This is how Marc Brunelle welcomes the outcome of the affair that he kept at arm's length for many years. Canadian National confirmed to him and his family that the safety barriers had indeed been installed last December.
Since his son Thomas tragically died on July 12, 2011 at Rang Sud in Saint-Tite after catching the train that had never arrived at the railway junction, Marc Brunelle has been fighting for the introduction of security measures in this place.
For Thomas, yes, but above all so that no more drama like this happens.
“Beyond our personal interest, it was primarily a general interest in the population and traffic safety.”
— Marc Brunelle, father of Thomas Brunelle
“It is also a great pride in his memory,” admits the father, who admits, however, that the process was not always easy.
The last 12 years have been filled with frustration and questions, but there was no question that he would give up. “It’s not my temperament,” he said.
He believes his media appearances over time, particularly in 2021 and 2023, may have helped solve the case more quickly. “The information was not circulating, we had the impression that things were not progressing. “For a long time we had the impression that we were not being listened to, especially in the early years,” admits Mr. Brunelle, who is now happy to be able to open a new chapter in the matter.
“With François-Philippe Champagne’s involvement, we must be aware that if he had not elevated his contacts to the level of a Canadian citizen, we may no longer be here.”
This is also good news for the Member for Saint-Maurice-Champlain, who was involved in the file from the start. “I am very pleased that the safety barrier at Rang Sud has finally been installed,” he commented via email.
“I would particularly like to thank Marc Brunelle for his determination and commitment over several years to ensure the safety of the citizens of Saint-Tite. Together we have managed to take a big step towards preventing future tragedies.”
Beyond the specific measure, Marc Brunelle also sees this conclusion as the beginning of an era of change in road safety. He hopes that this has stimulated some reflection on this topic.
“It's a great example that we can do it. In fact, you have to trust life for it to work. We must not allow ourselves to be discouraged.”
Support, a driving force to keep going
The support and support he has received over time has certainly helped him and his loved ones stay on track. When he changed his profile picture on Facebook this week to show that the barriers had been put in place, there was a wave of comments.
“All that comes back is bravo for perseverance, you did well to persevere. […] That also touched me because people were sensitive to this issue.”
“We always had that feeling […] “To experience not only recognition, but also concrete support.”
— Marc Brunelle, father of Thomas Brunelle
To close the circle and highlight the installation of the barriers, Thomas Brunelle's father would like to organize a gathering at this location on the 13th anniversary of his death next July. Something simple, sober, with friends, family and people who supported her.
“We’re going to have a beer there,” he explains.
Marc Brunelle looks to the future with a certain calmness and a sense of duty fulfilled.
“This allows us to focus our energy elsewhere and on other projects. On the other hand, […] The message I want to convey here is that you have to persevere.”
He also invites people who are faced with similar problems to pursue them – be it at companies or at authorities.
“There are topics where we have the impression that we are sometimes confronted with large machines. It’s easy to get discouraged, especially in the early years when you’re more emotionally fragile.”
“You have to know how to knock on the right door,” the father concludes.