First Peoples in Canada. ON News In collaboration with the Wenjack Stay connected with the latest Family, the goal of the Fund is to news and happenings at Ontario continue the conversation that Northland. began with Chanie Wenjack’s residential school story, and to aid Be sure to read the ON News online the collective reconciliation journey after this issue. through a combination of awareness, www.ontarionorthland.ca/onnews education, and action.

If you’d like to receive alerts when The funds website features The new issues of the ON News are Secret Path video and a blog with released let us know by emailing many resources. [email protected] https://www.downiewenjack.ca/ - 11 - Clean, Green Beautiful North Bay

Employees in North Bay participated in a local initiative to make North Bay, clean, green and beautiful.

Garbage was picked up around the North Bay station, with plans to have more pick-up days throughout locations in the city.

Although this is a North Bay initiative, employees throughout the whole system are encouraged to get out there and clean up around our facilities. The Town of Moosonee has also coordinated a similar event this June. Rob Lecours and the Freight Express Team cleaned up debris on the property after the winter.

If you’d like to set up a “cleanup” day and need supplies, contact [email protected] so we can supply you with On-Board Services Crew bags, gloves and pick-up claws. Share Favourite Recipe Submit pictures of you and your family or colleagues The on-board services staff of the Polar Bear picking up garbage, and helping to beautify the Express train have been missing passengers and communities we live in! wanted to share a favourite recipe with everyone to enjoy!

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies • 1 1/3 cup butter • 1 cup sugar • 4 eggs • 1 tsp vanilla • 10 ripe bananas • 4 1/2 cups flour • 4 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp salt • 2 cups chocolate chips

Mash bananas, mix dry ingredients together, combine and add chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 8 - 10 minutes. Enjoy!

In Memoriam We would like to extend our condolences to the families and friends of our pensioners who have passed away. Employee Last Position Held Department Years Worked Emile Belecque Construction Foreman Telecommunications 1943-1982 Wayne Cushing Sr Principal Clerk Finance 1959-1994 Bradley Dube Stockkeeper Stores 1985-2019 Domenico Esposito Track Maintainer Infrastructure 1957-1989 Albert Marsden Carman Car Dept. 1942-1981 SUDBURYSUDBURYSUDBURY ESPANOLA ESPANOLA ESPANOLA THE THE SAULT THE SAULT SAULT WAWA WAWA WAWA WHITE WHITE WHITE RIVER RIVER RIVER THUNDER THUNDER THUNDER BAY BAY BAY