I was fortunate to have worked for the federal government for 18 years as a Constable on Parliament Hill in Ottawa where I was able to interact with political leaders of all stripes and ultimately learned the intricate workings of our federal system.

I also had the opportunity to immerse myself into the fascinating history of our country through the wonderful architecture of our Parliament Buildings and the wealth of paintings, plaques and sculptures to be found almost everywhere on site.

On my vacations, I travelled extensively to several parts of the world, including coast-to-coast in my own country, most of the United States, several times to Mexico, Central America, South America, several Europeans countries, and even Russia and Northern Africa.

In sharp contrast to the status quo that presents exists in Canada in regards to our infatuation with auto and air travel, it immediately became apparent to me that Canadians would benefit from the implementation of a modernized passenger rail system similar to that which exists throughout Europe.

I have ever since promoted the notion that Canadians should have the additional option of modernized passenger rail in this country, as provided by the timely approval and subsequent construction of Via Rail's HFR project, through my ongoing efforts at writing detailed articles and comments, including correspondence to our federal government.

It is also my goal to dispel negative and woefully incorrect perceptions pertaining to passenger rail wherever possible so that Canadians can make educated decisions for our future transportation needs.