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Ontario Northland names new transportation VP

Drew Duquette hired from CP Rail to oversee rail freight, mechanical and refurbishment shops
Ontario Northland Englehart yard
Ontario Northland's Englehart yard.

Drew Duquette is the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission's new vice-president of transportation.

Duquette officially takes charge on July 6. He replaces the retiring Grant Bailey.

A graduate of Nipissing University, Duquette was plucked from the ranks at Canadian Pacific Railway where he was the London-based superintendent of operations in southwestern Ontario.

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An Ontario Northland news release said over his 35-year rail carrier Duquette has worked as a rail traffic controller, train master, and in other management roles revolving around preventative maintenance and major infrastructure projects.

“Drew is a strategic leader with exceptional railway experience,” said Ontario Northland president-CEO Corina Moore in a statement. “I am confident that his strong skillset will continue to improve and expand our rail transportation services.”

The release said Duquette will be responsible for strategic leadership, and oversee the operating and capital budgets for rail freight, mechanical, infrastructure and passenger and freight car remanufacturing.

“I am very pleased to be joining Ontario Northland, a company with strong roots and a rich history. I look forward to bringing my experience to this team of railroaders,” said Duquette. “I was born and raised in the North, so it feels good to return and contribute to a region that has always been important to me.”

The North Bay-headquartered Crown transportation agency runs motor coach, rail freight and rail passenger services in northeastern Ontario.