He took over from Luc Jobin, who was dismissed earlier this
month amidst growing complaints about poor grain-moving performance.
There are ships in Vancouver harbour that have waited since
the end of December to load and the harbour is crammed with waiting ships. The situation
is similar at Prince Rupert.
The most recent weekly statistics show that CN provided only
17 per cent of the grain transportation exporters ordered and CP provided only
66 per cent.
Ruest said those nearing retirement have been asked to stay
to clear up the backlog, vacations have been delayed and recent retirees have
been asked to return.
He said 130 locomotives have been ordered and some will be
manned from management ranks.
