NACTS Perspectives Malcolm Cairns

NACTS Perspectives

Malcolm Cairns

Director of Business Research, Canadian Pacific Railroad

In 1994, Dr. Cairns became director of business research for Canadian Pacific Railway, where he is involved in the analysis of a range of long-term strategic issues. More recently he has been involved with the ongoing review of the Canada Transportation Act, competition issues associated with railway mergers, and competition among west coast ports for Asian container traffic. He is currently involved with potential market and railway developments in Mexico.

Q: Why is NACTS important to you?

A: I often think back to how different things were when I came to Canada in 1968. There were essentially open borders between the United States and Canada. In Europe, the situation was quite limiting; movement was restricted, and there were ven controls on the movement of currency. It’s remarkable how that situation has reversed itself in Europe, while recent concerns over ecurity have put increased barriers to the mobility of people and goods across the internal borders of North America.

Q: How is NACTS important to your industry?

A: I think it is important to recognize that the North American rail system is essentially integrated, although differences in regulation etween the three countries continue to be an irritant to the industry. Canadian Pacific Railway is a transborder company, and we have o be concerned that the fluidity of the flow of goods across borders is maintained, while recognizing the need to address legitimate ecurity concerns. There are serious issues for which NACTS could be quite helpful, including: ensuring that the modal balance between road and rail freight transport is not disturbed by tri-national initiatives to improve transportation infrastructure; and encouraging the streamlining of the environmental assessments of transportation projects of continental significance, so that economic prosperity is not held hostage to local interests.