James Bérubé
General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, Tshiuetin Rail Transportation (Quebec)
Mr. James Bérubé is General Manager and Chief Operating Officer for Tshiuetin Rail Transportation (TSH). Under the direction of the Board of Directors, he implements the company’s strategic directions and oversees the activities of all departments. James has been with TSH since 2008, having held various positions, primarily in the operations department, including the role of Director of Operations from 2016 to 2022.
James is a member of the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach. He was born in Schefferville and currently lives in Maliotenam with his partner and their two children. He maintains close ties with the communities served by Tshiuetin Rail Transportation, which gives him a sense of pride in the service the company has been providing to the communities in the north since it began operations in December 2005.
To ensure the long-term economic and social development of their community, the Innu Nations and communities of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, Matimekush Lac-John, and the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach created Tshiuetin Rail Transportation ad began operations in 2005 to operate the essential railway service between Emeril, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Schefferville, Quebec. TSH is the first railway in North America to be owned and operated by Indigenous communities. The TSH rail service is designated as an essential service that transports passengers, goods, and iron ore.
The company’s mission is to Offer an essential, safe, quality rail transportation service to members of our communities and all our customers. The company is also committed to creating sustainable employment opportunities for members of the communities while taking pride in offering authentic rail transportation services that respect our culture and environment and create sustainable jobs for members of our communities.
In addition to maintaining a close connection between the communities, Tshiuetin Rail Transportation is constantly working to be recognized as a flagship Indigenous company, having become the go-to solution in rail transportation to support the well-being and economic growth of and for the communities and the development of the North.
James is passionate about his work, which drives him to take on the many challenges his professional life presents. He and his team are constantly working to ensure that Tshiuetin Rail Transportation continues its various projects aimed at improving the local economy, regional workforce and most importantly, its relations with their employees who are crucial to our operations and existnace. TShieutin Railway Transportation employs around 150 employees during the busy season. We are proud of the fact that 88% of workforce are members of our communities and hold federally regulated railway jobs in all departments and levels.