Born during an air raid in Larbert, Stirlingshire, Scotland during the Second World War, Ian has experienced in a very real way the astounding economic, cultural and technological changes that have shaped the human predicament in the twenty-first century.

His life has not been one of privilege. From a very young age he began his long and demanding career that has included the automotive, railroad, aerospace, fastener, textile, nuclear and metallurgical industries to name a few. His insistence on doing things properly has not won him many promotions and he has often found himself at odds with companies more focused on making a fast buck than on quality and safety.

As busy with his work as he has been however, he has always made time to be a father. He took myself and my two younger brothers on countless camping trips all over Canada. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years and was also a great sport, enduring countless assaults with the old couch cushions and the theft of his favourite slippers from his feet as he tried to watch TV.

There is one particular thing that he taught me as a boy however, that continues to shape my life. My Dad insisted, “Always leave things in better shape than you found them.” And so it makes sense to me that he would be compelled to join Al Gore’s team to help us recognize the mess we’ve made and the need to pull together in order to leave something for our children – before it’s too late.

My father’s love of public speaking, whether in a board room, a community function or a gathering of friends and family around the dinner table has always been evident. Over the past ten years, he has attained the top honour of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), the highest level of achievement for the public speaking organization Toastmasters International.

If you get the chance (and he is presenting in town or city near you), take the time to go see my Dad. You’ll be glad you did.

It was quite a sight to see the big green and white engine thunder into the station after nearly two decades of quiet on the tracks from Barrie to Bradford.

Despite a technical issue with the automated ticket vending machine, the first trip was smooth and comfortable. For a 5:43am departure, the train was relatively full.

It was a special day for me as I have been involved in the effort to help restore passenger rail service for many years – writing letters, sending emails and advocating for public transit on many different occasions.

The foresight in particular of the City of Barrie in deciding to purchase the right-of-way several years ago when CN suggested it was going to tear up the Bradford-Barrie line was instrumental in restoring the service. And although the partnership between GO Transit and the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments had many ups and downs, I would like to thank all parties for their perseverance and their vision.

My hope is that the expansion of GO service will continue and that the old “Thunder Trains” will someday be replaced by faster, lighter and more frequent rapid transit equipment that will provide more frequent trips capable of traveling to Union Station in under an hour. After all – the idea here is to offer a superior alternative to the car.

Our Barrie station isn’t much, but it’s a start. Now let’s ensure that the trains are here in Barrie to stay this time.