6-K

FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Report of Foreign Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of February, 2012

Commission File Number: 001-02413

Canadian National Railway Company

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

935 de la Gauchetiere Street West

Montreal, Quebec

Canada H3B 2M9

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under

cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F ____                                                      Form 40-F    X                                

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as

permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

Yes ____                                           No   X

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as

permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

Yes ____                                           No   X

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this

Form, the Registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission

pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Yes ____                                           No   X

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in

connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A

 

Canadian National Railway Company

Table of Contents

Item

1.	Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
2.	Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
3.	Financial Statements and Notes thereto (U.S. GAAP)
4.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis (U.S. GAAP)
5.	Certificate of CEO Regarding Facts and Circumstances Relating to Exchange Act Filings
6.	Certificate of CFO Regarding Facts and Circumstances Relating to Exchange Act Filings

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Item 1

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an unqualified audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 and has also expressed an unqualified audit opinion on the Company's 2011 consolidated financial statements as stated in their Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated February 3, 2012.

Claude Mongeau

President and Chief Executive Officer

February 3, 2012

Luc Jobin

Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

February 3, 2012

1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Item 2

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of the Canadian National Railway Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Canadian National Railway Company (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and its consolidated results of operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated February 3, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

KPMG LLP*

Chartered Accountants

Montreal, Canada

February 3, 2012

* CA Auditor permit no. 10892 KPMG LLP is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.

2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of the Canadian National Railway Company We have audited the Canadian National Railway Company’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. We also have audited, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and our report dated February 3, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. KPMG LLP* Chartered Accountants

Montreal, Canada February 3, 2012 *CA Auditor permit no. 10892

KPMG LLP is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.

3

Consolidated Statement of Income                                                                                                       U.S. GAAP

Item 3 

In millions, except per share data		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Revenues			$	9,028	$	8,297	$	7,367
Operating expenses
	Labor and fringe benefits			1,812		1,744		1,696
	Purchased services and material			1,120		1,036		1,027
	Fuel			1,412		1,048		820
	Depreciation and amortization			884		834		790
	Equipment rents			228		243		284
	Casualty and other			276		368		344
Total operating expenses				5,732		5,273		4,961
Operating income				3,296		3,024		2,406
Interest expense				(341)		(360)		(412)
Other income (Note 13)				401		212		267
Income before income taxes				3,356		2,876		2,261
Income tax expense (Note 14)				(899)		(772)		(407)
Net income			$	2,457	$	2,104	$	1,854
Earnings per share (Note 16)
	Basic		$	5.45	$	4.51	$	3.95
	Diluted		$	5.41	$	4.48	$	3.92
Weighted-average number of shares
	Basic			451.1		466.3		469.2
	Diluted			454.4		470.1		473.5
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income                                                                             U.S. GAAP

In millions			Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Net income				$	2,457	$	2,104	$	1,854
Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 19)
	Foreign exchange gain (loss) on:
		Translation of the net investment in foreign operations			130		(330)		(998)
		Translation of US dollar-denominated long-term debt designated as
			a hedge of the net investment in U.S. subsidiaries		(122)		315		976
	Pension and other postretirement benefit plans (Note 12):
		Net actuarial loss arising during the year			(1,541)		(931)		(868)
		Prior service cost arising during the year			(28)		(5)		(2)
		Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost (income)			8		1		2
		Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic benefit cost (income)			4		2		5
	Derivative instruments (Note 18)				(2)		(1)		-
Other comprehensive loss before income taxes					(1,551)		(949)		(885)
Income tax recovery					421		188		92
Other comprehensive loss					(1,130)		(761)		(793)
Comprehensive income				$	1,327	$	1,343	$	1,061
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

Consolidated Balance Sheet                                                                                                                 U.S. GAAP

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	101	$	490
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Note 9)			499		-
Accounts receivable (Note 4)			820		775
Material and supplies			201		210
Deferred and receivable income taxes (Note 14)			122		53
Other			105		62
Total current assets			1,848		1,590
Properties (Note 5)			23,917		22,917
Intangible and other assets (Note 6)			261		699
Total assets		$	26,026	$	25,206
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other (Note 7)		$	1,580	$	1,366
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 9)			135		540
Total current liabilities			1,715		1,906
Deferred income taxes (Note 14)			5,333		5,152
Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of current portion (Note 12)			1,095		510
Other liabilities and deferred credits (Note 8)			762		823
Long-term debt (Note 9)			6,441		5,531
Shareholders’ equity
Common shares (Note 10)			4,141		4,252
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 19)			(2,839)		(1,709)
Retained earnings			9,378		8,741
Total shareholders' equity			10,680		11,284
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	26,026	$	25,206
On behalf of the Board:
David G. A. McLean	Claude Mongeau
Director	Director
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity                                                              U.S. GAAP

	Issued and			Accumulated
	outstanding			other					Total
	common	Common		comprehensive			Retained		shareholders’
In millions	shares	shares		loss			earnings		equity
Balances at December 31, 2008	468.2	$	4,179		$	(155)	$	6,535	$	10,559
Net income	-		-			-		1,854		1,854
Stock options exercised and other (Notes 10, 11)	2.8		87			-		-		87
Other comprehensive loss (Note 19)	-		-			(793)		-		(793)
Dividends ($1.01 per share)	-		-			-		(474)		(474)
Balances at December 31, 2009	471.0		4,266			(948)		7,915		11,233
Net income	-		-			-		2,104		2,104
Stock options exercised and other (Notes 10, 11)	3.4		124			-		-		124
Share repurchase program (Note 10)	(15.0)		(138)			-		(775)		(913)
Other comprehensive loss (Note 19)	-		-			(761)		-		(761)
Dividends ($1.08 per share)	-		-			-		(503)		(503)
Balances at December 31, 2010	459.4		4,252			(1,709)		8,741		11,284
Net income	-		-			-		2,457		2,457
Stock options exercised and other (Notes 10, 11)	2.6		74			-		-		74
Share repurchase programs (Note 10)	(19.9)		(185)			-		(1,235)		(1,420)
Other comprehensive loss (Note 19)	-		-			(1,130)		-		(1,130)
Dividends ($1.30 per share)	-		-			-		(585)		(585)
Balances at December 31, 2011	442.1	$	4,141		$	(2,839)	$	9,378	$	10,680
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

In millions                                                                                        Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Operating activities
Net income	$	2,457	$	2,104	$	1,854
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		884		834		790
Deferred income taxes (Note 14)		531		418		138
Gain on disposal of property (Notes 5, 13)		(348)		(152)		(226)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(51)		(3)		39
Material and supplies		11		(43)		32
Accounts payable and other		34		285		(204)
Other current assets		(2)		13		77
Other, net		(540)		(457)		(221)
Net cash provided by operating activities		2,976		2,999		2,279
Investing activities
Property additions		(1,625)		(1,586)		(1,402)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 3)		-		-		(373)
Disposal of property (Note 5)		369		168		231
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents		(499)		-		-
Other, net		26		35		107
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,729)		(1,383)		(1,437)
Financing activities
Issuance of debt		1,361		-		1,626
Repayment of debt		(1,083)		(184)		(2,109)
Issuance of common shares due to exercise of stock options and
related excess tax benefits realized (Note 11)		77		115		73
Repurchase of common shares (Note 10)		(1,420)		(913)		-
Dividends paid		(585)		(503)		(474)
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,650)		(1,485)		(884)
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on US dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents		14		7		(19)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(389)		138		(61)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year		490		352		413
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$	101	$	490	$	352
Supplemental cash flow information
Net cash receipts from customers and other	$	8,995	$	8,404	$	7,505
Net cash payments for:
Employee services, suppliers and other expenses		(4,643)		(4,334)		(4,323)
Interest		(329)		(366)		(407)
Personal injury and other claims (Note 17)		(97)		(64)		(112)
Pensions (Note 12)		(468)		(427)		(139)
Income taxes (Note 14)		(482)		(214)		(245)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	2,976	$	2,999	$	2,279
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively “CN” or “the Company,” is engaged in the rail and related transportation business. CN spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, and the key cities of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minnesota/Superior, Wisconsin, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, St. Louis, and Jackson, Mississippi, with connections to all points in North America. CN’s freight revenues are derived from the movement of a diversified and balanced portfolio of goods, including petroleum and chemicals, grain and fertilizers, coal, metals and minerals, forest products, intermodal and automotive.

1 – Summary of significant accounting policies

These consolidated financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated, and have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates, including those related to personal injury and other claims, environmental matters, depreciation, pensions and other postretirement benefits, and income taxes, based upon currently available information.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

A. Principles of consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries. The Company’s investments in which it has significant influence are accounted for using the equity method and all other investments are accounted for using the cost method.

B. Revenues

Freight revenues are recognized using the percentage of completed service method based on the transit time of freight as it moves from origin to destination. The allocation of revenues between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each period with expenses being recorded as incurred. Revenues related to non-rail transportation services are recognized as service is performed or as contractual obligations are met. Revenues are presented net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities.

C. Foreign currency

All of the Company’s United States (U.S.) operations are self-contained foreign entities with the US dollar as their functional currency. Accordingly, the U.S. operations’ assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate in effect at the balance sheet date and the revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. All adjustments resulting from the translation of the foreign operations are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) (see Note 19 – Accumulated other comprehensive loss).

The Company designates the US dollar-denominated long-term debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net investment in U.S. subsidiaries. Accordingly, foreign exchange gains and losses, from the dates of designation, on the translation of the US dollar-denominated long-term debt are also included in Other comprehensive income (loss).

D. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity and are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

E. Restricted cash and cash equivalents

The Company has the option, under its bilateral letter of credit facility agreements with various banks, to pledge collateral in the form of cash and cash equivalents for a minimum term of three months, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. Restricted cash and cash equivalents are shown separately on the balance sheet and include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity and are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

F. Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded at cost net of billing adjustments and an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on expected collectability and considers historical experience as well as known trends or uncertainties related to account collectability. When a receivable is deemed uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to the bad debt expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

9

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

G. Material and supplies

Material and supplies, which consist mainly of rail, ties, and other items for construction and maintenance of property and equipment, as well as diesel fuel, are valued at weighted-average cost.

H. Properties

Railroad properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation including asset impairment write-downs. Labor, materials and other costs associated with the installation of rail, ties, ballast and other structures are capitalized to the extent they meet the Company’s capitalization criteria. Major overhauls and large refurbishments of equipment are also capitalized when they result in an extension to the service life or increase the functionality of the asset. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

The cost of properties, including those under capital leases, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated service lives, measured in years, except for rail which is measured in millions of gross tons per mile. The Company follows the group method of depreciation whereby a single composite depreciation rate is applied to the gross investment in a class of similar assets, despite small differences in the service life or salvage value of individual property units within the same asset class.

     In accordance with the group method of depreciation, upon sale or retirement of properties in the normal course of business, cost less net salvage value is charged to accumulated depreciation. As a result, no gain or loss is recognized in income under the group method as it is assumed that the assets within the group on average have the same life and characteristics and therefore that gains or losses offset over time. For retirements of depreciable properties that do not occur in the normal course of business, a gain or loss may be recognized if the retirement varies significantly from the retirement pattern identified through depreciation studies. A gain or loss is recognized in Other income for the sale of land or disposal of assets that are not part of railroad operations.

Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. Losses resulting from significant rail line sales are recognized in income when the asset meets the criteria for classification as held for sale, whereas losses resulting from significant rail line abandonments are recognized in the statement of income when the asset ceases to be used. Gains are recognized in income when they are realized.

The Company reviews the carrying amounts of properties held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows. Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of such review are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value.

I. Intangible assets

Intangible assets consist mainly of customer contracts and relationships assumed through past acquisitions and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 to 50 years.

The Company reviews the carrying amounts of intangible assets held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows. Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of such review are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value.

J. Pensions

Pension costs are determined using actuarial methods. Net periodic benefit cost is charged to income and includes:

(i) the cost of pension benefits provided in exchange for employees’ services rendered during the year;

(ii) the interest cost of pension obligations;

(iii) the expected long-term return on pension fund assets;

(iv) the amortization of prior service costs and amendments over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans; and

(v) the amortization of cumulative net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the beginning of year balances of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets, over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans.

The pension plans are funded through contributions determined in accordance with the projected unit credit actuarial cost method.

K. Postretirement benefits other than pensions

The Company accrues the cost of postretirement benefits other than pensions using actuarial methods. These benefits, which are funded as they become due, include life insurance programs, medical benefits and, for a closed group of employees, free rail travel benefits.

The Company amortizes the cumulative net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year, over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plan.

10

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

L. Personal injury and other claims

In Canada, the Company accounts for costs related to employee work-related injuries based on actuarially developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-party administration costs.

In the U.S., the Company accrues the expected cost for personal injury, property damage and occupational disease claims, based on actuarial estimates of their ultimate cost.

For all other legal actions in Canada and the U.S., the Company maintains, and regularly updates on a case-by-case basis, provisions for such items when the expected loss is both probable and can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information.

M. Environmental expenditures

Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations, or to an existing condition caused by past operations, are expensed unless they can contribute to current or future operations. Environmental liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments occur, remedial efforts are probable, and when the costs, based on a specific plan of action in terms of the technology to be used and the extent of the corrective action required, can be reasonably estimated. The Company accrues its allocable share of liability taking into account the Company’s alleged responsibility, the number of potentially responsible parties and their ability to pay their respective shares of the liability. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable and collectability is reasonably assured.

N. Income taxes

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, the change in the net deferred tax asset or liability is included in the computation of net income or Other comprehensive income (loss). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

O. Derivative financial instruments

The Company uses derivative financial instruments from time to time in the management of its interest rate and foreign currency exposures. Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and the changes in fair value are recorded in net income or Other comprehensive income (loss) depending on the nature and effectiveness of the hedge transaction. Income and expense related to hedged derivative financial instruments are recorded in the same category as that generated by the underlying asset or liability.

P. Stock-based compensation

The Company follows the fair value based approach for stock option awards based on the grant-date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company expenses the fair value of its stock option awards on a straight-line basis, over the period during which an employee is required to provide service (requisite service period) or until retirement eligibility is attained, whichever is shorter. The Company also follows the fair value based approach for cash settled awards using a lattice-based valuation model. Compensation cost for cash settled awards is based on the fair value of the awards at period-end and is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service (requisite service period) or until retirement eligibility is attained, whichever is shorter. See Note 11 – Stock plans, for the assumptions used to determine fair value and for other required disclosures.

Q. Recent accounting pronouncement

The Accounting Standards Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants requires all publicly accountable enterprises to report under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. However, National Instrument 52-107 issued by the Ontario Securities Commission allows Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issuers, as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, such as CN, to file with Canadian securities regulators financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As such, the Company has decided not to report under IFRS by 2011 and to continue reporting under U.S. GAAP. The SEC has issued a roadmap for the potential convergence to IFRS for U.S. issuers. Should the SEC decide it will move forward with the convergence to IFRS, the Company will convert its reporting to IFRS at that time.

11

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

2 – Accounting changes

2011

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, giving companies the option to present the components of net income and comprehensive income in either one or two consecutive financial statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. ASU 2011-05 also requires reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) in both net income and other comprehensive income (OCI) to be separately disclosed on the face of the financial statements. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which deferred the effective date to present reclassification adjustments in net income. The effective date of the deferral is consistent with the effective date of ASU 2011-05 which becomes effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2011.During the deferral period, the FASB plans to re-evaluate the requirement, with a final decision expected in 2012.

The Company currently presents the components of net income and other comprehensive income in two separate and consecutive financial statements. As such, the Company does not expect any significant changes to its annual consolidated financial statements from implementation of the new standards.

2010

Accounting standard updates effective in 2010 that were issued by the FASB had no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

2009

Business Combinations

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the new requirements of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, “Business Combinations,” relating to the accounting for business combinations (previously Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 (R)), which became effective for acquisitions with an acquisition date on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Until December 31, 2008, the Company was subject to the requirements of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” which required that acquisition-related costs be included as part of the purchase cost of an acquired business. As such, the Company had reported acquisition-related costs in Other current assets pending the closing of its acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E), which had been subject to an extensive U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) approval process. On January 31, 2009, the Company completed its acquisition of the EJ&E and accounted for the acquisition under the revised standard. The Company incurred acquisition-related costs, including costs to obtain regulatory approval of approximately $49 million, which were expensed and reported in Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2009 pursuant to FASB ASC 805 requirements. At the time of adoption, this change in accounting policy had the effect of decreasing net income by $28 million ($0.06 per basic or diluted earnings per share) and Other current assets by $46 million. This change had no effect on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Disclosures prescribed by FASB ASC 805 are presented in Note 3 – Acquisitions.

3 – Acquisition

2009

On January 31, 2009, the Company acquired the principal rail lines of the EJ&E, a short-line railway that operated over 198 miles of track in and around Chicago, for a total cash consideration of US$300 million (C$373 million), paid with cash on hand. The Company accounted for the acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” which the Company adopted on January 1, 2009. As such, the consolidated financial statements of the Company include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of EJ&E as of January 31, 2009, the date of acquisition. The costs incurred to acquire the EJ&E of approximately $49 million were expensed and reported in Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2009 (see Note 2 – Accounting changes).

12

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

 

     The following table summarizes the consideration paid for EJ&E and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed that were recognized at the acquisition date:

In US millions	At January 31, 2009
Consideration
Cash		$	300
Fair value of total consideration transferred		$	300
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Current assets		$	4
Properties			310
Current liabilities			(4)
Other noncurrent liabilities			(10)
Total identifiable net assets		$	300

The 2009 revenues and net income of EJ&E included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income from the acquisition date to December 31, 2009, were $74 million and $12 million, respectively.

4 – Accounts receivable

In millions	December 31,	2011		2010
Freight		$	630	$	585
Non-freight			206		211
Gross accounts receivable			836		796
Allowance for doubtful accounts			(16)		(21)
Net accounts receivable		$	820	$	775

The Company had a five-year agreement to sell an undivided co-ownership interest in a revolving pool of freight receivables to an unrelated trust for maximum cash proceeds of $600 million. The agreement expired on May 31, 2011 and was not renewed. As at December 31, 2010, the Company had no receivables sold under this program.

13

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

5 – Properties

In millions				December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
		2011 depreciation			Accumulated						Accumulated
		rate		Cost	depreciation			Net		Cost	depreciation			Net
Track and roadway (1)		2%	$	25,534	$	6,903	$	18,631	$	24,568	$	6,744	$	17,824
Rolling stock		4%		4,923		1,668		3,255		4,843		1,565		3,278
Buildings		2%		1,220		473		747		1,148		467		681
Information technology (2)		12%		931		383		548		854		330		524
Other		6%		1,213		477		736		1,057		447		610
Total properties including capital leases			$	33,821	$	9,904	$	23,917	$	32,470	$	9,553	$	22,917
Capital leases included in properties
Track and roadway (3)			$	417	$	48	$	369	$	427	$	43	$	384
Rolling stock				1,144		317		827		1,129		287		842
Buildings				109		16		93		108		13		95
Other				102		15		87		130		28		102
Total capital leases included in properties			$	1,772	$	396	$	1,376	$	1,794	$	371	$	1,423
(1)	Includes the cost of land of $1,798 million and $1,712 million as at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2)	The Company capitalized $94 million in 2011 and $79 million in 2010 of internally developed software costs pursuant to ASC 350-40, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, Internal – Use Software.”
(3)	Includes $108 million of right-of-way access in both years.

Accounting policy for capitalization of costs

The Company’s railroad operations are highly capital intensive. The Company’s properties consist mainly of a large base of homogeneous or network-type assets such as rail, ties, ballast and other structures, which form the Company’s Track and roadway properties, and rolling stock. The Company’s capital expenditures are for the replacement of assets and for the purchase or construction of assets to enhance operations or provide new service offerings to customers. A large portion of the Company’s capital expenditures are for self-constructed properties including the replacement of existing track and roadway assets and track line expansion, as well as major overhauls and large refurbishments of rolling stock.

Expenditures are generally capitalized if they extend the life of the asset or provide future benefits such as increased revenue-generating capacity, functionality, or physical or service capacity. The Company has a process in place to determine whether its capital programs qualify for capitalization. For Track and roadway properties, the Company establishes basic capital programs to replace or upgrade the track infrastructure assets which are capitalized if they meet the capitalization criteria. These basic capital programs are planned in advance and carried out by the Company’s engineering work force.

In addition, for Track and roadway properties, expenditures that meet the minimum level of activity as defined by the Company are also capitalized as detailed below:

·   Land: all purchases of land;

·   Grading: installation of road bed, retaining walls, drainage structures;

·   Rail and related track material: installation of 39 or more continuous feet of rail;

·   Ties: installation of 5 or more ties per 39 feet;

·   Ballast: installation of 171 cubic yards of ballast per mile.

Expenditures relating to the Company’s properties that do not meet the Company’s capitalization criteria are considered normal repairs and maintenance and are expensed. For Track and roadway properties, such expenditures include but are not limited to spot tie replacement, spot or broken rail replacement, physical track inspection for detection of rail defects and minor track corrections, and other general maintenance of track infrastructure.

14

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

For the ballast asset, the Company also engages in “shoulder ballast undercutting” that consists of removing some or all of the ballast, which has deteriorated over its service life, and replacing it with new ballast. When ballast is installed as part of a shoulder ballast undercutting project, it represents the addition of a new asset and not the repair or maintenance of an existing asset. As such, the Company capitalizes expenditures related to shoulder ballast undercutting given that an existing asset is retired and replaced with a new asset. Under the group method of accounting for properties, the deteriorated ballast is retired at its average cost measured using the quantities of new ballast added.

For purchased assets, the Company capitalizes all costs necessary to make the asset ready for its intended use. Expenditures that are capitalized as part of self-constructed properties include direct material, labor, and contracted services, as well as other allocated costs which are not charged directly to capital projects. These allocated costs include, but are not limited to, fringe benefits, small tools and supplies, machinery used on projects and project supervision. The Company reviews and adjusts its allocations, as required, to reflect the actual costs incurred each year.

Costs of deconstruction and removal of replaced assets, referred to herein as dismantling costs, are distinguished from installation costs for self-constructed properties based on the nature of the related activity. For Track and roadway properties, employees concurrently perform dismantling and installation of new track and roadway assets and, as such, the Company estimates the amount of labor and other costs that are related to dismantling. The Company determines dismantling costs based on an analysis of the track and roadway installation process.

Accounting policy for depreciation

Properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation including asset impairment write-downs. The cost of properties, including those under capital leases, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated service lives, measured in years, except for rail which is measured in millions of gross tons per mile. The Company follows the group method of depreciation whereby a single composite depreciation rate is applied to the gross investment in a class of similar assets, despite small differences in the service life or salvage value of individual property units within the same asset class. The Company uses approximately 40 different depreciable asset classes.

For all depreciable assets, the depreciation rate is based on the estimated service lives of the assets. Assessing the reasonableness of the estimated service lives of properties requires judgment and is based on currently available information, including periodic depreciation studies conducted by the Company. The Company’s U.S. properties are subject to comprehensive depreciation studies as required by the STB and are conducted by external experts. Depreciation studies for Canadian properties are not required by regulation and are therefore conducted internally. Studies are performed on specific asset groups on a periodic basis. Changes in the estimated service lives of the assets and their related composite depreciation rates are implemented prospectively.

For the rail asset, the estimated service life is measured in millions of gross tons per mile and varies based on rail characteristics such as weight, curvature and metallurgy. The annual composite depreciation rate for rail assets is determined by dividing the estimated annual number of gross tons carried over the rail by the estimated service life of the rail measured in millions of gross tons per mile. For the rail asset, the Company capitalizes the costs of rail grinding which consists of restoring and improving the rail profile and removing irregularities from worn rail to extend the service life. The service life of the rail asset is based on expected future usage of the rail in its existing condition, determined using railroad industry research and testing, less the rail asset’s usage to date. The service life of the rail asset is increased incrementally as rail grinding is performed thereon. As such, the costs incurred for rail grinding are capitalized given that the activity extends the service life of the rail asset beyond its original or current condition as additional gross tons can be carried over the rail for its remaining service life. The Company amortizes the cost of rail grinding over the remaining life of the rail asset, which includes the incremental life extension generated by the rail grinding.

Disposal of property

2011

IC RailMarine Terminal

In August 2011, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of IC RailMarine Terminal Company (ICRMT), an indirect subsidiary of the Company, to Raven Energy, LLC, an affiliate of Foresight Energy, LLC (Foresight) and the Cline Group (Cline), for cash proceeds of $70 million (US$73 million) before transaction costs. ICRMT is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River and stores and transfers bulk commodities and liquids between rail, ship and barge, serving customers in North American and global markets. Under the sale agreement, the Company will benefit from a 10-year rail transportation agreement with Savatran LLC, an affiliate of Foresight and Cline, to haul a minimum annual volume of coal from four Illinois mines to the ICRMT transfer facility. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $60 million ($38 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income.

15

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

Lakeshore East

In March 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell a segment of the Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East in Pickering and Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Lakeshore East”), for cash proceeds of $299 million before transaction costs. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Lakeshore East at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $288 million ($254 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

2010

Oakville subdivision

In March 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision in Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Oakville subdivision”), for proceeds of $168 million before transaction costs, of which $24 million was placed in escrow at the time of disposal and was entirely released by December 31, 2010 in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Oakville subdivision at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $152 million ($131 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

2009

Lower Newmarket subdivision

In November 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell the property known as the Lower Newmarket subdivision in Vaughan and Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Lower Newmarket subdivision”), for cash proceeds of $71 million before transaction costs. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Lower Newmarket subdivision at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $69 million ($59 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

Weston subdivision

In March 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with GO Transit to sell the property known as the Weston subdivision in Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Weston subdivision”), for cash proceeds of $160 million before transaction costs, of which $50 million placed in escrow at the time of disposal was entirely released by December 31, 2009 in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Weston subdivision at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $157 million ($135 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

6 – Intangible and other assets

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Deferred and long-term receivables		$	98	$	101
Intangible assets (A)			54		54
Investments (B)			31		25
Pension asset (Note 12)			-		442
Other			78		77
Total intangible and other assets		$	261	$	699

A. Intangible assets

Intangible assets consist mainly of customer contracts and relationships assumed through past acquisitions.

16

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

B. Investments

As at December 31, 2011, the Company had $21 million ($21 million as at December 31, 2010) of investments accounted for under the equity method and $10 million ($4 million as at December 31, 2010) of investments accounted for under the cost method.

7 – Accounts payable and other

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Trade payables		$	445	$	383
Payroll-related accruals			343		292
Income and other taxes			130		170
Accrued interest			123		104
Accrued charges			121		97
Personal injury and other claims provisions (Note 17)			84		83
Stock-based incentives liability (Note 11)			84		37
Environmental provisions (Note 17)			63		34
Other postretirement benefits liability (Note 12)			18		18
Other			169		148
Total accounts payable and other		$	1,580	$	1,366

8 – Other liabilities and deferred credits

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Personal injury and other claims provisions, net of current portion (Note 17)		$	226	$	263
Stock-based incentives liability, net of current portion (Note 11)			180		162
Environmental provisions, net of current portion (Note 17)			89		116
Deferred credits and other			267		282
Total other liabilities and deferred credits		$	762	$	823

17

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

9 – Long-term debt

				Outstanding US dollar-denominated amount
							December 31,
In millions			Maturity				2011		2010
Debentures and notes: (A)
Canadian National series:
	6.38%	10-year notes (B)	Oct. 15, 2011	$	-	$	-	$	398
	4.40%	10-year notes (B)	Mar. 15, 2013		400		407		398
	4.95%	6-year notes (B)	Jan. 15, 2014		325		331		323
	5.80%	10-year notes (B)	June 1, 2016		250		254		249
	1.45%	5-year notes (B)	Dec. 15, 2016		300		305		-
	5.85%	10-year notes (B)	Nov. 15, 2017		250		254		249
	5.55%	10-year notes (B)	May 15, 2018		325		331		323
	6.80%	20-year notes (B)	July 15, 2018		200		203		199
	5.55%	10-year notes (B)	Mar. 1, 2019		550		559		547
	2.85%	10-year notes (B)	Dec. 15, 2021		400		407		-
	7.63%	30-year debentures	May 15, 2023		150		153		149
	6.90%	30-year notes (B)	July 15, 2028		475		483		472
	7.38%	30-year debentures (B)	Oct. 15, 2031		200		203		199
	6.25%	30-year notes (B)	Aug. 1, 2034		500		509		497
	6.20%	30-year notes (B)	June 1, 2036		450		458		448
	6.71%	Puttable Reset Securities PURSSM (B)	July 15, 2036		250		254		249
	6.38%	30-year debentures (B)	Nov. 15, 2037		300		305		298
Illinois Central series:
	5.00%	99-year income debentures	Dec. 1, 2056		7		7		7
	7.70%	100-year debentures	Sep. 15, 2096		125		127		124
Total US dollar-denominated debentures and notes				$	5,457		5,550		5,129
BC Rail series:
	Non-interest bearing 90-year subordinated notes (C)		July 14, 2094				842		842
Total debentures and notes							6,392		5,971
Other:
	Commercial paper (G) (H)						82		-
	Capital lease obligations and other (D)						957		952
Total debt, gross							7,431		6,923
Less:
	Net unamortized discount						855		852
Total debt (1) (E)							6,576		6,071
Less:
	Current portion of long-term debt (E)						135		540
Total long-term debt						$	6,441	$	5,531
(1)	See Note 18 - Financial Instruments, for the fair value of debt.				Footnotes to the table follows on the next page

18

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

A. The Company’s debentures, notes and revolving credit facility are unsecured.

B. These debt securities are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, at any time, at the greater of par and a formula price based on interest rates prevailing at the time of redemption.

C. The Company records these notes as a discounted debt of $8 million, using an imputed interest rate of 5.75%. The discount of $834 million is included in the net unamortized discount.

D. During 2011, the Company recorded $87 million in assets it acquired through equipment leases ($132 million in 2010), for which an equivalent amount was recorded in debt.

Interest rates for capital lease obligations range from approximately 0.7% to 11.8% with maturity dates in the years 2012 through 2037. The imputed interest on these leases amounted to $299million as at December 31, 2011 and $342 million as at December 31, 2010.

The capital lease obligations are secured by properties with a net carrying amount of $993 million as at December 31, 2011 and $1,036 million as at December 31, 2010.

E. Long-term debt maturities, including repurchase arrangements and capital lease repayments on debt outstanding as at December 31, 2011, for the next five years and thereafter, are as follows:

In millions			Capital leases		Debt		Total
2012 (1)		$	53	$	82	$	135
2013			108		404		512
2014			209		328		537
2015			81		-		81
2016			269		557		826
2017 and thereafter			235		4,250		4,485
		$	955	$	5,621	$	6,576
(1)	Current portion of long-term debt.

F. The aggregate amount of debt payable in US currency as at December 31, 2011 was US$6,295 million (C$6,402 million), including US$757 million relating to capital leases and other, and US$5,914 million (C$5,882 million), including US$757 million relating to capital leases and other, as at December 31, 2010.

G. In May 2011, the Company entered into a $800 million four-year revolving credit facility agreement with a consortium of lenders. The agreement allows for an increase in amount, up to a maximum of $500 million, as well as the option to extend the term by an additional year at each anniversary date, subject to the consent of individual lenders. The credit facility, containing customary terms and conditions, is available for general corporate purposes, including back-stopping the Company’s commercial paper program, and provides for borrowings at various interest rates, including the Canadian prime rate, bankers’ acceptance rates, the U.S. federal funds effective rate and the London Interbank Offer Rate, plus applicable margins. The credit facility agreement has one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization, and with which the Company is in compliance. This facility replaces the US$1 billion credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October 2011. As at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

H. The Company has a commercial paper program, which is backed by its revolving credit facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $800 million, or the US dollar equivalent. As at December 31, 2011, the Company had borrowings of $82 million (US$81 million) of commercial paper (nil as at December 31, 2010) which were presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Balance Sheet. The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 0.20%.

19

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

I. In April 2011, the Company entered into a series of three-year bilateral letter of credit facility agreements with various banks to support its requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. As at December 31, 2011, from a total committed amount of $520 million by the various banks, the Company had letters of credit drawn of $499 million ($436 million as at December 31, 2010, under its previous US$1 billion credit facility). Under these agreements, the Company has the option from time to time to pledge collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, for a minimum term of three months, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. As at December 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents of $499 million were pledged as collateral and recorded as Restricted cash and cash equivalents.

10 – Capital stock

A. Authorized capital stock

The authorized capital stock of the Company is as follows:

·   Unlimited number of Common Shares, without par value

·   Unlimited number of Class A Preferred Shares, without par value, issuable in series

·   Unlimited number of Class B Preferred Shares, without par value, issuable in series

B. Issued and outstanding common shares

The following table provides the activity of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company for the last three years ended December 31, 2011:

In millions	Year ended December 31,	2011	2010	2009
Issued and outstanding common shares at beginning of year		459.4	471.0	468.2
Number of shares repurchased through buyback programs		(19.9)	(15.0)	-
Stock options exercised		2.6	3.4	2.8
Issued and outstanding common shares at end of year		442.1	459.4	471.0

Share repurchase programs

In January 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program which allowed for the repurchase of up to 16.5 million common shares to the end of December 2011 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid, at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange. This share repurchase program was completed by September 30, 2011.

In October 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a new share repurchase program which allows for the repurchase of up to 17.0 million common shares between October 28, 2011 and October 27, 2012 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange.

The following table provides the activities under such share repurchase programs, as well as the share repurchase programs of the prior years:

In millions, except per share data		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Number of common shares (1)				19.9		15.0		-
Weighted-average price per share (2)			$	71.33	$	60.86	$	-
Amount of repurchase			$	1,420	$	913	$	-
(1)	Includes common shares purchased in the first and fourth quarters of 2011 and in the second and third quarters of 2010 pursuant to private agreements between the Company and arm's-length third-party sellers.
(2)	Includes brokerage fees.

20

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

11 – Stock plans

The Company has various stock-based incentive plans for eligible employees. A description of the Company’s major plans is provided below:

A.     Employee Share Investment Plan

The Company has an Employee Share Investment Plan (ESIP) giving eligible employees the opportunity to subscribe for up to 10% of their gross salaries to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market and to have the Company invest, on the employees’ behalf, a further 35% of the amount invested by the employees, up to 6% of their gross salaries.

The following table provides the number of participants holding shares, the total number of ESIP shares purchased on behalf of employees, including the Company’s contributions, as well as the resulting expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Number of participants holding shares		16,218		14,997		14,152
Total number of ESIP shares purchased on behalf of employees (millions)		1.3		1.3		1.6
Expense for Company contribution (millions)	$	21	$	19	$	18

B.     Stock-based compensation plans

The following table provides the total stock-based compensation expense for awards under all plans, as well as the related tax benefit recognized in income, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Cash settled awards
Restricted share unit plan		$	81	$	77	$	43
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP)			21		18		33
			102		95		76
Stock option awards			10		9		14
Total stock-based compensation expense		$	112	$	104	$	90
Tax benefit recognized in income		$	24	$	27	$	26

(i)     Cash settled awards

Restricted share units

The Company has granted restricted share units (RSUs), 0.5 million in 2011, 0.5 million in 2010 and 0.9 million in 2009, to designatedmanagement employees entitling them to receive payout in cash based on the Company’s share price. The RSUs granted are generally scheduled for payout after three years (“plan period”) and vest conditionally upon the attainment of a target relating to return on invested capital (ROIC) over the plan period. Such performance vesting criteria results in a performance vesting factor that ranges from 0% to 150% depending on the level of ROIC attained.

Payout is conditional upon the attainment of a minimum share price, calculated using the average of the last three months of the plan period. In addition, commencing at various dates, for senior and executive management employees (“executive employees”), payout for RSUs is also conditional on compliance with the conditions of their benefit plans, award or employment agreements, including but not limited to non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure of confidential information conditions. Current or former executive employees who breach such conditions of their benefit plans, award or employment agreements will forfeit the RSU payout. Should the Company reasonably determine that a current or former executive employee may have violated the conditions of their benefit plans, award or employment agreement, the Company may at its discretion change the manner of vesting of the RSUs to suspend payout on any RSUs pending resolution of such matter.

21

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

The value of the payout is equal to the number of RSUs awarded multiplied by the performance vesting factor and by the 20-day average closing share price ending on January 31 of the following year. On December 31, 2011, for the 2009 grant, the level of ROIC attained resulted in a performance vesting factor of approximately 120%. As the minimum share price condition was met, payout under the plan of approximately $80 million, calculated using the Company’s average share price during the 20-day period ending on January 31, 2012 and will be paid to employees meeting the conditions of their benefit plans, award or employment agreements in the first quarter of 2012. In addition, the Company has suspended the RSU payout of approximately $18 million included in the above amount, to its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) pending resolution with the former CEO of issues relating to his compliance with the non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure of confidential information conditions contained in the former CEO’s employment agreement and in respect of which the Company has commenced legal proceedings.

As at December 31, 2011, 0.2 million RSUs remained authorized for future issuance under this plan.

Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan

The Company has a Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP), providing eligible senior management employees the opportunity to elect to receive their annual incentive bonus payment and other eligible incentive payments in deferred share units (DSUs). A DSU is equivalent to a common share of the Company and also earns dividends when normal cash dividends are paid on common shares. The number of DSUs received by each participant is established using the average closing price for the 20 trading days prior to and including the date of the incentive payment. For each participant, the Company will grant a further 25% of the amount elected in DSUs, which will vest over a period of four years. The election to receive eligible incentive payments in DSUs is no longer available to a participant when the value of the participant's vested DSUs is sufficient to meet the Company's stock ownership guidelines. The value of each participant’s DSUs is payable in cash at the time of cessation of employment. The Company’s liability for DSUs is marked-to-market at each period-end based on the Company’s closing stock price.

The following table provides the 2011 activity for all cash settled awards:
	RSUs		VIDP
In millions	Nonvested	Vested	Nonvested	Vested
Outstanding at December 31, 2010	1.3	0.7	-	1.5
Granted (Payout)	0.5	(0.7)	-	(0.1)
Vested during year	(0.9)	0.9	-	-
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	0.9	0.9	-	1.4

22

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

The following table provides valuation and expense information for all cash settled awards:
In millions, unless otherwise indicated		RSUs (1)													VIDP (2)		Total
Year of grant		2011		2010		2009		2008		2007		2006
Stock-based compensation expense (recovery)
	recognized over requisite service period
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	19	$	27	$	35	$	-		N/A		N/A	$	21	$	102
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	17	$	34	$	26	$	-		N/A	$	18	$	95
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	13	$	3	$	29	$	(2)	$	33	$	76
Liability outstanding
December 31, 2011		$	19	$	44	$	82		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	119	$	264
December 31, 2010			N/A	$	17	$	46	$	37		N/A		N/A	$	99	$	199
Fair value per unit
December 31, 2011 ($)		$	60.48	$	77.59	$	80.15		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	80.15		N/A
Fair value of awards vested during the year
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	-	$	-	$	82		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	1	$	83
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	-	$	-	$	37		N/A		N/A	$	1	$	38
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	-	$	-	$	38		N/A	$	3	$	41
Nonvested awards at December 31, 2011
Unrecognized compensation cost		$	20	$	14	$	-		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	1	$	35
Remaining recognition period (years)			2.0		1.0		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A (3)		N/A
Assumptions  (4)
Stock price ($)		$	80.15	$	80.15	$	80.15		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	80.15		N/A
Expected stock price volatility  (5)			18%		18%		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Expected term (years) (6)			2.0		1.0		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Risk-free interest rate  (7)			0.95%		0.92%		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Dividend rate ($) (8)		$	1.30	$	1.30	$	N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
(1)	Compensation cost is based on the fair value of the awards at period-end using the lattice-based valuation model that uses the assumptions as presented herein.
(2)	Compensation cost is based on intrinsic value.
(3)	The remaining recognition period has not been quantified as it relates solely to the 25% Company grant and the dividends earned thereon, representing a minimal number of units.
(4)	Assumptions used to determine fair value are at December 31, 2011.
(5)	Based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award.
(6)	Represents the remaining period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding.
(7)	Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
(8)	Based on the annualized dividend rate.

23

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

(ii)     Stock option awards

The Company has stock option plans for eligible employees to acquire common shares of the Company upon vesting at a price equal to the market value of the common shares at the date of granting. The options are exercisable during a period not exceeding 10 years. The right to exercise options generally accrues over a period of four years of continuous employment. Options are not generally exercisable during the first 12 months after the date of grant. At December 31, 2011, 11.0 million common shares remained authorized for future issuances under these plans.

Options issued by the Company include conventional options, which vest over a period of time; and performance-accelerated stock options. As at December 31, 2011, the performance-accelerated stock options were fully vested.

For 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company granted 0.6 million, 0.7 million and 1.2 million, respectively, of conventional stock options to designated senior management employees that vest over a period of four years of continuous employment.

The total number of options outstanding at December 31, 2011, for conventional and performance-accelerated options was 5.3 million and 1.6 million, respectively.

The following table provides the activity of stock option awards during 2011, and for options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2011, the weighted-average exercise price.

		Options outstanding			Nonvested options
				Weighted-			Weighted-
		Number of	average		Number of	average grant
		options	exercise price		options	date fair value
		In millions			In millions
Outstanding at December 31, 2010 (1)		8.9	$	34.23	2.3	$	12.80
Granted		0.6	$	68.94	0.6	$	15.66
Exercised		(2.6)	$	26.94	N/A		N/A
Vested		N/A		N/A	(0.9)	$	12.83
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 (1)		6.9	$	40.80	2.0	$	13.71
Exercisable at December 31, 2011 (1)		4.9	$	35.58	N/A		N/A
(1)	Stock options with a US dollar exercise price have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.

The following table provides the number of stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2011 by range of exercise price and their related intrinsic value, and for options outstanding, the weighted-average years to expiration. The table also provides the aggregate intrinsic value for in-the-money stock options, which represents the value that would have been received by option holders had they exercised their options on December 31, 2011 at the Company’s closing stock price of $80.15.

					Options outstanding							Options exercisable
Range of exercise prices					Number of options	Weighted-average years to expiration	Weighted-average exercise price			Aggregate intrinsic value		Number of options	Weighted-average exercise price			Aggregate intrinsic value
					In millions				In millions			In millions			In millions
$	11.63	-	$	20.51	1.5	1.1	$	20.42		$	92	1.5	$	20.42		$	92
$	20.52	-	$	30.19	0.6	1.0	$	26.67			29	0.6	$	26.67			29
$	30.20	-	$	40.22	0.9	5.9	$	35.18			40	0.5	$	35.46			24
$	40.23	-	$	50.69	2.0	5.6	$	46.11			69	1.6	$	46.28			54
$	50.70	-	$	78.24	1.9	7.5	$	58.74			40	0.7	$	52.50			18
Balance at December 31, 2011 (1)					6.9	4.8	$	40.80		$	270	4.9	$	35.58		$	217
(1)	Stock options with a US dollar exercise price have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. As at December 31, 2011, all stock options outstanding were in-the-money. The weighted-average years to expiration of exercisable stock options is 3.5 years.

24

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

The following table provides valuation and expense information for all stock option awards:
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
Year of grant			2011		2010		2009		2008		2007		2006		2005		Total
Stock-based compensation expense
recognized over requisite service period (1)
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	5	$	2	$	2	$	1	$	-		N/A		N/A	$	10
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	4	$	2	$	2	$	1	$	-		N/A	$	9
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	9	$	1	$	2	$	2	$	-	$	14
Fair value per unit
At grant date ($)		$	15.66	$	13.09	$	12.60	$	12.44	$	13.37	$	13.80	$	9.19		N/A
Fair value of awards vested during the year
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	-	$	2	$	4	$	3	$	3		N/A		N/A	$	12
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	-	$	4	$	3	$	3	$	3		N/A	$	13
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	-	$	3	$	3	$	3	$	3	$	12
Nonvested awards at December 31, 2011
Unrecognized compensation cost		$	5	$	3	$	2	$	-	$	-		N/A		N/A	$	10
Remaining recognition period (years)			3.0		2.0		1.0		-		-		N/A		N/A		N/A
Assumptions
Grant price ($)		$	68.94	$	54.76	$	42.14	$	48.51	$	52.79	$	51.51	$	36.33		N/A
Expected stock price volatility  (2)			26%		28%		39%		27%		24%		25%		25%		N/A
Expected term (years) (3)			5.3		5.4		5.3		5.3		5.2		5.2		5.2		N/A
Risk-free interest rate  (4)			2.53%		2.44%		1.97%		3.58%		4.12%		4.04%		3.50%		N/A
Dividend rate ($) (5)		$	1.30	$	1.08	$	1.01	$	0.92	$	0.84	$	0.65	$	0.50		N/A
(1)	Compensation cost is based on the grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions at the grant date.
(2)	Based on the average of the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award and the implied volatility from traded options on the Company's stock.
(3)	Represents the period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination, and groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately.
(4)	Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
(5)	Based on the annualized dividend rate.

The following table provides information related to stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Total intrinsic value		$	122	$	125	$	93
Cash received upon exercise of options		$	68	$	87	$	53
Related excess tax benefit realized		$	9	$	28	$	20

(iii) Stock price volatility

Compensation cost for the Company’s RSU plans is based on the fair value of the awards at period end using the lattice-based valuation model for which a primary assumption is the Company’s share price. In addition, the Company’s liability for the VIDP is marked-to-market at period-end and, as such, is also reliant on the Company’s share price. Fluctuations in the Company’s share price cause volatility to stock-based compensation expense as recorded in net income. The Company does not currently hold any derivative financial instruments to manage this exposure. A $1 increase in the Company’s share price at December 31, 2011 would have increased stock-based compensation expense by $3 million, whereas a $1 decrease in the price would have reduced it by $4 million.

25

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

12 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits

The Company has various retirement benefit plans under which substantially all of its employees are entitled to benefits at retirement age, generally based on compensation and length of service and/or contributions. Senior and executive management (“executive employees”) subject to certain minimum service and age requirements, are also eligible for an additional retirement benefit under their Special Retirement Stipend Agreements (“SRS”), the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) or the Defined Contribution Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“DC SERP”). Executive employees who breach the non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure of confidential information conditions of the SRS, SERP or DC SERP plans or other employment agreement will forfeit the retirement benefit under these plans. Should the Company reasonably determine that a current or former executive employee may have violated the conditions of their SRS, SERP, or DC SERP plan or other employment agreement, the Company may at its discretion withhold or suspend payout of the retirement benefit pending resolution of such matter. The Company has suspended payment of the $1.5 million annual retirement benefit due to its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) pending resolution with the former CEO of issues relating to his compliance with the non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure of confidential information conditions contained in the former CEO’s employment agreement and in respect of which the Company has commenced legal proceedings.

The Company also offers postretirement benefits to certain employees providing life insurance, medical benefits and, for a closed group of employees, free rail travel benefits during retirement. These postretirement benefits are funded as they become due. The information in the tables that follow pertains to all of the Company’s defined benefit plans. However, the following descriptions relate solely to the Company’s main pension plan, the CN Pension Plan, unless otherwise specified.

A.     Description of the CN Pension Plan

The CN Pension Plan is a contributory defined benefit pension plan that covers the majority of CN employees. It provides for pensions based mainly on years of service and final average pensionable earnings and is generally applicable from the first day of employment. Indexation of pensions is provided after retirement through a gain/loss sharing mechanism, subject to guaranteed minimum increases. An independent trust company is the Trustee of the Company’s pension trust funds (including the CN Pension Trust Fund). As Trustee, the trust company performs certain duties, which include holding legal title to the assets of the CN Pension Trust Fund and ensuring that the Company, as Administrator, complies with the provisions of the CN Pension Plan and the related legislation. The Company utilizes a measurement date of December 31 for the CN Pension Plan.

B.     Funding policy

Employee contributions to the CN Pension Plan are determined by the plan rules. Company contributions are in accordance with the requirements of the Government of Canada legislation, The Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985, including amendments thereto, and are determined by actuarial valuations. Due to recent legislative changes, actuarial valuations will be required on an annual basis effective for years ending on or after December 31, 2011 for all Canadian plans, or when deemed appropriate by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). These actuarial valuations are prepared in accordance with legislative requirements and with the recommendations of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries for the valuation of pension plans. The most recently filed actuarial valuation of the CN Pension Plan was conducted as at December 31, 2008 and indicated a funding excess on a going concern and solvency basis. The Company’s next actuarial valuation required as at December 31, 2011 will be performed in 2012. While this actuarial valuation is expected to identify a going concern surplus of approximately $1 billion, on a solvency basis a funding deficit of approximately $1.4 billion is expected due to the level of interest rates applicable during that measurement period and the pension plan asset returns. The federal pension legislation requires funding deficits, as calculated under current pension regulations, to be paid over a number of years. Actuarial valuations are also required annually for the Company’s U.S. pension plans.

In 2011, in anticipation of its future funding requirements, the Company made voluntary contributions of $350 million in excess of the required contributions mainly to strengthen the financial position of its main pension plan, the CN Pension Plan. The Company has been advised by the OSFI that this contribution can be treated as a prepayment against its 2012 pension deficit funding requirements. As a result, the Company’s cash contributions for 2012 are expected to be in the range of approximately $275 million to $575 million for all its pension plans and include a voluntary contribution of approximately $150 million to $450 million. As at February 3, 2012, the Company contributed $250 million to its defined benefit pension plans including a $150 million voluntary contribution.

26

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

C.     Plan assets

The assets of the Company’s various plans are held in separate trust fundswhich are diversified by asset type, country and investment strategies. Each year, the CN Board of Directors reviews and confirms or amends the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (SIPP) which includes the plans’ long-term asset class mix and related benchmark indices (Policy). This Policy is based on a long-term forward-looking view of the world economy, the dynamics of the plans’ benefit liabilities, the market return expectations of each asset class and the current state of financial markets. The Policy mix in 2011 was: 2% cash and short-term investments, 38% bonds, 47% equities, 4% real estate, 5% oil and gas and 4% infrastructure assets.

Annually, the CN Investment Division, a division of the Company created to invest and administer the assets of the plans, proposes a short-term asset mix target (Strategy) for the coming year, which is expected to differ from the Policy, because of current economic and market conditions and expectations. The Investment Committee of the Board (Committee) regularly compares the actual asset mix to the Policy and Strategy asset mixes and evaluates the actual performance of the trust funds in relation to the performance of the Policy, calculated using Policy asset mix and the performance of the benchmark indices.

The Committee’s approval is required for all major investments in illiquid securities. The SIPP allows for the use of derivative financial instruments to implement strategies or to hedge or adjust existing or anticipated exposures. The SIPP prohibits investments in securities of the Company or its subsidiaries. Investments held in the trust funds consist mainly of the following:

(i)   Cash, short-term investments and bonds consist primarily of highly liquid securities which ensure adequate cash flows are available to cover near-term benefit payments. Short-term securities are almost exclusively obligations issued by Canadian chartered banks. As at December 31 2011, 93% of bonds were issued or guaranteed by Canadian, U.S. or other governments.

(ii)   Mortgages consist of mortgage products which are primarily conventional or participating loans secured by commercial properties and publicly traded REITs (Real Estate Investment Trust).

(iii)   Equity investments are well diversified by country, issuer and industry sector. The most significant allocation either to an individual issuer or industry sector was approximately 4% and 21%, respectively, in 2011.

(iv)   Real estate is a diversified portfolio of Canadian land and commercial properties.

(v)   Oil and gas investments include petroleum and natural gas properties operated by the trusts’ wholly-owned subsidiaries and Canadian marketable securities.

(vi)   Infrastructure investments are publically traded trust units, participations in private infrastructure funds and public debt and equity securities of infrastructure and utility companies.

(vii)   Absolute return investments are a portfolio of units of externally managed hedge funds.

The plans’ investment manager monitors market events and exposures to markets, currencies and interest rates daily. When investing in foreign securities, the plans are exposed to foreign currency risk that may be adjusted or hedged; the effect of which is included in the valuation of the foreign securities. Net of the effects mentioned above, the plans were 71% exposed to the Canadian dollar, 7% to European currencies, 11% to the US dollar and 11% to various other currencies as at December 31, 2011. Interest rate risk represents the risk that the fair value of the investments will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. Sensitivity to interest rates is a function of the timing and amount of cash flows of the assets and liabilities of the plans. To manage credit risk, established policies require dealing with counterparties considered to be of high credit quality.  Derivatives are used from time to time to adjust asset mix or exposures to foreign currencies, interest rate or market risks of the portfolio or anticipated transactions. Derivatives are contractual agreements whose value is derived from interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity or commodity prices. When derivatives are used for hedging purposes, the gains or losses on the derivatives are offset by a corresponding change in the value of the hedged assets. Derivatives may include forwards, futures, swaps and options.

The tables on the following page present the fair value of plan assets excluding the economic exposure of derivatives as at December 31, 2011 and 2010 by asset class, their level within the fair value hierarchy and the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure such fair value.

27

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

In millions, unless otherwise indicated					Fair value measurements at December 31, 2011
Asset class		Total	Percentage of total assets		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and short-term investments (1)	$	1,026	7.0%	$	21	$	1,005	$	-
Bonds (2)
Canada and supranational		1,650	11.2%		-		1,650		-
Provinces of Canada		1,937	13.1%		-		1,937		-
Emerging market debt		288	2.0%		-		288		-
Mortgages (3)		178	1.2%		8		170		-
Equities (4)
Canadian		2,395	16.3%		2,373		-		22
U.S.		1,125	7.6%		1,087		38		-
International		2,712	18.4%		2,680		32		-
Real estate (5)		214	1.5%		-		-		214
Oil and gas (6)		1,232	8.4%		343		-		889
Infrastructure (7)		707	4.8%		9		79		619
Absolute return (8)							-		-
Multi-strategy funds		358	2.4%		-		358		-
Fixed income funds		214	1.5%		-		214		-
Equity funds		260	1.8%		-		260		-
Global macro funds		368	2.5%		-		368		-
	$	14,664	99.7%	$	6,521	$	6,399	$	1,744
Other (9)		55	0.3%
Total plan assets	$	14,719	100%
In millions, unless otherwise indicated					Fair value measurements at December 31, 2010
Asset class		Total	Percentage of total assets		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and short-term investments (1)	$	429	2.8%	$	429	$	-	$	-
Bonds (2)
Canada and supranational		2,013	13.3%		-		2,013		-
Provinces of Canada		1,292	8.6%		-		1,292		-
Corporate		92	0.6%		-		92		-
Emerging market debt		318	2.1%		-		318		-
Mortgages (3)		205	1.4%		30		175		-
Equities (4)
Canadian		3,228	21.4%		3,204		-		24
U.S.		1,316	8.7%		1,316		-		-
International		3,076	20.4%		3,076		-		-
Real estate (5)		318	2.1%		-		-		318
Oil and gas (6)		1,141	7.6%		289		-		852
Infrastructure (7)		607	4.0%		29		85		493
Absolute return (8)
Multi-strategy funds		311	2.1%		-		106		205
Fixed income funds		197	1.3%		-		197		-
Commodity funds		75	0.5%		-		75		-
Equity funds		148	1.0%		-		147		1
Global macro funds		292	1.9%		-		292		-
	$	15,058	99.8%	$	8,373	$	4,792	$	1,893
Other (9)		34	0.2%
Total plan assets	$	15,092	100%
Level 1: Fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
Level 2: Fair value based on significant observable inputs
Level 3: Fair value based on significant unobservable inputs
Footnotes to the tables follow on the next page

28

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the fair value of investments classified as Level 3.
				Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)																		Additional information (10)
In millions			Equities (4)				Real estate (5)			Oil and gas (6)			Infrastructure (7)				Absolute return (8)			Total					Absolute return hedged
Beginning balance at
December 31, 2009					$	18		$	266		$	752		$	449	$		182	$	1,667	$		449	$		182
	Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date					3			32			90			19			(11)		133			46			-
	Purchases, sales and settlements					3			(14)			(48)			25			109		75			1			99
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3					-			34			58			-			(74)		18			-			(74)
Balance at
December 31, 2010					$	24		$	318		$	852		$	493	$		206	$	1,893	$		496	$		207
	Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date					2			58			90			74			(7)		217			63			(8)
	Purchases, sales and settlements					(4)			(162)			(53)			52			(1)		(168)			62			(1)
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3					-			-			-			-			(198)		(198)			-			(198)
Ending balance at
December 31, 2011					$	22		$	214		$	889		$	619	$		-	$	1,744	$		621	$		-
(1)		Short-term investments consist primarily of securities issued by Canadian chartered banks. Such investments are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
(2)		Bonds are valued using prices obtained from independent pricing data suppliers, predominantly TSX Inc. When prices are not available from independent sources, the bond is valued by comparison to prices obtained for a bond of similar interest rate, maturity and risk.
(3)		Mortgages are secured by real estate. The fair value measurement of $170 million ($175 million in 2010) of mortgages categorized as Level 2 is based on current market yields of financial instruments of similar maturity, coupon and risk factors. Mortgages denominated in foreign currencies are fully hedged back to the Canadian dollar, the effects of which are reflected in the values presented in the tables above.
(4)		The fair value of equity investments of $22 million ($24 million in 2010) categorized as Level 3 represent units in private equity funds which are valued by their administrators.
(5)		The fair value of real estate investments of $214 million ($318 million in 2010) includes land and buildings classified as Level 3. Land is valued based on the fair value of comparable assets, and buildings are valued based on the present value of estimated future net cash flows or the fair value of comparable assets. Independent valuations of land and buildings are performed triennially.
(6)		The fair value of oil and gas investments of $889 million ($852 million in 2010) classified as Level 3 is valued based on estimated future net cash flows that are discounted using prevailing market rates for transactions in similar assets. The future net cash flows are based on forecasted oil and gas prices and projected future annual production and costs.
(7)		Infrastructure funds consist of $9 million ($29 million in 2010) of trust units that are publicly traded and classified as Level 1, $79 million ($85 million in 2010) of bank loans and bonds issued by infrastructure companies classified as Level 2 and $619 million ($493 million in 2010) of infrastructure funds that are classified as Level 3 and are valued based on earnings multiples. Infrastructure funds cannot be redeemed; distributions will be received from the funds as the underlying investments are liquidated. Infrastructure funds denominated in foreign currencies are fully hedged back to the Canadian dollar, the effects of which are reflected in the values presented in the additional information table presented above.
(8)		Absolute return investments are valued using the net asset value as reported by the fund administrators. All hedge fund investments have contractual redemption frequencies, ranging from monthly to annually, and redemption notice periods varying from 5 to 90 days. Hedge fund investments that have redemption dates less frequent than every four months or that have restrictions on contractual redemption features at the reporting date are classified as Level 3. During the year, absolute return investments having a fair value of $198 million (nil in 2010) were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as the restrictions on redemption were lifted.
(9)		Other consists of net operating assets required to administer the trust funds' investment assets and the plans' benefit and funding activities. Such assets are valued at cost and have not been assigned to a fair value category.
(10)		This additional information demonstrates the fair value of the infrastructure and absolute return funds after considering the effects of foreign currency hedges.

29

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

D. Additional disclosures

(i) Obligations and funded status
		Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2011		2010
Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	14,895	$	13,708	$	283	$	268
Amendments			27		5		1		-
Interest cost			788		837		14		16
Actuarial loss (gain)			577		1,118		(2)		22
Service cost			124		99		4		3
Curtailment gain			-		-		(1)		(1)
Plan participants’ contributions			54		50		-		-
Foreign currency changes			5		(12)		3		(6)
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers			(922)		(910)		(18)		(19)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year		$	15,548	$	14,895	$	284	$	283
Component representing future salary increases			(437)		(439)		-		-
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year		$	15,111	$	14,456	$	284	$	283
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	15,092	$	14,332	$	-	$	-
Employer contributions			458		411		-		-
Plan participants’ contributions			54		50		-		-
Foreign currency changes			1		(8)		-		-
Actual return on plan assets			36		1,217		-		-
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers			(922)		(910)		-		-
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	14,719	$	15,092	$	-	$	-
Funded status (Excess (deficiency) of fair value of plan assets over
projected benefit obligation at end of year)		$	(829)	$	197	$	(284)	$	(283)
Measurement date for all plans is December 31.
The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the CN Pension Plan at December 31, 2011 were $14,514 million and $13,992 million respectively ($13,941 million and $14,343 million, respectively, at December 31, 2010).
(ii) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
		Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
In millions	December 31,		2011		2010		2011		2010
Noncurrent assets (Note 6)		$	-	$	442	$	-	$	-
Current liabilities (Note 7)			-		-		(18)		(18)
Noncurrent liabilities			(829)		(245)		(266)		(265)
Total amount recognized		$	(829)	$	197	$	(284)	$	(283)
(iii) Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 19)
		Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
In millions	December 31,		2011		2010		2011		2010
Net actuarial gain (loss)		$	(2,720)	$	(1,185)	$	3	$	1
Prior service cost		$	(30)	$	(5)	$	(3)	$	(4)
(iv) Information for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
		Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
In millions	December 31,		2011		2010		2011		2010
Projected benefit obligation		$	15,015	$	436		N/A		N/A
Accumulated benefit obligation		$	14,606	$	386		N/A		N/A
Fair value of plan assets		$	14,191	$	191		N/A		N/A

30

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

(v) Components of net periodic benefit cost (income)
			Pensions						Other postretirement benefits
In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009
Service cost			$	124	$	99	$	83	$	4	$	3	$	3
Interest cost				788		837		885		14		16		17
Curtailment gain				-		-		-		(1)		(1)		(3)
Settlement loss				3		-		-		-		-		-
Expected return on plan assets				(1,005)		(1,009)		(1,007)		-		-		-
Amortization of prior service cost				2		-		-		2		2		5
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)				8		3		5		-		(2)		(3)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)			$	(80)	$	(70)	$	(34)	$	19	$	18	$	19
The estimated prior service cost and net actuarial loss for defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost (income) over the next fiscal year are $4 million and $123 million, respectively.
The estimated prior service cost and net actuarial gain for other postretirement benefits that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost (income) over the next fiscal year are $2 million and nil, respectively.
(vi) Weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits
				Pensions						Other postretirement benefits
		December 31,		2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009
To determine projected benefit obligation
Discount rate (1)				4.84%		5.32%		6.19%		4.70%		5.29%		6.01%
Rate of compensation increase (2)				3.25%		3.50%		3.50%		3.25%		3.50%		3.50%
To determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (1)				5.32%		6.19%		7.42%		5.29%		6.01%		6.84%
Rate of compensation increase (2)				3.50%		3.50%		3.50%		3.50%		3.50%		3.50%
Expected return on plan assets (3)				7.50%		7.75%		7.75%		N/A		N/A		N/A
(1)	The Company’s discount rate assumption, which is set annually at the end of each year, is used to determine the projected benefit obligation at the end of the year and the net periodic benefit cost for the following year. The discount rate is used to measure the single amount that, if invested at the measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments with a rating of AA or better, would provide the necessary cash flows to pay for pension benefits as they become due.  The discount rate is determined by management with the aid of third-party actuaries. The Company’s methodology for determining the discount rate is based on a zero-coupon bond yield curve, which is derived from semi-annual bond yields provided by a third party. The portfolio of hypothetical zero-coupon bonds is expected to generate cash flows that match the estimated future benefit payments of the plans as the bond rate for each maturity year is applied to the plans’ corresponding expected benefit payments of that year.
(2)	The rate of compensation increase is determined by the Company based upon its long-term plans for such increases.
(3)	To develop its expected long-term rate of return assumption used in the calculation of net periodic benefit cost applicable to the market-related value of assets, the Company considers multiple factors. The expected long-term rate of return is determined based on expected future performance for each asset class and is weighted based on the current asset portfolio mix. Consideration is taken of the historical performance, the premium return generated from an actively managed portfolio, as well as current and future anticipated asset allocations, economic developments, inflation rates and administrative expenses. Based on these factors, the rate is determined by the Company. For 2011, the Company used a long-term rate of return assumption of 7.50% on the market-related value of plan assets to compute net periodic benefit cost. The Company has elected to use a market-related value of assets, whereby realized and unrealized gains/losses and appreciation/depreciation in the value of the investments are recognized over a period of five years, while investment income is recognized immediately. Effective January 1, 2012 the Company will reduce the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets from 7.50% to 7.25% to reflect management's current view of long term investment returns. The effect of this change in management's assumption will be to increase net periodic benefit cost by approximately $20 million.
(vii) Health care cost trend rate for other postretirement benefits
For measurement purposes, increases in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits were assumed to be 10% and 9% for 2011 and 2012, respectively. It is assumed that the rate will decrease gradually to 4.5% in 2028 and remain at that level thereafter.
Assumed health care costs have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan.  A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effect:
In millions										One-percentage-point
											Increase		Decrease
Effect on total service and interest costs											$	1	$	(1)
Effect on benefit obligation											$	16	$	(14)

31

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

(viii) Estimated future benefit payments
In millions	Pensions		Other postretirement benefits
2012	$	973		$	18
2013	$	996		$	18
2014	$	1,018		$	19
2015	$	1,040		$	19
2016	$	1,060		$	19
Years 2017 to 2021	$	5,444		$	98

E. Defined contribution and other plans

The Company maintains defined contribution pension plans for certain salaried employees as well as certain employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Company also maintains other plans including Section 401(k) savings plans for certain U.S. based employees. The Company’s contributions under these plans are expensed as incurred and amounted to $10 million, $16 million and $8 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

F. Contributions to multi-employer plan

Under collective bargaining agreements, the Company participates in a multiemployer benefit plan named the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan which is administered by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC), and provides certain postretirement health care benefits to certain retirees. The Company’s contributions under this plan are expensed as incurred and amounted to $11 million, $10 million and $8 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The annual contribution rate for the plan is determined by the NCCC and for 2011 was $164.41 per month per active employee ($155.96 in 2010). The plan covered 846 retirees in 2011 (716 in 2010).

13 – Other income

In millions		Year ended December 31,	2011	2010	2009
Gain on disposals of properties (1)			$ 348	157	226
Gain on disposal of land			30	20	12
Investment income			3	5	7
Other			20	30	22
Total other income			$ 401	$ 212	$ 267
(1)	2011 includes $60 million and $288 million for the disposal of substantially all of the assets of ICRMT and of a segment of the Company's Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East, respectively, 2010 includes $152 million for the sale of a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision and 2009 includes $69 million and $157 million for the sales of the Lower Newmarket and Weston subdivisions, respectively. See Note 5 - Properties.

32

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

14 – Income taxes

As at December 31, 2011, Deferred and receivable income taxes include a net deferred income tax asset of $46 million ($53 million as at December 31, 2010) and an income tax receivable of $76 million (nil as at December 31, 2010).

The Company’s consolidated effective income tax rate differs from the Canadian, or domestic, statutory Federal tax rate. The effective tax rate is affected by recurring items such as tax rates in provincial, U.S. federal, state and other foreign jurisdictions and the proportion of income earned in those jurisdictions. The effective tax rate is also affected by discrete items such as income tax rate enactments and lower tax rates on capital dispositions that may occur in any given year. The reconciliation of income tax expense is as follows:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Federal tax rate				16.5%		18.0%		19.0%
Income tax expense at the statutory Federal tax rate			$	(554)	$	(518)	$	(430)
Income tax (expense) recovery resulting from:
	Provincial and foreign taxes			(360)		(308)		(213)
	Deferred income tax adjustments due to rate enactments			(40)		-		126
	Gain on disposals			62		32		42
	Other (1)			(7)		22		68
Income tax expense			$	(899)	$	(772)	$	(407)
Cash payments for income taxes			$	482	$	214	$	245
(1)	Comprises adjustments relating to the resolution of matters pertaining to prior years' income taxes, including net recognized tax benefits, and other items.

The following table provides tax information on a domestic and foreign basis:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Income before income taxes
	Domestic		$	2,464	$	2,052	$	1,738
	Foreign			892		824		523
			$	3,356	$	2,876	$	2,261
Current income tax expense
	Domestic		$	(340)	$	(306)	$	(244)
	Foreign			(28)		(48)		(25)
			$	(368)	$	(354)	$	(269)
Deferred income tax expense
	Domestic		$	(288)	$	(248)	$	(58)
	Foreign			(243)		(170)		(80)
			$	(531)	$	(418)	$	(138)

33

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

       Significant components of deferred income tax assets andliabilities are as follows:

In millions		December 31,		2011		2010
Deferred income tax assets
Pension liability			$	226	$	-
Personal injury claims and other reserves				134		155
Other postretirement benefits liability				85		88
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards (1)				5		11
Total deferred income tax assets				450		254
Deferred income tax liabilities
Properties				5,618		5,129
Net pension asset				-		41
Other				119		183
Total deferred income tax liabilities				5,737		5,353
Total net deferred income tax liability			$	5,287	$	5,099
Total net deferred income tax liability
Domestic			$	2,046	$	2,162
Foreign				3,241		2,937
			$	5,287	$	5,099
Total net deferred income tax liability			$	5,287	$	5,099
Net current deferred income tax asset				46		53
Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability			$	5,333	$	5,152
(1)	Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards will expire between the years 2014 and 2031.

On an annual basis, the Company assesses the need to establish a valuation allowance for its deferred income tax assets, and if it is deemed more likely than not that its deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependant upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred income tax liabilities including the available carryback and carryforward periods, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. As at December 31, 2011, in order to fully realize all of the deferred income tax assets, the Company will need to generate future taxable income of approximately $1.6 billion and, based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred income tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. Management has assessed the impacts of the current economic environment and concluded there are no significant impacts to its assertions for the realization of deferred income tax assets. The Company has not recognized a deferred income tax asset ($280 million as at December 31, 2011) on the unrealized foreign exchange loss recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss relating to its permanent investment in foreign subsidiaries, as the Company does not expect this temporary difference to reverse in the foreseeable future.

The Company recognized tax credits of $1 million in each of 2011 and 2010, and $6 million in 2009 for eligible research and development expenditures, which reduced the cost of properties.

34

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

The following table provides a reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits on the Company’s domestic and foreign tax positions:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year			$	57	$	83	$	79
Increases for:
	Tax positions related to the current year			1		4		11
	Tax positions related to prior years			11		5		4
Decreases for:
	Tax positions related to prior years			-		(31)		(2)
	Settlements			(21)		-		(2)
	Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations			(2)		(4)		(7)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year			$	46	$	57	$	83
Adjustments to reflect tax treaties and other arrangements				(11)		(27)		(46)
Net unrecognized tax benefits at end of year			$	35	$	30	$	37

As at December 31, 2011, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $46 million, before considering tax treaties and other arrangements between taxation authorities. If recognized, all of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2011 would affect the effective tax rate. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $16 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2011 related to various federal, state, and provincial income tax matters, each of which are individually insignificant, may be recognized over the next twelve months as a result of settlements and a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income tax expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income. The Company recognized approximately $4 million, $5 million and $4 million in accrued interest and penalties during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company had approximately $13 million and $19 million of accrued interest and penalties as at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

In Canada, the Company’s federal income tax returns filed for the years 2007 to 2010 and the provincial income tax returns filed for the years 2006 to 2010 remain subject to examination by the taxation authorities. In the second quarter of 2011, the taxation authorities commenced examinations of the Company's federal income tax returns for 2007 and 2008 which are expected to be completed during 2012. Current on-going examinations on specific tax positions taken for federal and provincial income tax returns filed for the 2006 year are also expected to be completed during 2012. In the U.S., both the federal and state income tax returns filed for the years 2007 to 2010 remain subject to examination by the taxation authorities. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the taxation authorities commenced examinations of the Company's Indiana state income tax returns for 2008 to 2010 which are expected to be completed during 2012. Current on-going examinations of the Company's Wisconsin state income tax returns for 2003 to 2006 are also expected to be completed during 2012. The Company does not anticipate any significant impacts to its results of operations or financial position as a result of the final resolutions of such matters.

35

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

 15 – Segmented information

The Company manages its operations as one business segment over a single network that spans vast geographic distances and territories, with operations in Canada and the United States. Financial information reported at this level, such as revenues, operating income, and cash flow from operations, is used by corporate management, including the Company’s chief operating decision-maker, in evaluating financial and operational performance and allocating resources across CN’s network.

The Company’s strategic initiatives, which drive its operational direction, are developed and managed centrally by corporate management and are communicated to its regional activity centers (the Western Region, Eastern Region and Southern Region). Corporate management is responsible for, among others, CN’s marketing strategy, the management of large customer accounts, overall planning and control of infrastructure and rolling stock, the allocation of resources, and other functions such as financial planning, accounting and treasury.

The role of each region is to manage the day-to-day service requirements within their respective territories and control direct costs incurred locally. Such cost control is required to ensure that pre-established efficiency standards set at the corporate level are met. The regions execute the overall corporate strategy and operating plan established by corporate management, as their management of throughput and control of direct costs does not serve as the platform for the Company’s decision-making process. Approximately 90% of the Company’s freight revenues are from national accounts for which freight traffic spans North America and touches various commodity groups. As a result, the Company does not manage revenues on a regional basis since a large number of the movements originate in one region and pass through and/or terminate in another region.

The regions also demonstrate common characteristics in each of the following areas:

(i)   each region’s sole business activity is the transportation of freight over the Company’s extensive rail network;

(ii)   the regions service national accounts that extend over the Company’s various commodity groups and across its rail network;

(iii)   the services offered by the Company stem predominantly from the transportation of freight by rail with the goal of optimizing the rail network as a whole;

(iv)   the Company and its subsidiaries, not its regions, are subject to single regulatory regimes in both Canada and the U.S.

For the reasons mentioned herein, the Company reports as one operating segment.

        The following tables provide information by geographic area:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Revenues (1)
	Canada		$	6,169	$	5,630	$	4,971
	U.S.			2,859		2,667		2,396
			$	9,028	$	8,297	$	7,367
(1)	For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the largest customer represented approximately 3% of total revenues for each year.
In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Net income
	Canada		$	1,836	$	1,498	$	1,436
	U.S.			621		606		418
			$	2,457	$	2,104	$	1,854
In millions		December 31,		2011		2010
Properties
	Canada		$	13,824	$	13,312
	U.S.			10,093		9,605
			$	23,917	$	22,917

36

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

16 – Earnings per share

	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Basic earnings per share		$	5.45	$	4.51	$	3.95
Diluted earnings per share		$	5.41	$	4.48	$	3.92
The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Net income		$	2,457	$	2,104	$	1,854
Weighted-average shares outstanding			451.1		466.3		469.2
Effect of stock options			3.3		3.8		4.3
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding			454.4		470.1		473.5

Basic earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding over each period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding using the treasury stock method, which assumes that any proceeds received from the exercise of in-the-money stock options would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price for the period. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the weighted-average number of stock options that were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive impact, were 0.1 million, nil and 0.4 million, respectively.

17 – Major commitments and contingencies

A. Leases

The Company has operating and capital leases, mainly for locomotives, freight cars and intermodal equipment. Of the capital leases, many provide the option to purchase the leased items at fixed values during or at the end of the lease term. As at December 31, 2011, the Company’s commitments under these operating and capital leases were $665 million and $1,254 million, respectively. Minimum rental payments for operating leases having initial non-cancelable lease terms of more than one year and minimum lease payments for capital leases in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

In millions		Operating		Capital
2012	$	128	$	99
2013		103		151
2014		76		270
2015		61		109
2016		45		297
2017 and thereafter		252		328
	$	665		1,254
Less: imputed interest on capital leases at rates ranging from approximately 0.7% to 11.8%				299
Present value of minimum lease payments included in debt			$	955

The Company also has operating lease agreements for its automotive fleet with one-year non-cancelable terms for which its practice is to renew monthly thereafter. The estimated annual rental payments for such leases are approximately $30 million and generally extend over five years.

Rent expense for all operating leases was $143 million, $176 million and $213 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Contingent rentals and sublease rentals were not significant.

37

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

B. Commitments

As at December 31, 2011, the Company had commitments to acquire railroad ties, rail, freight cars, locomotives, and other equipment and services, as well as outstanding information technology service contracts and licenses, at an aggregate cost of $727 million ($740 million as at December 31, 2010). The Company also has remaining estimated commitments in relation to the acquisition of the principal lines of the former Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company of approximately $130 million to be spent over the next few years for railroad infrastructure improvements, grade separation projects, as well as commitments under a series of agreements with individual communities and a comprehensive voluntary mitigation program established to address surrounding municipalities' concerns. The commitment for the grade separation projects is based on estimated costs provided by the STB at the time of acquisition and could be subject to adjustment. In addition, remaining implementation costs associated with the U.S. federal government legislative requirement to implement positive train control (PTC) by 2015 are estimated to be approximately $193 million (US$190 million). The Company also has agreements with fuel suppliers to purchase approximately 61% of its estimated 2012 volume, 41% of its anticipated 2013 volume and 11% of its anticipated 2014 volume at market prices prevailing on the date of the purchase.

C. Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involved in various legal actions seeking compensatory and occasionally punitive damages, including actions brought on behalf of various purported classes of claimants and claims relating to employee and third-party personal injuries, occupational disease and property damage, arising out of harm to individuals or property allegedly caused by, but not limited to, derailments or other accidents.

Canada

Employee injuries are governed by the workers’ compensation legislation in each province whereby employees may be awarded either a lump sum or future stream of payments depending on the nature and severity of the injury. As such, the provision for employee injury claims is discounted. In the provinces where the Company is self-insured, costs related to employee work-related injuries are accounted for based on actuarially developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-party administration costs. A comprehensive actuarial study is generally performed at least on a triennial basis. For all other legal actions, the Company maintains, and regularly updates on a case-by-case basis, provisions for such items when the expected loss is both probable and can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information.

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s provision for personal injury and other claims in Canada was as follows:

In millions		2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1	$	200	$	178	$	189
Accruals and other		31		59		48
Payments		(32)		(37)		(59)
Balance December 31	$	199	$	200	$	178
Current portion - Balance December 31	$	39	$	39	$	34

United States

Personal injury claims by the Company’s employees, including claims alleging occupational disease and work-related injuries, are subject to the provisions of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Employees are compensated under FELA for damages assessed based on a finding of fault through the U.S. jury system or through individual settlements. As such, the provision is undiscounted. With limited exceptions where claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the Company follows an actuarial-based approach and accrues the expected cost for personal injury, including asserted and unasserted occupational disease claims, and property damage claims, based on actuarial estimates of their ultimate cost. A comprehensive actuarial study is performed annually.

For employee work-related injuries, including asserted occupational disease claims, and third-party claims, including grade crossing, trespasser and property damage claims, the actuarial valuation considers, among other factors, CN’s historical patterns of claims filings and payments. For unasserted occupational disease claims, the actuarial study includes the projection of CN’s experience into the future considering the potentially exposed population. The Company adjusts its liability based upon management’s assessment and the results of the study. On an ongoing basis, management reviews and compares the assumptions inherent in the latest actuarial study with the current claim experience and, if required, adjustments to the liability are recorded.

38

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in projecting future events, including events related to occupational diseases, which include but are not limited to, the timing and number of actual claims, the average cost per claim and the legislative and judicial environment, the Company’s future payments may differ from current amounts recorded.

External actuarial studies reflecting favorable claims development over recent years have supported net reductions to the Company’s provision for U.S. personal injury and other claims of $6 million, $19 million and $60 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The reductions were mainly attributable to decreases in the Company’s estimates of unasserted claims and costs related to asserted claims as a result of its ongoing risk mitigation strategy focused on reducing the frequency and severity of claims through injury prevention and containment; mitigation of claims; and lower settlements for existing claims.

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s provision for personal injury and other claims in the U.S. was asfollows:

In millions		2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1	$	146	$	166	$	265
Accruals and other		30		7		(46)
Payments		(65)		(27)		(53)
Balance December 31	$	111	$	146	$	166
Current portion - Balance December 31	$	45	$	44	$	72

Although the Company considers such provisions to be adequate for all its outstanding and pending claims, the final outcome with respect to actions outstanding or pending at December 31, 2011, or with respect to future claims, cannot be reasonably determined. When establishing provisions for contingent litigation, the Company considers, where a probable loss estimate cannot be made with reasonable certainty, a range of potential probable losses for each such matter, and records the amount it considers the most reasonable estimate within the range. However, when no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount in the range is accrued. For matters where a loss is reasonably possible but not probable, a range of potential losses could not be estimated due to various factors which may include the limited availability of facts, the lack of demand for specific damages and the fact that proceedings were at an early stage. Based on information currently available, the Company believes that the eventual outcome of the actions against the Company will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position. However, due to the inherent inability to predict with certainty unforeseeable future developments, there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

D. Environmental matters

The Company’s operations are subject to numerous federal, provincial, state, municipal and local environmental laws and regulations in Canada and the United States concerning, among other things, emissions into the air; discharges into waters; the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste, hazardous substances, and other materials; decommissioning of underground and aboveground storage tanks; and soil and groundwater contamination. A risk of environmental liability is inherent in railroad and related transportation operations; real estate ownership, operation or control; and other commercial activities of the Company with respect to both current and past operations.

Known existing environmental concerns

The Company has identified approximately 310 sites at which it is or may be liable for remediation costs, in some cases along with other potentially responsible parties, associated with alleged contamination and is subject to environmental clean-up and enforcement actions, including those imposed by the United States Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law, or analogous state laws. CERCLA and similar state laws, in addition to other similar Canadian and U.S. laws, generally impose joint and several liability for clean-up and enforcement costs on current and former owners and operators of a site, as well as those whose waste is disposed of at the site, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. The Company has been notified that it is a potentially responsible party for study and clean-up costs at approximately 10 sites governed by the Superfund law (and analogous state laws) for which investigation and remediation payments are or will be made or are yet to be determined and, in many instances, is one of several potentially responsible parties.

   The ultimate cost of addressing these known contaminated sites cannot be definitely established given that the estimated environmental liability for any given site may vary depending on the nature and extent of the contamination; the nature of anticipated response actions,

39

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

taking into account the available clean-up techniques; evolving regulatory standards governing environmental liability; and the number of potentially responsible parties and their financial viability. As a result, liabilities are recorded based on the results of a four-phase assessment conducted on a site-by-site basis. A liability is initially recorded when environmental assessments occur, remedial efforts are probable, and when the costs, based on a specific plan of action in terms of the technology to be used and the extent of the corrective action required, can be reasonably estimated. The Company estimates the costs related to a particular site using cost scenarios established by external consultants based on the extent of contamination and expected costs for remedial efforts. In the case of multiple parties, the Company accrues its allocable share of liability taking into account the Company’s alleged responsibility, the number of potentially responsible parties and their ability to pay their respective share of the liability. Adjustments to initial estimates are recorded as additional information becomes available.

The Company’s provision for specific environmental sites is undiscounted and includes costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as monitoring costs. Environmental accruals, which are classified as Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement of Income, include amounts for newly identified sites or contaminants as well as adjustments to initial estimates. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable.

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company's provision for specific environmental sites was as follows:
In millions			2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1		$	150	$	103	$	125
	Accruals and other		17		67		(7)
	Payments		(15)		(20)		(15)
Balance December 31		$	152	$	150	$	103
Current portion - Balance December 31		$	63	$	34	$	38

The Company anticipates that the majority of the liability at December 31, 2011 will be paid out over the next five years. However, some costs may be paid out over a longer period. The Company expects to partly recover certain accrued remediation costs associated with alleged contamination and has recorded a receivable in Intangible and other assets for such recoverable amounts. Based on the information currently available, the Company considers its provisions to be adequate.

Unknown existing environmental concerns

While the Company believes that it has identified the costs likely to be incurred for environmental matters in the next several years based on known information, the discovery of new facts, future changes in laws, the possibility of releases of hazardous materials into the environment and the Company’s ongoing efforts to identify potential environmental liabilities that may be associated with its properties may result in the identification of additional environmental liabilities and related costs. The magnitude of such additional liabilities and the costs of complying with future environmental laws and containing or remediating contamination cannot be reasonably estimated due to many factors, including:

(i) the lack of specific technical information available with respect to many sites;

(ii) the absence of any government authority, third-party orders, or claims with respect to particular sites;

(iii) the potential for new or changed laws and regulations and for development of new remediation technologies and uncertainty regarding the timing of the work with respect to particular sites; and

(iv) the determination of the Company’s liability in proportion to other potentiallyresponsible parties and the ability to recover costs from any third parties with respect to particular sites.

Therefore, the likelihood of any such costs being incurred or whether such costs would be material to the Company cannot be determined at this time. There can thus be no assurance that liabilities or costs related to environmental matters will not be incurred in the future, or will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year, or that the Company’s liquidity will not be adversely impacted by such liabilities or costs, although management believes, based on current information, that the costs to address environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or

40

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

liquidity. Costs related to any unknown existing or future contamination will be accrued in the period in which they become probable and reasonably estimable.

Future occurrences

In railroad and related transportation operations, it is possible that derailments or other accidents, including spills and releases of hazardous materials, may occur that could cause harm to human health or to the environment. As a result, the Company may incur costs in the future, which may bematerial, to address any such harm, compliance with laws and other risks, including costs relating to the performance of clean-ups, payment of environmental penalties and remediation obligations, and damages relating to harm to individuals or property.

Regulatory compliance

The Company may incur significant capital and operating costs associated with environmental regulatory compliance and clean-up requirements, in its railroad operations and relating to its past and present ownership, operation or control of real property. Operating expenses for environmental matters amounted to $4 million in 2011, $23 million in 2010 and $11 million in 2009. In addition based on the results of its operations and maintenance programs, as well as ongoing environmental audits and other factors, the Company plans for specific capital improvements on an annual basis. Certain of these improvements help ensure facilities, such as fuelling stations and waste water and storm water treatment systems, comply with environmental standards and include new construction and the updating of existing systems and/or processes. Other capital expenditures relate to assessing and remediating certain impaired properties. The Company’s environmental capital expenditures amounted to $11 million in 2011, $14 million in 2010 and $9 million in 2009.

E. Guarantees and indemnifications

In the normal course of business, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, enters into agreements that may involve providing guarantees or indemnifications to third parties and others, which may extend beyond the term of the agreements. These include, but are not limited to, residual value guarantees on operating leases, standby letters of credit and surety and other bonds, and indemnifications that are customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business.

The Company is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing certain guarantees on the date the guarantee is issued or modified. In addition, where the Company expects to make a payment in respect of a guarantee, a liability will be recognized to the extent that one has not yet been recognized.

(i) Guarantee of residual values of operating leases

The Company has guaranteed a portion of the residual values of certain of its assets under operating leases with expiry dates between 2012 and 2022, for the benefit of the lessor. If the fair value of the assets, at the end of their respective lease term, is less than the fair value, as estimated at the inception of the lease, then the Company must, under certain conditions, compensate the lessor for the shortfall. At December 31, 2011, the maximum exposure in respect of these guarantees was $112 million. There are no recourse provisions to recover any amounts from third parties.

(ii) Other guarantees

As at December 31, 2011, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, has granted $499 million of irrevocable standby letters of credit and $10 million of surety and other bonds, issued by highly rated financial institutions, to third parties to indemnify them in the event the Company does not perform its contractual obligations. As at December 31, 2011, the maximum potential liability under these guarantee instruments was $509 million, of which $439 million related to workers’ compensation and other employee benefit liabilities and $70 million related to equipment under leases and other liabilities. The letters of credit were drawn on the Company’s bilateral letter of credit facilities. The Company has not recorded a liability in respect of these guarantee instruments as they relate to the Company’s future performance. In addition, as the Company does not expect to make any payments under these guarantee instruments, the Company has not recorded an additional liability at December 31, 2011 with respect to such guarantees as they relate to the Company’s future performance. The majority of the guarantee instruments mature at various dates between 2012 and 2014.

(iii) General indemnifications

In the normal course of business, the Company has provided indemnifications, customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business, in various agreements with third parties, including indemnification provisions where the Company would be required to indemnify third parties and others. Indemnifications are found in various types of contracts with third parties which include, but are not limited to:

41

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

(a)   contracts granting the Company the right to use or enter upon property owned by third parties such as leases, easements, trackage rights and sidetrack agreements;

(b)   contracts granting rights to others to use the Company’s property, such as leases, licenses and easements;

(c)   contracts for the sale of assets;

(d)   contracts for the acquisition of services;

(e)   financing agreements;

(f)   trust indentures, fiscal agency agreements, underwriting agreements or similar agreements relating to debt or equity securities of the Company and engagement agreements with financial advisors;

(g)   transfer agent and registrar agreements in respect of the Company’s securities;

(h)   trust and other agreements relating to pension plans and other plans, including those establishing trust funds to secure payment to certain officers and senior employees of special retirement compensation arrangements;

(i)   pension transfer agreements;

(j)   master agreements with financial institutions governing derivative transactions;

(k)   settlement agreements with insurance companies or other third parties whereby such insurer or third party has been indemnified for any present or future claims relating to insurance policies, incidents or events covered by the settlement agreements; and

(l)   acquisition agreements.

      To the extent of any actual claims under these agreements, the Company maintains provisions for such items, which it considers to be adequate. Due to the nature of the indemnification clauses, the maximum exposure for future payments may be material. However, such exposure cannot be reasonably determined.

During the year, the Company entered into various indemnification contracts with third parties for which the maximum exposure for future payments cannot be reasonably determined. As a result, the Company was unable to determine the fair value of these guarantees and accordingly, no liability was recorded. There are no recourse provisions to recover any amounts from third parties.

18 – Financial instruments

A. Risk management

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to various risks such as customer credit risk, commodity price risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, and liquidity risk. To manage these risks, the Company follows a financial risk management framework, which is monitored and approved by the Company’s Finance Committee, with a goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet, optimizing earnings per share and free cash flow, financing its operations at an optimal cost of capital and preserving its liquidity. The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments in the management of its risks and does not use them for trading purposes. At December 31, 2011, the Company did not have any significant derivative financial instruments outstanding.

(i) Customer credit risk

In the normal course of business, the Company monitors the financial condition and credit limits of its customers and reviews the credit history of each new customer. Although the Company believes there are no significant concentrations of credit risk, economic conditions can affect the Company’s customers and can result in an increase to the Company’s credit risk and exposure to business failures of its customers. To manage its credit risk, on an ongoing basis, the Company’s focus is on keeping the average daily sales outstanding within an acceptable range, and working with customers to ensure timely payments, and in certain cases, requiring financial security, including letters of credit.

(ii) Fuel

The Company is exposed to commodity price risk related to purchases of fuel and the potential reduction in net income due to increases in the price of diesel. The impact of variable fuel expense is mitigated substantially through the Company’s fuel surcharge program which apportions incremental changes in fuel prices to shippers within agreed upon guidelines. While this program provides effective coverage, residual exposure remains given that fuel price risk cannot be completely mitigated due to timing and given the volatility in the market. As such, the Company may enter into derivative instruments to mitigate such risk when considered appropriate.

42

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

(iii) Interest rate

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk, which is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will vary as a result of changes in market interest rates.

Such risk exists in relation to the Company’s pension and postretirement plans and to its long-term debt. Overall return in the capital markets and the level of interest rates affect the funded status of the Company's pension plans, particularly the Company’s main Canadian pension plan. Adverse changes with respect to pension plan returns and the level of interest rates from the date of the last actuarial valuations may have a material adverse effect on the funded status of the plans and on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company mainly issues fixed-rate debt, which exposes the Company to variability in the fair value of the debt. The Company also issues debt with variable interest rates through commercial paper borrowing and capital leases, which exposes the Company to variability in interest expense. To manage its interest rate exposure, the Company manages its borrowings in line with liquidity needs, maturity schedule, and currency and interest rate profile. In anticipation of future debt issuances, the Company may enter into forward rate agreements. The Company does not currently hold any significant derivative financial instruments to manage its interest rate risk. At December 31, 2011, Accumulated other comprehensive loss included an unamortized gain of $8 million, $6 million after-tax ($10 million, $7 million after-tax at December 31, 2010) relating to treasury lock transactions settled in a prior year, which are being amortized over the term of the related debt.

(iv) Foreign currency

The Company conducts its business in both Canada and the U.S. and as a result, is affected by currency fluctuations. Changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and other currencies (including the US dollar) make the goods transported by the Company more or less competitive in the world marketplace and thereby further affect the Company’s revenues and expenses.

All of the Company’s U.S. operations are self-contained foreign entities with the US dollar as their functional currency. Accordingly, the U.S. operations’ assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate in effect at the balance sheet date and the revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. All adjustments resulting from the translation of the foreign operations are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss). For the purpose of minimizing volatility of earnings resulting from the conversion of US dollar-denominated long-term debt into the Canadian dollar, the Company designates the US dollar-denominated long-term debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net investment in U.S. subsidiaries. As a result, from the dates of designation, foreign exchange gains and losses on translation of the Company’s US dollar-denominated long-term debt are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Occasionally, the Company enters into short-term foreign exchange contracts as part of its cash management strategy. At December 31, 2011, the Company did not have any foreign exchange contracts outstanding.

(v) Liquidity risk

The Company monitors and manages its cash requirements to ensure sufficient access to funds to meet operational and investing requirements. The Company pursues a solid financial policy framework with the goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet, by monitoring its adjusted debt-to-total capitalization and adjusted debt-to-adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratios, and preserving an investment grade credit rating to be able to maintain access to public financing.

The Company’s principal source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, which is supplemented by its commercial paper program to meet short-term liquidity needs. If the Company were to lose access to the program for an extended period of time, the Company could rely on its $800 million revolving credit facility.The Company’s primary uses of funds are for working capital requirements, including income tax installments as they become due and pension contributions, contractual obligations, capital expenditures relating to track infrastructure and other, acquisitions, dividend payouts, and the repurchase of shares through a share buyback program, when applicable. The Company sets priorities on its uses of available funds based on short-term operational requirements, expenditures to maintain a safe railway and strategic initiatives, while also considering its long-term contractual obligations and returning value to its shareholders.

B. Fair value of financial instruments

Generally accepted accounting principles define the fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which the carrying amounts are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet under the following captions:

43

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                         U.S. GAAP

(i) Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash and cash equivalents, Accounts receivable, Other current assets, Accounts payable and other:

The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

(ii) Intangible and other assets:

Included in Intangible and other assets are equity investments for which the carrying value approximates the fair value, with the exception of certain cost investments for which the fair value was estimated based on the Company’s proportionate share of the underlying net assets.

(iii) Debt:

The fair value of the Company’s debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar debt instruments, as well as discounted cash flows using current interest rates for debt with similar terms, company rating, and remaining maturity.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 for which the carrying values on the Consolidated Balance Sheet are different from their fair values:

In millions			December 31, 2011				December 31, 2010
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			amount		value		amount		value
Financial assets
	Investments (Note 6)	$	31	$	126	$	25	$	114
Financial liabilities
	Total debt (Note 9)	$	6,576	$	7,978	$	6,071	$	6,937

19 – Accumulated other comprehensive loss

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Foreign exchange loss		$	(769)	$	(796)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans			(2,076)		(920)
Derivative instruments (Note 18)			6		7
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(2,839)	$	(1,709)

The components of Other comprehensive loss and the related tax effects are as follows:

In millions			Year ended December 31,			2011			2010			2009
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Balance at January 1				$	(1,709)		$	(948)		$	(155)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Foreign exchange gain (loss) (net of income tax (expense) recovery of
		$19, $(53) and $(131), for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)			27			(68)			(153)
	Pension and other postretirement benefit plans (net of income tax (expense) recovery of
		$401, $241 and $223, for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)			(1,156)			(692)			(640)
	Derivative instruments (net of income tax recovery of
		$1, nil and nil for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)			(1)			(1)			-
Other comprehensive loss					(1,130)			(761)			(793)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Balance at December 31				$	(2,839)		$	(1,709)		$	(948)

20 – Comparative figures

Certain figures previously reported in 2010 and 2009 have been reclassified to conform with the basis of presentation adopted in 2011.

44

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Item 4

Management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) relates to the financial position and results of operations of Canadian National Railway Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively “CN” or “the Company.” Canadian National Railway Company’s common shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. Except where otherwise indicated, all financial information reflected herein is expressed in Canadian dollars and determined on the basis of United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). The Company’s objective is to provide meaningful and relevant information reflecting the Company’s financial position and results of operations. In certain instances, the Company may make reference to certain non-GAAP measures that, from management’s perspective, are useful measures of performance. The reader is advised to read all information provided in the MD&A in conjunction with the Company’s 2011 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

Business profile

CN is engaged in the rail and related transportation business. CN’s network of approximately 20,000 route miles of track spans Canada and mid-America, connecting three coasts: the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico. CN’s extensive network, and its co-production arrangements, routing protocols, marketing alliances, and interline agreements, provide CN customers access to all three North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) nations.

CN’s freight revenues are derived from seven commodity groups representing a diversified and balanced portfolio of goods transported between a wide range of origins and destinations. This product and geographic diversity better positions the Company to face economic fluctuations and enhances its potential for growth opportunities. In 2011, no individual commodity group accounted for more than 20% of revenues.From a geographic standpoint, 18% of revenues relate to United States (U.S.) domestic traffic, 28% transborder traffic, 22% Canadian domestic traffic and 32% overseas traffic.The Company is the originating carrier for approximately 85% of traffic moving along its network, which allows it both to capitalize on service advantages and build on opportunities to efficiently use assets.

Corporate organization

The Company manages its rail operations in Canada and the United States as one business segment. Financial information reported at this level, such as revenues, operating income and cash flow from operations, is used by the Company’s corporate management in evaluating financial and operational performance and allocating resources across CN’s network. The Company’s strategic initiatives, which drive its operational direction, are developed and managed centrally by corporate management and are communicated to its regional activity centers (the Western Region, Eastern Region and Southern Region), whose role is to manage the day-to-day service requirements of their respective territories, control direct costs incurred locally, and execute the corporate strategy and operating plan established by corporate management.

See Note 15 – Segmented information, to the Company’s 2011 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company’s corporate organization, as well as selected financial information by geographic area.

Strategy overview

CN’s focus is on running a safe and efficient railroad. While remaining at the forefront of the rail industry, CN’s goal is to be internationally regarded as one of the best-performing transportation companies.

CN’s commitment is to create value for both its customers and shareholders. By staying engaged with customers and leveraging the strength of its franchise, the Company seeks to provide quality and cost-effective service that creates value for its customers.

CN’s corporate goals are generally based on five key financial performance targets: revenues, operating income, earnings per share, free cash flow and return on invested capital, as well as various key operating metrics, including safety metrics, that the Company focuses on to measure efficiency and quality of service. By striving for sustainable financial performance through profitable growth, adequate free cash flow and return on invested capital, CN seeks to deliver increased shareholder value. In 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved two share repurchase programs funded mainly from cash generated from operations. The first share repurchase program, which was approved in January 2011 was completed by September 30, 2011 and allowed for the repurchase of up to 16.5 million common shares to the end of December 2011. On October 25, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a second share repurchase program which allows for the repurchase of up to 17.0 million common shares between October 28, 2011 and October 27, 2012. Share repurchases are made pursuant to a normal course issuer bid at prevailing market prices, plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted

45

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

by the Toronto Stock Exchange. In addition, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase of 15% to the quarterly dividend to common shareholders, from $0.325 in 2011 to $0.375 in 2012.

CN’s business model is anchored on five core principles: providing quality service, controlling costs, focusing on asset utilization, committing to safety, and developing people. Precision Railroading is at the core of CN’s business model. It is a highly disciplined process whereby CN handles individual rail shipments according to a specific trip plan and manages all aspects of railroad operations to meet customer commitments efficiently and profitably. Precision Railroading demands discipline to execute the trip plan, the relentless measurement of results, and the use of such results to generate further execution improvements in the service provided to customers. Precision Railroading aims to increase velocity, improve reliability, lower costs, enhance asset utilization and, ultimately, help the Company to grow the top line. It has been a key contributor to CN’s earnings growth and improved return on invested capital. The success of the business model is dependent on commercial principles and a supportive regulatory environment, both of which are key to an effective rail transportation marketplace throughout North America.

Providing quality service, controlling costs and focusing on asset utilization

The basic driver of the Company’s business is demand for reliable, efficient, and cost effective transportation. As such, the Company’s focus is the pursuit of its long-term business plan, providing a high level of service to customers, operating safely and efficiently, and meeting short- and long-term financial commitments.

In 2011, the Company benefited from a continued recovery in many markets reflecting a strengthening global economy, an increase in North American industrial production, a turnaround in automotive production and a modest improvement in housing and related segments, as well as from the Company’s performance above market conditions in a number of segments. In 2012, the Company expects growth in North American industrial production will slow to around three percent. The Company expects moderate growth in automotive production, in part as Japanese automakers rebound from the supply chain disruptions caused by the 2011 tsunami, and in U.S. housing starts. The 2012/2013 crops in both Canada and the U.S. are expected to be in-line with the 5-year average. With respect to the 2011/2012 crop, US corn and soybean production is slightly below, while exports are projected to be significantly below, the prior year's crop. Canadian 2011/2012 grain production and export forecasts are moderately above the prior year's crop.

To meet its business plan objectives, the Company’s priority is to grow the business at low incremental cost. The Company’s strategy to pursue deeper customer engagement and service improvements is expected to continue to drive growth. Improvements are expected to come from several key thrusts including “first mile-last mile” initiatives that improve customer service at origin and destination, and a supply chain perspective that emphasizes collaboration and better end-to-end service. In 2012, the Company sees opportunities for growth in overseas container traffic, share gains against truck in domestic intermodal, growth in bulk commodities to export markets such as coal and potash and continued opportunities for growth in commodities related to oil and gas development.

To grow the business at low incremental cost and to operate efficiently and safely while maintaining a high level of customer service, the Company continues to invest in capital programs to maintain a safe and fluid railway and pursue strategic initiatives to improve its franchise, as well as undertake productivity initiatives to reduce costs and leverage its assets. Opportunities to improve productivity extend across all functions in the organization. Train productivity is being improved through the acquisition of locomotives that are more fuel-efficient than the ones they replace, which will also improve service reliability for customers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the Company’s locomotives are being equipped with distributed power capability, which allows the Company to run longer, more efficient trains, particularly in cold weather conditions, while improving train handling, reducing train separations and improving the overall safety of operations. These initiatives, combined with CN’s investments in longer sidings over the years, offer train-mile savings, allow for efficient long-train operations and reduce wear on rail and wheels. Yard throughput is being improved through SmartYard, an innovative use of real-time traffic information to sequence cars effectively and get them out on the line more quickly in the face of constantly changing conditions. In Engineering, the Company is continuously working to increase the productivity of its field forces, through better use of traffic information and the optimization of work scheduling, and as a result, better management of its engineering forces on the track. The Company also intends to continue focusing on the reduction of accidents and related costs, as well as costs for legal claims and health care.

CN’s capital expenditure programs support the Company’s commitment to its core principles and strategy and its ability to grow the business profitably. In 2012, CN plans to invest approximately $1.75 billion on capital programs, of which over $1 billion is targeted towards track infrastructure to continue operating a safe railway and improve the productivity and fluidity of the network; and includes the replacement of rail, ties, and other track materials, bridge improvements, as well as rail-line improvements for the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E) property that was acquired in 2009. This amount also includes funds for strategic initiatives and additional enhancements to the track infrastructure in western and eastern Canada as well as in the U.S. CN’s equipment spending, targeted to reach approximately $150 million in 2012, is intended to improve the quality of the fleet to meet customer requirements. CN also expects to spend

46

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

approximately $500 million on facilities to grow the business, including transloads, distribution centers and continued development of its Calgary logistics park started in 2011; on information technology to improve service and operating efficiency; and on other projects to increase productivity.

To meet short- and long-term financial commitments, the Company pursues a solid financial policy framework with the goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet by monitoring its credit ratios and preserving an investment-grade credit rating to be able to maintain access to public financing. The Company’s principal source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, which can be supplemented by its commercial paper program to meet short-term liquidity needs. The Company’s primary uses of funds are for working capital requirements, including income tax installments as they become due and pension contributions, contractual obligations, capital expenditures relating to track infrastructure and other, acquisitions, dividend payouts, and the repurchase of shares through share buyback programs, when applicable. The Company sets priorities on its uses of available funds based on short-term operational requirements, expenditures to continue to operate a safe railway and pursue strategic initiatives, while also considering its long-term contractual obligations and returning value to its shareholders.

Delivering responsibly

The Company’s commitment to safety is reflected in the wide range of initiatives that CN is pursuing and in the size of its capital programs. Comprehensive plans are in place to address safety, security, employee well-being and environmental management. CN's Safety Management Plan is the framework for putting safety at the center of its day-to-day operations. This proactive plan is designed to minimize risk and drive continuous improvement in the reduction of injuries and accidents, and engages employees at all levels of the organization.

The Company has made sustainability an integral part of its business strategy by aligning its sustainability agenda with its business model. As part of the Company’s comprehensive sustainability action plan and to comply with the CN Environmental Policy, the Company engages in a number of initiatives, including the use of fuel-efficient locomotives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; increasing operational and building efficiencies; investing in virtualization technologies, energy-efficient data centers and recycling programs for information technology systems; reducing, recycling and reusing waste at its facilities and on its network; engaging in modal shift agreements that favor low emission transport services; and participating in the Carbon Disclosure Project to gain a more comprehensive view of its carbon footprint.

The Company's Environmental Policy aims to minimize the impact of the Company's activities on the environment. TheCompany strives to contribute to the protection of the environment by integrating environmental priorities into the Company's overall business plan and through the specific monitoring and measurement of such priorities against historical performance and in some cases, specific targets. All employees must demonstrate commitment to this Policy at all times and it is the Environment, Safety and Security Committee of the Board of Directors who has the responsibility of overseeing the Policy. The Committee is composed of CN Directors and its responsibilities, powers and operation are further described in the charter of such committee, which is included in the Company’s Corporate Governance Manual available on CN’s website. Certain risk mitigation strategies, such as periodic audits, employee training programs and emergency plans and procedures, are in place to minimize the environmental risks to the Company. The Company’s Environmental Policy, its Carbon Disclosure Project report, and its Corporate Citizenship Report “Delivering Responsibly” are available on CN’s website. In 2011, the Company’s sustainability practices have earned it a place on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America for the third year in a row.

Developing people

CN’s ability to develop the best railroaders in the industry has been a key contributor to the Company’s success. CN recognizes that without the right people – no matter how good a service plan or business model a company may have – it will not be able to fully execute. The Company is focused on recruiting the right people, developing employees with the right skills, motivating them to do the right thing, and training them to be the future leaders of the Company. The Company continues to address changes in employee demographics that will span multiple years. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the progress made in developing current and future leaders through the Company’s leadership development programs. These programs and initiatives provide a solid platform for the assessment and development of the Company’s talent pool. The leadership development programs are tightly integrated with the Company’s business strategy.

The forward-looking statements provided in the above section and in other parts of this MD&A are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements and are based on certain factors and assumptions which the Company considers reasonable, about events, developments, prospects and opportunities that may not materialize or that may be offset entirely or partially by other events and developments. See the section of this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements for assumptions and risk factors affecting such forward-looking statements.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Impact of foreign currency translation on reported results

Although the Company conducts its business and reports its earnings in Canadian dollars, a large portion of revenues and expenses is denominated in US dollars. As such, the Company’s results are affected by exchange-rate fluctuations.

Management’s discussion and analysis includes reference to “constant currency,” which allows the financial results to be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons in the analysis of trends in business performance. Financial results at constant currency are obtained by translating the current period results denominated in US dollars at the foreign exchange rate of the comparable period of the prior year. The average foreign exchange rate for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $0.99 per US$1.00 compared to $1.03 per US$1.00 for 2010. Measures at constant currency are considered non-GAAP measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and may, therefore, not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

Forward-looking statements

Certain information included in this MD&A are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. CN cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to growth opportunities; statements that the Company will benefit from growth in North American and global economies; the anticipation that cash flow from operations and from various sources of financing will be sufficient to meet debt repayments and future obligations in the foreseeable future; statements regarding future payments, including income taxes and pension contributions; as well as the projected capital spending program. Forward-looking statements could further be identified by the use of terminology such as the Company “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates” or other similar words.

Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company or the rail industry to be materially different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such statements. Key assumptions used in determining forward-looking information are set forth below.

Forward-looking statements	Key assumptions or expectations
Statements relating to general economic and business	∙North American and global economic growth
conditions, including those referring to revenue growth	∙ Long-term growth opportunities being less affected by current economic
opportunities	conditions
	∙ Year-over-year carload growth
Statements relating to the Company's ability to meet debt	∙ North American and global economic growth
repayments and future obligations in the foreseeable future,	∙ Adequate credit ratios
including income tax payments and capital spending	∙ Investment grade credit rating
	∙ Access to capital markets
	∙ Adequate cash generated from operations
Statements relating to pension contributions	∙ Adequate cash generated from operations and other sources of financing
	∙ Adequate long-term return on investment on pension plan assets
	∙ Level of funding as determined by actuarial valuations, particularly
	influenced by discount rates for funding purposes

Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the effects of general economic and business conditions; industry competition; inflation, currency and interest rate fluctuations; changes in fuel prices; legislative and/or regulatory developments; compliance with environmental laws and regulations; actions by regulators; various events which could disrupt operations, including natural events such as severe weather, droughts, floods and earthquakes; labor negotiations and disruptions; environmental claims; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; risks and liabilities arising from

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

derailments; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. See the section of this MD&A entitled Business risks for detailed information on major risk factors.

CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable Canadian securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

Financial outlook

During the year, the Company issued and updated its financial outlook. The 2011 actual results are in line with the latest financial outlook as disclosed by the Company.

Financial and statistical highlights
								Change
								Favorable/(Unfavorable)
$ in millions, except per share data, or unless otherwise indicated			2011		2010		2009	2011 vs. 2010	2010 vs. 2009
Financial results
Revenues		$	9,028	$	8,297	$	7,367	9%	13%
Operating income  (1)		$	3,296	$	3,024	$	2,406	9%	26%
Net income  (1) (2) (3) (4)		$	2,457	$	2,104	$	1,854	17%	13%
Operating ratio  (1)			63.5%		63.6%		67.3%	0.1-pts	3.7-pts
Basic earnings per share  (1) (2) (3) (4)		$	5.45	$	4.51	$	3.95	21%	14%
Diluted earnings per share  (1) (2) (3) (4)		$	5.41	$	4.48	$	3.92	21%	14%
Dividend declared per share		$	1.30	$	1.08	$	1.01	20%	7%
Financial position
Total assets		$	26,026	$	25,206	$	25,176	3%	-
Total long-term financial liabilities		$	13,631	$	12,016	$	12,706	(13%)	5%
Statistical operating data and productivity measures  (5)
Employees (average for the year)			22,985		21,967		21,793	5%	1%
Gross ton miles (GTM) per average number of employees (thousands)			15,572		15,533		13,981	-	11%
GTMs per US gallon of fuel consumed			973		959		931	1%	3%
(1)	The 2009 figures include $49 million, or $30 million after-tax ($0.06 per basic or diluted share), for EJ&E acquisition-related costs.
(2)	The 2011 figures include a net deferred income tax expense of $40 million ($0.08 per basic or diluted share) resulting from the enactment of state corporate income tax rate changes and other legislated state tax revisions, a current income tax recovery of $11 million ($0.02 per basic or diluted share) relating to certain fuel costs attributed to various wholly-owned subsidiaries’ fuel consumption in prior periods, a gain on disposal of a segment of the Company’s Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East of $288 million, or $254 million after-tax ($0.55 per basic or diluted share), and a gain on disposal of substantially all of the assets of IC RailMarine Terminal Company (ICRMT) of $60 million, or $38 million after-tax ($0.08 per basic or diluted share).
(3)	The 2010 figures include a gain on disposal of a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision of $152 million, or $131 million after-tax ($0.28 per basic or diluted share).
(4)	The 2009 figures include gains on sale of the Company's Weston subdivision of $157 million, or $135 million after-tax ($0.29 per basic or diluted share) and Lower Newmarket subdivision of $69 million, or $59 million after-tax ($0.12 per basic or diluted share). The 2009 figures also include a deferred income tax recovery of $157 million ($0.33 per basic or diluted share), of which $126 million ($0.27 per basic or diluted share) resulted from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates, $16 million ($0.03 per basic or diluted share) resulted from the recapitalization of a foreign investment, and $15 million ($0.03 per basic or diluted share) resulted from the resolution of various income tax matters and adjustments related to tax filings of prior years.
(5)	Based on estimated data available at such time and subject to change as more complete information becomes available.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Financial results

2011 compared to 2010

In 2011, net income was $2,457 million, an increase of $353 million, or 17%, when compared to 2010, with diluted earnings per share rising 21% to $5.41.

Included in the 2011 figures were gains on disposal of substantially all of the assets of IC RailMarine Terminal Company (ICRMT) of $60 million, or $38 million after-tax ($0.08 per basic or diluted share) and of a segment of the Company’s Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East of $288 million, or $254 million after-tax ($0.55 per basic or diluted share). The 2011 figures also include a net deferred income tax expense of $40 million ($0.08 per basic or diluted share) resulting from the enactment of state corporate income tax rate changes and other legislated state tax revisions, and a current income tax recovery of $11 million ($0.02 per basic or diluted share) relating to certain fuel costs attributed to various wholly-owned subsidiaries’ fuel consumption in prior periods. Included in the 2010 figures was a gain on disposal of a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision of $152 million, or $131 million after-tax ($0.28 per basic or diluted share).

Foreign exchange fluctuations continue to have an impact on the comparability of the results of operations. The fluctuation of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar, which affects the conversion of the Company’s US dollar-denominated revenues and expenses, has resulted in a negative impact of $39 million ($0.09 per basic or diluted share) in 2011.

    Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased by $731 million, or 9%, to $9,028 million, mainly attributable to higher freight volumes, due in part to modest improvements in North American and global economies and to the Company’s performance above market conditions in a number of segments; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge as a result of year-over-year increases in applicable fuel prices and higher volumes; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated revenues in the first nine months of the year.

   Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011, increased by $459 million, or 9%, to $5,732 million, mainly due to higher fuel costs, purchased services and material expense as well as higher labor and fringe benefits expense. These factors were partially offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated expenses, particularly in the first nine months of 2011 and lower casualty and other expense.

   The operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 63.5% in 2011, compared to 63.6% in 2010, a 0.1-point reduction.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Revenues
In millions, unless otherwise indicated	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Rail freight revenues		$	8,111	$	7,417	9%	12%
Other revenues			917		880	4%	6%
Total revenues		$	9,028	$	8,297	9%	11%
Rail freight revenues
Petroleum and chemicals		$	1,420	$	1,322	7%	10%
Metals and minerals			1,006		861	17%	20%
Forest products			1,270		1,183	7%	10%
Coal			618		600	3%	5%
Grain and fertilizers			1,523		1,418	7%	10%
Intermodal			1,790		1,576	14%	15%
Automotive			484		457	6%	9%
Total rail freight revenues		$	8,111	$	7,417	9%	12%
Revenue ton miles (RTM) (millions)			187,753		179,232	5%	5%
Rail freight revenue/RTM (cents)			4.32		4.14	4%	7%
Carloads (thousands)			4,873		4,696	4%	4%
Rail freight revenue/carload (dollars)			1,664		1,579	5%	8%

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $9,028 million compared to $8,297 million in 2010. The increase of $731 million was mainly attributable to higher freight volumes, due in part to modest improvements in North American and global economies and to the Company’s performance above market conditions in a number of segments; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge, in the range of $315 million, as a result of year-over-year increases in applicable fuel prices and higher volumes; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated revenues in the first nine months of the year.

In 2011, revenue ton miles (RTM), measuring the relative weight and distance of rail freight transported by the Company, increased by 5% relative to 2010. Rail freight revenue per revenue ton mile, a measurement of yield defined as revenue earned on the movement of a ton of freight over one mile, increased by 4% when compared to 2010, driven by the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases. These were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Petroleum and chemicals
	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	1,420	$	1,322	7%	10%
RTMs (millions)			32,962		31,190	6%	6%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			4.31		4.24	2%	4%

The petroleum and chemicals commodity group comprises a wide range of commodities, including chemicals, sulfur, plastics, petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products. The primary markets for these commodities are within North America, and as such, the performance of this commodity group is closely correlated with the North American economy. Most of the Company’s petroleum and chemicals shipments originate in the Louisiana petrochemical corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge; in northern Alberta, which is a major center for natural gas feedstock and world-scale petrochemicals and plastics; and in eastern Canadian regional plants. For the year ended December 31, 2011, revenues for this commodity group increased by $98 million, or 7%, when compared to 2010. The increase was mainly due to higher shipments, particularly chemicals products, as a result of improvements in industrial production, new crude oil business, particularly in the fourth quarter, and refined petroleum products; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and lower volumes of

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

condensate in the first half of the year. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 2% in 2011, mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases that were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and an increase in the average length of haul.

Percentage of revenues
Petroleum	49%
Chemicals	36%
Plastics	15%
Year ended December 31,	2009	2010	2011
Carloads (thousands)	511	549	560

Metals and minerals
	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	1,006	$	861	17%	20%
RTMs (millions)			18,899		16,443	15%	15%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			5.32		5.24	2%	5%

The metals and minerals commodity group consists primarily of nonferrous base metals and ores, concentrates, iron ore, steel, construction materials, machinery and dimensional (large) loads. The Company provides unique rail access to aluminum, mining, steel and iron ore producing regions, which are among the most important in North America. This access, coupled with the Company’s transload and port facilities, has made CN a leader in the transportation of copper, lead, zinc, concentrates, iron ore, refined metals and aluminum. Mining, oil and gas development and non-residential construction are the key drivers for metals and minerals. For the year ended December 31, 2011, revenues for this commodity group increased by $145 million, or 17%, when compared to 2010. The increase was mainly due to greater shipments, particularly of commodities related to oil and gas development, steel-related products and non-ferrous ore; the impact of freight rate increases; and a higher fuel surcharge. These gains were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 2% in 2011, mainly due to the impact of freight rate increases and a higher fuel surcharge that were offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and a significant increase in the average length of haul.

Percentage of revenues
Metals	44%
Minerals	37%
Iron ore	19%
Year ended December 31,	2009	2010	2011
Carloads (thousands)	721	990	1,013

Forest products
	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	1,270	$	1,183	7%	10%
RTMs (millions)			29,336		28,936	1%	1%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			4.33		4.09	6%	9%

The forest products commodity group includes various types of lumber, panels, paper, wood pulp and other fibers such as logs, recycled paper, wood chips, and wood pellets. The Company has extensive rail access to the western and eastern Canadian fiber-producing regions,

52

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

which are among the largest fiber source areas in North America. In the United States, the Company is strategically located to serve both the Midwest and southern U.S. corridors with interline connections to other Class I railroads. The key drivers for the various commodities are: for newsprint, advertising lineage, non-print media and overall economic conditions, primarily in the United States; for fibers (mainly wood pulp), the consumption of paper, pulpboard and tissue in North American and offshore markets; and for lumber and panels, housing starts and renovation activities primarily in the United States. For the year ended December 31, 2011 revenues for this commodity group increased by $87 million, or 7%, when compared to 2010. The increase was attributable to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; freight rate increases; higher lumber and wood pellet shipments to offshore markets, and increased panel shipments to the U.S., particularly in the fourth quarter. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and reduced volumes of woodpulp in the second half of the year due to extended maintenance at various mills. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 6% in 2011, mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge, freight rate increases and a decrease in the average length of haul. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Percentage of revenues
Pulp and paper	59%
Lumber and panels	41%
Year ended December 31,	2009	2010	2011
Carloads (thousands)	403	423	443

Coal
	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	618	$	600	3%	5%
RTMs (millions)			19,980		19,766	1%	1%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			3.09		3.04	2%	4%

The coal commodity group consists of thermal grades of bituminous coal, metallurgical coal and petroleum coke. Canadian thermal coal is delivered to power utilities primarily in eastern Canada; while in the United States, thermal coal is transported from mines served in southern Illinois, or from western U.S. mines via interchange with other railroads, to major utilities in the Midwest and southeast United States, as well as offshore markets. The coal business also includes the transport of Canadian metallurgical coal, which is largely exported via terminals on the west coast of Canada to offshore steel producers. For the year ended December 31, 2011, revenues for this commodity group increased by $18 million, or 3%, when compared to 2010. The increase was mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; freight rate increases; and new export thermal coal shipments. These factors were partly offset by reduced volumes of thermal coal to North American utilities, export metallurgical coal and Canadian petroleum coke; and the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 2% in 2011, primarily due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases that were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and an increase in the average length of haul.

Percentage of revenues
Coal	89%
Petroleum coke	11%
Year ended December 31,	2009	2010	2011
Carloads (thousands)	426	499	464

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Grain and fertilizers
	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	1,523	$	1,418	7%	10%
RTMs (millions)			45,468		44,549	2%	2%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			3.35		3.18	5%	8%

The grain and fertilizers commodity group depends primarily on crops grown and fertilizers processed in western Canada and the U.S. Midwest. The grain segment consists of three primary segments: food grains (mainly wheat, oats and malting barley), feed grains (including feed barley, feed wheat, peas, corn, ethanol and dried distillers grains (DDG)), and oilseeds and oilseed products (primarily canola seed, oil and meal, and soybeans). Production of grain varies considerably from year to year, affected primarily by weather conditions, seeded and harvested acreage, the mix of grains produced and crop yields. Grain exports are sensitive to the size and quality of the crop produced, international market conditions and foreign government policy. The majority of grain produced in western Canada and moved by CN is exported via the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Thunder Bay. Certain of these rail movements are subject to government regulation and to a revenue cap, which effectively establishes a maximum revenue entitlement that railways can earn. In the U.S., grain grown in Illinois and Iowa is exported as well as transported to domestic processing facilities and feed markets. The Company also serves major producers of potash in Canada, as well as producers of ammonium nitrate, urea and other fertilizers across Canada and the U.S. For the year ended December 31, 2011 revenues for this commodity group increased by $105 million, or 7%, when compared to 2010. The increase was mainly due to freight rate increases; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; and higher volumes, including record shipments of canola to export markets and processed canola products to the U.S., increased shipments of ethanol and DDG, and higher volumes of Canadian oats to U.S. millers. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar; reduced volumes of U.S. soybean and corn exports, mainly in the fourth quarter, and lower volumes of Canadian wheat for export markets, particularly in the first half of the year. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 5% in 2011, mainly due to freight rate increases and the impact of a higher fuel surcharge that were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Percentage of revenues
Oilseeds	31%
Food grains	25%
Feed grains	25%
Fertilizers	19%
Year ended December 31,	2009	2010	2011
Carloads (thousands)	530	579	592

Intermodal
	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	1,790	$	1,576	14%	15%
RTMs (millions)			38,563		35,803	8%	8%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			4.64		4.40	5%	6%

The intermodal commodity group is comprised of two segments: domestic and international. The domestic segment transports consumer products and manufactured goods, operating through both retail and wholesale channels, within domestic Canada, domestic U.S., Mexico and transborder, while the international segment handles import and export container traffic, directly serving the major ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal, Halifax and New Orleans. The domestic segment is driven by consumer markets, with growth generally tied to the economy. The international segment is driven by North American economic and trade conditions. For the year ended December 31, 2011 revenues for this commodity group increased by $214 million, or 14%, when compared to 2010. The increase was mainly due to higher

54

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

volumes of domestic traffic and shipments related to overseas markets; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 5% in 2011, mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases that were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Percentage of revenues
International	56%
Domestic	44%
Year ended December 31,	2009	2010	2011
Carloads (thousands)	1,246	1,455	1,584

Automotive
	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	484	$	457	6%	9%
RTMs (millions)			2,545		2,545	-	-
Revenue/RTM (cents)			19.02		17.96	6%	9%

The automotive commodity group moves both finished vehicles and parts throughout North America, providing rail access to certain vehicle assembly plants in Canada, and Michigan and Mississippi in the U.S. The Company also serves vehicle distribution facilities in Canada and the U.S., as well as parts production facilities in Michigan and Ontario. The Company serves shippers of import vehicles via the ports of Halifax and Vancouver, and through interchange with other railroads. The Company’s automotive revenues are closely correlated to automotive production and sales in North America. For the year ended December 31, 2011 revenues for this commodity group increased by $27 million, or 6%, when compared to 2010. The increase was mainly due to higher volumes of domestic finished vehicles; freight rate increases; and the impact of a higher fuel surcharge. These gains were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 6% in 2011, mainly due to freight rate increases, the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and a decrease in the average length of haul that were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Percentage of revenues
Finished vehicles	89%
Auto parts	11%
Year ended December 31,	2009	2010	2011
Carloads (thousands)	154	201	217

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Other revenues
	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	917	$	880	4%	6%

Other revenues are largely derived from non-rail services that support CN’s rail business including vessels, docks, warehousing, Autoport logistic service and trucking as well as from other items which include interswitching and commuter train revenues. In 2011, Other revenues amounted to $917 million, an increase of $37 million, or 4%, when compared to 2010, mainly due to increased revenues from vessels and docks, trucking, and warehousing and distribution services, partly offset by lower international freight forwarding revenues, the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar, and lower commuter train revenues.

Percentage of revenues
Other non-rail services	48%
Vessels and docks	31%
Interswitching and other revenues	21%

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Operating expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to $5,732 million, compared to $5,273 million in 2010. The increase of $459 million, or 9%, in 2011 was mainly due to higher fuel costs, purchased services and material expense, labor and fringe benefits expense as well as higher depreciation and amortization. These factors were partially offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated expenses, particularly in the first nine months of 2011 and lower casualty and other expense.

								Percentage of revenues
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010	% Change	% Change at constant currency	2011	2010
Labor and fringe benefits		$	1,812	$	1,744	(4%)	(6%)	20.1%	21.0%
Purchased services and material			1,120		1,036	(8%)	(10%)	12.4%	12.5%
Fuel			1,412		1,048	(35%)	(40%)	15.6%	12.6%
Depreciation and amortization			884		834	(6%)	(7%)	9.8%	10.1%
Equipment rents			228		243	6%	3%	2.5%	2.9%
Casualty and other			276		368	25%	23%	3.1%	4.5%
Total operating expenses		$	5,732	$	5,273	(9%)	(11%)	63.5%	63.6%

Labor and fringe benefits:Labor and fringe benefits expense includes wages, payroll taxes, and employee benefits such as incentive compensation, including stock-based compensation; health and welfare; and pensions and other postretirement benefits. Certain incentive and stock-based compensation plans are based on financial and market performance targets and the related expense is recorded in relation to the attainment of such targets. Labor and fringe benefits expense increased by $68 million, or 4%, in 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase was primarily due to the impact of increased freight volumes, including a higher workforce level, general wage increases, higher health and welfare costs, as well as higher incentive compensation, particularly in the fourth quarter. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and a higher income for pensions.

Purchased services and material:Purchased services and material expense primarily includes the costs of services purchased from outside contractors; materials used in the maintenance of the Company’s track, facilities and equipment, transportation and lodging for train crew employees; utility costs; and the net costs of operating facilities jointly used by the Company and other railroads. These expenses increased by $84 million, or 8%, in 2011 when compared to 2010.The increase was mainly due to higher repair and maintenance expenses for track, rolling stock and other equipment, higher derailment related expenses, increased contracted services and material expense in the first nine months of the year as well as higher costs for snow removal and utilities, as a result of more difficult winter conditions in the first quarter of 2011. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and lower expenses for third party carriers.

Fuel:Fuel expense includes fuel consumed by assets, including locomotives, vessels, vehicles and other equipment as well as provincial, federal and state fuel taxes. These expenses increased by $364 million, or 35%, in 2011 when compared to 2010.The increase was primarily due to a higher average price for fuel and higher freight volumes, which were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and by productivity improvements.

Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization expense relates to the Company’s rail and related operations. Depreciation expense is affected by capital additions, railroad property retirements from disposal, sale and/or abandonment and other adjustments including asset impairment write-downs. These expenses increased by $50 million, or 6%, in 2011 when compared to 2010. The increase was mainly due to the impact of net capitaladditions and the effect of depreciation studies (see the Critical accounting policies section of this MD&A), which were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Equipment rents: Equipment rents expense includes rental expense for the use of freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies and for the short- or long-term lease of freight cars, locomotives and intermodal equipment, net of rental income from other railroads for the use of the Company’s cars and locomotives. These expenses decreased by $15 million, or 6%, in 2011 when compared to 2010. The decrease was primarily due to lower lease expense and to the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar partly offset by higher car hire expense.

57

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Casualty and other: Casualty and other expense includes expenses for personal injuries, environmental, freight and property damage, insurance, bad debt, operating taxes, and travel expenses. These expenses decreased by $92 million, or 25%, in 2011 when compared to 2010. The decrease was mainly due to lower charges recorded in 2011 relating to environmental matters, adjustments recorded on billings of certain cost recoveries recorded in 2010, lower general and administrative expenses as well as a charge recorded in the first quarter of 2010 to increase the liability for personal injury claims in Canada pursuant to an actuarial valuation. These factors were partially offset by increased employee travel costs and higher operating taxes.

Other

Interest expense: Interest expense decreased by $19 million, or 5%, for the year ended December 31, 2011, when compared to 2010, mainly due to the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated interest expense and the impact of a debt repayment in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Other income: In 2011, the Company recorded Other income of $401 million, compared to $212 million in 2010. Included in Other income were gains on disposal of substantially all of the assets of ICRMT of $60 million and of a segment of the Company’s Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East for $288 million. The 2010 figures include $152 million for the sale of a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision.

Income tax expense: The Company recorded income tax expense of $899 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $772 million in 2010. The 2011 figure includes a net deferred income tax expense of $40 million resulting from the enactment of state corporate income tax rate changes and other legislated state tax revisions, and a current income tax recovery of $11 million relating to certain fuel costs attributed to various wholly-owned subsidiaries’ fuel consumption in prior periods. The effective tax rate for 2011 was 26.8% for both 2011 and 2010. Excluding the 2011 net deferred income tax expense of $40 million and the current income tax recovery of $11 million discussed herein, the effective tax rate for 2011 was 25.9%.

2010 compared to 2009

In 2010, net income was $2,104 million, an increase of $250 million, or 13%, when compared to 2009, with diluted earnings per share rising 14% to $4.48.

The Company’s results of operations in 2010 reflect a recovery in many of its markets as compared to 2009 when the Company experienced significant weakness across markets due to economic conditions.

Included in the 2010 figures was a gain on sale of the Company’s Oakville subdivision of $152 million, or $131 million after-tax ($0.28 per basic or diluted share). Included in the 2009 figures were gains on sale of the Company’s Weston subdivision of $157 million, or $135 million after-tax ($0.29 per basic or diluted share) and Lower Newmarket subdivision of $69 million, or $59 million after-tax ($0.12 per basic or diluted share), as well as EJ&E acquisition-related costs of $49 million, or $30 million after-tax ($0.06 per basic or diluted share). The 2009 figures also include a deferred income tax recovery of $157 million ($0.33 per basic or diluted share), of which $126 million ($0.27 per basic or diluted share) resulted from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates, $16 million ($0.03 per basic or diluted share) resulted from the recapitalization of a foreign investment, and $15 million ($0.03 per basic or diluted share) resulted from the resolution of various income tax matters and adjustments related to tax filings of prior years.

   Foreign exchange fluctuations continue to have an impact on the comparability of the results of operations. The fluctuation of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar, which affects the conversion of the Company’s US dollar-denominated revenues and expenses, has resulted in a negative impact of $70 million to net income ($0.15 per basic or diluted share) in 2010.

   Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased by $930 million, or 13%, to $8,297 million, mainly due to significantly higher freight volumes as a result of improving economic conditions in North America and globally; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge as a result of year-over-year increases in applicable fuel prices and higher volumes; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated revenues.

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased by $312 million, or 6%, to $5,273 million, primarily due to higher fuel costs, increased labor and fringe benefits expense and higher depreciation and amortization expense. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated expenses, the impact of EJ&E acquisition-related costs recorded in 2009 and lower equipment rents.

58

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

The operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 63.6% in 2010, compared to 67.3% in 2009, a 3.7-point improvement. Excluding the 2009 EJ&E acquisition-related costs, the operating ratio of 63.6% in 2010 represents a 3.1-point improvement compared to an adjusted operating ratio of 66.7% in 2009.

Revenues
In millions, unless otherwise indicated	Year ended December 31,		2010		2009	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Rail freight revenues		$	7,417	$	6,632	12%	18%
Other revenues			880		735	20%	26%
Total revenues		$	8,297	$	7,367	13%	19%
Rail freight revenues:
Petroleum and chemicals		$	1,322	$	1,260	5%	12%
Metals and minerals			861		728	18%	27%
Forest products			1,183		1,147	3%	11%
Coal			600		464	29%	35%
Grain and fertilizers			1,418		1,341	6%	11%
Intermodal			1,576		1,337	18%	20%
Automotive			457		355	29%	39%
Total rail freight revenues		$	7,417	$	6,632	12%	18%
Revenue ton miles (RTM) (millions)			179,232		159,862	12%	12%
Rail freight revenue/RTM (cents)			4.14		4.15	-	5%
Carloads (thousands)			4,696		3,991	18%	18%
Rail freight revenue/carload (dollars)			1,579		1,662	(5%)	-

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 totaled $8,297 million compared to $7,367 million in 2009. The increase of $930 million was mainly due to significantly higher freight volumes as a result of improving economic conditions in North America and globally; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge, in the range of $240 million, as a result of year-over-year increases in applicable fuel prices and higher volumes; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated revenues, particularly in the first half of the year.

In 2010, revenue ton miles (RTM), measuring the relative weight and distance of rail freight transported by the Company, increased by 12% relative to 2009. Rail freight revenue per revenue ton mile, a measurement of yield defined as revenue earned on the movement of a ton of freight over one mile, was flat when compared to 2009, as the positive impact of a higher fuel surcharge, freight rate increases, and a decrease in the average length of haul were offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Petroleum and chemicals
	Year ended December 31,		2010		2009	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	1,322	$	1,260	5%	12%
RTMs (millions)			31,190		29,381	6%	6%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			4.24		4.29	(1%)	6%

For the year ended December 31, 2010, revenues for this commodity group increased by $62 million, or 5%, when compared to 2009. The increase was mainly due to higher shipments of chemical products, due to improvements in industrial production, and sulfur and petroleum products; freight rate increases; and the impact of a higher fuel surcharge. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile decreased by 1% in 2010, mainly due to the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar, that was partly offset by freight rate increases and the impact of a higher fuel surcharge.

59

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Metals and minerals
	Year ended December 31,		2010		2009	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	861	$	728	18%	27%
RTMs (millions)			16,443		12,994	27%	27%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			5.24		5.60	(6%)	1%

For the year ended December 31, 2010, revenues for this commodity group increased by $133 million, or 18%, when compared to 2009. The increase was mainly due to the continual improvement in the steel industry, which resulted in greater shipments of steel products and iron ore; stronger volumes of construction materials; and the impact of a higher fuel surcharge. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile decreased by 6% in 2010, mainly due to the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar that was partly offset by the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and a decrease in the average length of haul.

Forest products
	Year ended December 31,		2010		2009	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	1,183	$	1,147	3%	11%
RTMs (millions)			28,936		27,594	5%	5%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			4.09		4.16	(2%)	6%

For the year ended December 31, 2010, revenues for this commodity group increased by $36 million, or 3%, when compared to 2009. The increase was mainly due to higher shipments of wood pulp and lumber to offshore markets, the impact of a higher fuel surcharge, and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile decreased by 2% in 2010, mainly due to the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar, that was partly offset by the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases.

Coal
	Year ended December 31,		2010		2009	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	600	$	464	29%	35%
RTMs (millions)			19,766		14,805	34%	34%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			3.04		3.13	(3%)	1%

For the year ended December 31, 2010, revenues for this commodity group increased by $136 million, or 29%, when compared to 2009. The increase was mainly due to strong volumes of Canadian export coal from new origins as well as increased Asian demand from existing mines, expanding demand for thermal coal in the U.S., freight rate increases, and the impact of a higher fuel surcharge. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile decreased by 3% in 2010, mainly due to the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and a significant increase in the average length of haul that were partly offset by freight rate increases and the impact of a higher fuel surcharge.

60

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Grain and fertilizers
	Year ended December 31,		2010		2009	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	1,418	$	1,341	6%	11%
RTMs (millions)			44,549		40,859	9%	9%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			3.18		3.28	(3%)	2%

For the year ended December 31, 2010, revenues for this commodity group increased by $77 million, or 6%, when compared to 2009. The increase was mainly due to higher shipments of potash and feed grains, the impact of a higher fuel surcharge, and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile decreased by 3% in 2010, mainly due to the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar that was partly offset by the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases.

Intermodal
	Year ended December 31,		2010		2009	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	1,576	$	1,337	18%	20%
RTMs (millions)			35,803		32,159	11%	11%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			4.40		4.16	6%	8%

For the year ended December 31, 2010, revenues for this commodity group increased by $239 million, or 18%, when compared to 2009. The increase was mainly due to higher volumes from overseas markets, particularly through the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, and domestic retail shipments; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 6% in 2010, mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases that were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Automotive
	Year ended December 31,		2010		2009	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	457	$	355	29%	39%
RTMs (millions)			2,545		2,070	23%	23%
Revenue/RTM (cents)			17.96		17.15	5%	13%

For the year ended December 31, 2010, revenues for this commodity group increased by $102 million, or 29%, when compared to 2009. The increase was mainly due to significantly higher volumes of domestic finished vehicles traffic, freight rate increases, and the impact of a higher fuel surcharge. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 5% in 2010, mainly due to freight rate increases, the impact of a higher fuel surcharge, and a significant decrease in the average length of haul that were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

61

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Other revenues
	Year ended December 31,		2010		2009	% Change	% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)		$	880	$	735	20%	26%

In 2010, Other revenues amounted to $880 million, an increase of $145 million, or 20%, when compared to 2009, mainly due to higher vessel and dock revenues primarily related to strong iron ore volumes, and increased revenues from warehousing and distribution, primarily related to increased finished vehicle volumes through CN’s network of vehicle distribution facilities. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 amounted to $5,273 million, compared to $4,961 million in 2009. The increase of $312 million, or 6%, in 2010 was mainly due to higher fuel costs, increased labor and fringe benefits expense and higher depreciation and amortization expense. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated expenses, particularly in the first half of the year, the impact of EJ&E acquisition-related costs recorded in 2009 and lower equipment rents.

						% Change	% Change at constant currency	Percentage of revenues
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2010		2009			2010	2009
Labor and fringe benefits		$	1,744	$	1,696	(3%)	(7%)	21.0%	23.0%
Purchased services and material			1,036		1,027	(1%)	(6%)	12.5%	13.9%
Fuel			1,048		820	(28%)	(40%)	12.6%	11.1%
Depreciation and amortization			834		790	(6%)	(8%)	10.1%	10.7%
Equipment rents			243		284	14%	7%	2.9%	3.9%
Casualty and other			368		344	(7%)	(13%)	4.5%	4.7%
Total operating expenses		$	5,273	$	4,961	(6%)	(12%)	63.6%	67.3%

Labor and fringe benefits:Labor and fringe benefits expenseincreased by $48 million, or 3%, in 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase was mainly due to higher incentive compensation and annual wages, the impact of increased freight volumes, and higher health and welfare costs. These factors were partly offset by the translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and higher pension income.

Purchased services and material:Purchased services and material expense increased by $9 million, or 1%, in 2010 when compared to 2009.The increase was mainly a result of higher expenses for third-party non-rail transportation services due to higher volumes and higher repair and maintenance costs for track and roadway. These factors were partly offset by the translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and lower expenses for material and utilities as a result of mild winter conditions.

Fuel:Fuel expense increased by $228 million, or 28%, in 2010 when compared to 2009.The increase was primarily due to a higher average price for fuel and higher freight volumes, which were partly offset by the translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and productivity improvements.

Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $44 million, or 6%, in 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase was mainly due to the impact of net capitaladditions and a change in the expected service life for certain assets, which were partly offset by the translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Equipment rents: Equipment rents expense decreased by $41 million, or 14%, in 2010 when compared to 2009. The decrease was primarily due to the translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and reduced lease expense for cars and locomotives, partly due to better asset utilization.

Casualty and other: Casualty and other expense increased by $24 million, or 7%, in 2010 when compared to 2009. The increase was mainly due to an increase in the expense for Canadian and U.S. personal injury claims, pursuant to the net result of actuarial valuations in both years and an increase in the environmental expense. These factors were partly offset by the EJ&E acquisition-related costs of $49 million expensed in 2009 and the translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Other

Interest expense: Interest expensedecreased by $52 million, or 13% (4% at constant currency), for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared to 2009, mainly due to the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated interest expense, lower interest rates and a lower average debt balance.

Other income: In 2010, the Company recorded Other income of $212 million, compared to $267 million in 2009. Included in Other income were gains on the sale of the Company’s subdivisions of $152 million for the Oakville subdivision in 2010; and $157 million and $69 million, respectively, for the Weston and Lower Newmarket subdivisions in 2009. Higher income from other business activities and gains on disposal of land also partly offset the decrease in 2010.

Income tax expense: The Company recorded income tax expense of $772 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to $407 million in 2009. Included in income tax expense in 2009 was a deferred income tax recovery of $157 million, of which $126 million resulted from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates, $16 million resulted from the recapitalization of a foreign investment, and $15 million resulted from the resolution of various income tax matters and adjustments related to tax filings of prior years. The effective tax rate for 2010 was 26.8% compared to 18.0% in 2009. Excluding the 2009 deferred income tax recovery discussed herein, the effective tax rate for 2009 was 24.9%. The year-over-year increase in the effective tax rates was mainly due to the impact of a higher proportion of the Company’s pre-tax income earned in higher-taxed jurisdictions and lesser gains on sale of the Company’s properties taxed at the favorable capital gains inclusion rate.

Summary of fourth quarter 2011 compared to corresponding quarter in 2010 – unaudited

Fourth quarter 2011 net income was $592 million, an increase of $89 million, or 18%, when compared to the same period in 2010, with diluted earnings per share rising 22% to $1.32.

The fourth-quarter 2011 figures include items affecting the comparability of the results of operations. The 2011 figures include a current income tax recovery of $11 million ($0.02 per basic or diluted share) relating to certain fuel costs attributed to various wholly-owned subsidiaries’ fuel consumption in prior periods.

Foreign exchange fluctuations continued to have an impact on the comparability of the results of operations. The fluctuation of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar, which affects the conversion of the Company’s US dollar-denominated revenues and expenses, has resulted in a positive impact of $2 million (nil per basic or diluted share) to fourth-quarter 2011 net income.

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2011 increased by $260 million, or 12%, to $2,377 million, when compared to the same period in 2010. The increase was attributable to higher freight volumes, due in part to modest improvements in North American and global economies and to the Company’s performance above market conditions in a number of segments; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge, in the range of $80 million, as a result of year-over-year increases in applicable fuel prices and higher volumes; freight rate increases; and the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated revenues.

Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2011 increased by $195 million, or 15%, to $1,538 million, when compared to the same period in 2010. The increase was primarily due to higher fuel costs, labor and fringe benefits expense as well as increased expenses for purchased services and material. These factors were partly offset by lower casualty and other expense.

The operating ratio was 64.7% in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to 63.4% in the fourth quarter of 2010, a 1.3-point increase.

63

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Summary of quarterly financial data – unaudited

In millions, except per share data
	2011 Quarters								2010 Quarters
		Fourth		Third		Second		First		Fourth		Third		Second		First
Revenues	$	2,377	$	2,307	$	2,260	$	2,084	$	2,117	$	2,122	$	2,093	$	1,965
Operating income	$	839	$	938	$	874	$	645	$	774	$	834	$	813	$	603
Net income	$	592	$	659	$	538	$	668	$	503	$	556	$	534	$	511
Basic earnings per share	$	1.33	$	1.47	$	1.19	$	1.46	$	1.09	$	1.20	$	1.14	$	1.08
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.32	$	1.46	$	1.18	$	1.45	$	1.08	$	1.19	$	1.13	$	1.08
Dividend declared per share	$	0.3250	$	0.3250	$	0.3250	$	0.3250	$	0.2700	$	0.2700	$	0.2700	$	0.2700

Revenues generated by the Company during the year are influenced by seasonal weather conditions, general economic conditions, cyclical demand for rail transportation, and competitive forces in the transportation marketplace (see the section of this MD&A entitled Business risks). Operating expenses reflect the impact of freight volumes, seasonal weather conditions, labor costs, fuel prices, and the Company’s productivity initiatives. The continued fluctuations in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar have also affected the conversion of the Company’s US dollar-denominated revenues and expenses and resulted in fluctuations in net income in the rolling eight quarters presented above.

The Company’s quarterly results include items that impacted the quarter-over-quarter comparability of the results of operations as discussedbelow:

In millions, except per share data
		2011 Quarters								2010 Quarters
			Fourth		Third		Second		First		Fourth		Third		Second		First
Income tax recoveries (expenses) (1)		$	11	$	-	$	(40)	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Gain on disposal of property (after-tax) (2) (3) (4)			-		38		-		254		-		-		-		131
	Impact on net income	$	11	$	38	$	(40)	$	254	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	131
Basic earnings per share		$	0.02	$	0.08	$	(0.08)	$	0.55	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	0.28
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.02	$	0.08	$	(0.08)	$	0.55	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	0.28
(1)	Income tax recoveries (expenses) resulted mainly from the enactment of state corporate income tax rate changes and other legislated tax revisions in the U.S. and certain fuel costs attributed to various wholly-owned subsidiaries’ fuel consumption in prior periods.
(2)	The Company sold substantially all of the assets of ICRMT for proceeds of $70 million. A gain on disposal of $60 million ($38 million after-tax) was recognized in Other income.
(3)	The Company sold a segment of the Company’s Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East of $299 million. A gain on disposal of $288 million ($254 million after-tax) was recognized in Other income.
(4)	The Company sold a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision of $168 million. A gain on disposal of $152 million ($131 million after-tax) was recognized in Other income.

Financial position

The following tables provide an analysis of the Company’s balance sheet as at December 31, 2011 as compared to 2010. Assets and liabilities denominated in US dollars have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. As at December 31, 2011 and 2010, the foreign exchange rate was $1.0170 per US$1.00 and $0.9946 per US$1.00, respectively.

64

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

						Variance excluding foreign exchange		Foreign exchange impact		Explanation of variance, other than foreign exchange impact
In millions	As at December 31,	2011		2010
Total assets		$	26,026	$	25,206	$	569	$	251
Variance mainly due to:
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		$	499	$	-	$	499	$	-	$499 million pledged as collateral related to letters of credit issued.
Accounts receivable		$	820	$	775	$	39	$	6	$39 million increase due to the impact of higher revenues partially offset by the impact of an improved collection cycle.
Deferred and receivable income taxes		$	122	$	53		68		1	$76 million increase related to income taxes receivable offset by $8 million for other items.
Properties		$	23,917	$	22,917	$	779	$	221	$1,712 million increase related to property and capital lease additions, offset by $883 million of depreciation and $50 million for other items.
Intangible and other assets		$	261	$	699	$	(441)	$	3	Decrease of $995 million related to the recognition of the funded status of the Company's pension plans, offset by pension contributions of $437 million, pension income of $116 million and $1 million of other items.
Total liabilities		$	15,346	$	13,922	$	1,184	$	240
Variance mainly due to:
Accounts payable and other		$	1,580	$	1,366	$	193	$	21	$193 million related to an increase in Trade payable of $63 million, Stock-based incentives liability of $46 million, Payroll-related accruals of $45 million, and $39 million for other items.
Deferred income taxes		$	5,333	$	5,152	$	110	$	71	Increase due to $522 million of deferred income tax expense recorded in net income, excluding recognized tax benefits, and $9M for other items; offset by a deferred income tax recovery of $421 million recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss).
Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of current portion		$	1,095	$	510	$	581	$	4	Increase of $577 million related to the recognition of the funded status of the Company's pension plans and $4 million for other items.

65

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

In millions	As at December 31,		2011		2010	Variance excluding foreign exchange		Foreign exchange impact		Explanation of variance, other than foreign exchange impact
Total liabilities (continued)
Other liabilities and deferred credits		$	762	$	823	$	(72)	$	11	$72 million related to a decrease of $39 million in the personal injury and other claims provision, of $27 million in the environmental liability, and of $6 million for other items.
Total long-term debt, including the current portion		$	6,576	$	6,071	$	372	$	133	Increase of $1,453 million related to debt issuances and $2 million for other items, offset by repayments of debts totaling $1,083 million.
In millions	As at December 31,	2011		2010		Variance				Explanation of variance
Total shareholders' equity		$	10,680	$	11,284	$	(604)
Variance mainly due to:
Common shares		$	4,141	$	4,252	$	(111)			Decrease of $185 million due to the share repurchase programs, offset by $74 million for the issuance of common shares upon exercise of stock options and other.
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(2,839)	$	(1,709)	$	(1,130)			$1,130 million related to Other comprehensive loss for the year, mainly due to an after-tax amount of $1,156 million recorded to recognize the funded status of the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
Retained earnings		$	9,378	$	8,741	$	637			$2,457 million of net income for the year was partially offset by a reduction of $1,235 million due to the share repurchase programs and $585 million of dividends paid.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Liquidity and capital resources

The Company’s principal source of liquidity is cash generated from operations and is supplemented by borrowings in the money markets and capital markets. In addition, from time to time, the Company’s liquidity requirements can be supplemented by the disposal of surplus properties and the monetization of assets. The strong focus on cash generation from all sources gives the Company increased flexibility in terms of its financing requirements. As part of its financing strategy, the Company regularly reviews its optimal capital structure, cost of capital, and the need for additional debt financing, and considers from time to time the feasibility of dividend increases and share repurchases.

The Company entered into a four-year $800 million revolving credit facility in May 2011 to replace the US$1 billion credit facility, which was scheduled to expire in October 2011. To meet short-term liquidity needs, the Company has a commercial paper program, which is backstopped by its revolving credit facility. Access to commercial paper is dependent on market conditions. If the Company were to lose access to its commercial paper program for an extended period of time, the Company could rely on its $800 million revolving credit facility to meet its short-term liquidity needs. See the section of this MD&A entitled Available financing arrangements for additional information.

The Company has at times had working capital deficits which are considered common in the rail industry because it is capital-intensive, and not an indication of a lack of liquidity. The Company maintains adequate resources to meet daily cash requirements, and has sufficient financial capacity to manage its day-to-day cash requirements and current obligations. As at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $101 million and $490 million, respectively, and a working capital of $133 million and working capital deficit of $316 million, respectively. As at December 31,2011, the Company has pledged as collateral, for a term of three months, cash and cash equivalents of $499 million pursuant to its bilateral letter of credit facilities. The cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral were recorded as Restricted cash and cash equivalents. See the section of this MD&A entitled Available financing arrangements for additional information. There are currently no specific requirements relating to working capital other than in the normal course of business as discussed herein.

The Company’s access to long-term funds in the debt capital markets depends on its credit rating and market conditions. The Company believes that it continues to have access to the long-term debt capital market. If the Company were unable to borrow funds at acceptable rates in the long-term debt capital markets, the Company could borrow under its revolving credit facility, raise cash by disposing of surplus properties or otherwise monetizing assets, reduce discretionary spending or take a combination of these measures to assure that it has adequate funding for its business.

The Company’s U.S. and other foreign subsidiaries hold cash to meet their respective operational requirements. The Company can decide to repatriate funds associated with either undistributed earnings or the liquidation of its foreign operations, including its U.S. and other foreign subsidiaries. Such repatriation of funds would not cause significant tax implications to the Company under the tax treaties currently in effect between Canada and the U.S. and other foreign tax jurisdictions. Therefore, the impact on liquidity resulting from the repatriation of funds held outside Canada would not be significant. Considering the impacts of the current economic environment, the Company does not have any immediate plans to repatriate funds held outside Canada as the cash flows currently generated within each of the Company's jurisdictions are sufficient to meet their respective financial obligations.

Operating activities
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		Variance
Net cash receipts from customers and other		$	8,995	$	8,404	$	591
Net cash payments for:
Employee services, suppliers and other expenses			(4,643)		(4,334)		(309)
Interest			(329)		(366)		37
Personal injury and other claims			(97)		(64)		(33)
Pensions			(468)		(427)		(41)
Income taxes			(482)		(214)		(268)
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	2,976	$	2,999	$	(23)

     Net cash receipts from customers and other increased mainly due to higher revenues and a shorter collection cycle. Payments for employee services, suppliers and other expenses increased principally due to higher payments for fuel that were partly offset by a lower foreign exchange rate on US dollar-denominated payments. In anticipation of its future funding requirements, in 2011 the Company made voluntary contributions of $350 million in excess of the required contributions mainly to strengthen the financial position of its main

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

pension plan, the CN Pension Plan. The Company has been advised by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) that this contribution can be treated as a prepayment against its 2012 pension deficit funding requirements. As a result, the Company’s cash contributions for 2012 are expected to be in the range of approximately $275 million to $575 million for all its pension plans and include a voluntary contribution of approximately $150 million to $450 million. As at February 3, 2012,  the Company contributed $250 million to its defined benefit pension plans, including a $150 million  voluntary contribution. For 2011, net income tax payments increased by $268 million when compared to 2010, mainly due to installments based on higher pretax income as well as the final payment for Canadian taxes due in relation to the 2010 fiscal year. In 2012, net income tax payments are expected to be approximately $500 million.

The Company expects cash from operations and its other sources of financing to be sufficient to meet its 2012 funding obligations.

Investing activities
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		Variance
Net cash used in investing activities		$	1,729	$	1,383	$	(346)

The Company’s investing activities in 2011 included property additions of $1,625 million, an increase of $39 million when compared to 2010, and cash proceeds of $369 million from the disposal of property of which $70 million was from the disposition of substantially all of the assets of ICRMT and $299 million was from the disposition of a segment of the Company’s Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East. Investing activities also included restricted cash and cash equivalents of $499 million related to the Company’s bilateral letter of credit facilities. Investing activities in 2010 included cash proceeds of $168 million from the disposition of a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision. See the sections of this MD&A entitled Acquisition and Disposal of property.

The following table details property additions for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010
Track and roadway			$	1,185	$	1,031
Rolling stock				195		415
Buildings				72		43
Information technology				135		111
Other				125		118
Gross property additions				1,712		1,718
Less: Capital leases (1)				87		132
Property additions			$	1,625	$	1,586
(1)	During 2011, the Company recorded $87 million in assets it acquired through equipment leases ($132 million in 2010), for which an equivalent amount was recorded in debt.

On an ongoing basis, the Company invests in capital expenditure programs for the renewal of the basic track infrastructure, the acquisition of rolling stock and other investments to take advantage of growth opportunities and to improve the Company’s productivity and the fluidity of its network.

Expenditures are generally capitalized if they meet a minimum level of activity, extend the life of the asset or provide future benefits such as increased revenue-generating capacity, functionality, or physical or service capacity. For Track and roadway properties, expenditures to replace and/or upgrade the basic track infrastructure are generally planned and programmed in advance and carried out by the Company’s engineering work force. In both 2011 and 2010, approximately 90% of the Track and roadway capital expenditures were incurred to renew the basic track infrastructure.

Expenditures relating to the Company’s properties that do not meet the Company’s capitalization criteria are considered normal repairs and maintenance and are expensed. In 2011, approximately 20% of the Company’s total operating expenses were for such expenditures (approximately 20% in 2010 and 2009). For Track and roadway properties, normal repairs and maintenance include but are not limited to spot tie replacement, spot or broken rail replacement, physical track inspection for detection of rail defects and minor track corrections, and other general maintenance of track structure.

For 2012, the Company expects to invest approximately $1.75 billion for its capital programs, of which over $1 billion is targeted towards track infrastructure to continue to operate a safe railway and to improve the productivity and fluidity of the network. Implementation costs associated with the U.S. federal government legislative requirement to implement positive train control (PTC) by 2015

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

will amount to approximately US$220 million, of which approximately US$30 million has been spent at the end of 2011, with the remainder to be spent over the next four years.

Free cash flow

The Company generated $1,175 million of free cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $1,122 million in 2010. Free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and may, therefore, not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company believes that free cash flow is a useful measure of performance as it demonstrates the Company’s ability to generate cash after the payment of capital expenditures and dividends. The Company defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, adjusted for changes in the accounts receivable securitization program and in cash and cash equivalents resulting from foreign exchange fluctuations, less net cash used in investing activities, adjusted for the impact of major acquisitions, and the payment of dividends, calculated as follows:

In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	2,976	$	2,999
Net cash used in investing activities			(1,729)		(1,383)
Net cash provided before financing activities			1,247		1,616
Adjustments:
Dividends paid			(585)		(503)
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents			499		-
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on US dollar-denominated
cash and cash equivalents			14		7
Change in accounts receivable securitization			-		2
Free cash flow		$	1,175	$	1,122

Financing activities
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		Variance
Net cash used in financing activities		$	1,650	$	1,485	$	(165)

In 2011, the Company issued $659 million of commercial paper. There was no issuance of commercial paper in 2010. In 2011, repayments of debt totaling $1,083 million related to the Company’s repayment of notes, commercial paper and capital lease obligations. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, repurchased 76% of the 6.38% Notes due in October 2011, with a carrying value of US$303 million pursuant to a tender offer for a total cost of US$304 million. The remaining 24% of the 6.38% Notes with a carrying value of US$97 million were paid upon maturity. In November 2011, under its new shelf prospectus and registration statement, the Company issued US$300 million (C$305 million) 1.45% Notes due 2016 and US$400 million (C$407 million) 2.85% Notes due 2021 in the U.S. capital markets, which resulted in net proceeds of US$691 million. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds to repay all of its then outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate purposes, including the partial financing of its share repurchase program. In 2010, repayments of debt related entirely to the Company’s capital lease obligations.

Cash received from stock options exercised during 2011 and 2010 was $68 million and $87 million, respectively, and the related tax benefit realized upon exercise was $9 million and $28 million, respectively.

In 2011, the Company repurchased a total of 19.9 million common shares for $1,420 million (weighted-average price of $71.33 per share) under its share repurchase programs. See the section of this MD&A entitled Common shares for the activity under the 2011 share repurchase programs, as well as the share repurchase programs of the prior years.

During 2011, the Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.325 per share amounting to $585 million, compared to $503 million, at the rate of $0.2700 per share, in 2010.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Credit measures

Management believes that the adjusted debt-to-total capitalization ratio is a useful credit measure that aims to show the true leverage of the Company. Similarly, the adjusted debt-to-adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratio is another useful credit measure because it reflects the Company’s ability to service its debt.The Company excludes Other income in the calculation of EBITDA. However, since these measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and, as such, should not be considered in isolation.

Adjusted debt-to-total capitalization ratio
			December 31,		2011		2010
Debt-to-total capitalization ratio (1)					38.1%		35.0%
Add: Present value of operating lease commitments (2)					1.9%		1.8%
Adjusted debt-to-total capitalization ratio					40.0%		36.8%
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA
$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated		Year ended December 31,			2011		2010
Debt				$	6,576	$	6,071
Add: Present value of operating lease commitments (2)					542		494
Adjusted debt					7,118		6,565
Operating income					3,296		3,024
Add: Depreciation and amortization					884		834
EBITDA (excluding Other income)					4,180		3,858
Add: Deemed interest on operating leases					30		28
Adjusted EBITDA				$	4,210	$	3,886
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA					1.69 times	1.69 times
(1)	Debt-to-total capitalization is calculated as total long-term debt plus current portion of long-term debt, divided by the sum of total debt plus total shareholders’ equity.
(2)	The operating lease commitments have been discounted using the Company’s implicit interest rate for each of the periods presented.

The increase in the Company’s adjusted debt-to-total capitalization ratio at December 31, 2011, as compared to 2010 was mainly due to net debt issuances as well as a weaker Canadian-to-US dollar foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. The operating income earned during 2011 offset the impact of the increased debt level as at December 31, 2011, resulting in a flat adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple, as compared to 2010.

Available financing arrangements

Revolving credit facility

In May 2011, the Company entered into an $800 million four-year revolving credit facility agreement with a consortium of lenders. The agreement allows for an increase in amount, up to a maximum of $500 million, as well as the option to extend the term by an additional year at each anniversary date, subject to the consent of individual lenders. The Company plans to use the credit facility for working capital and general corporate purposes including backstopping its commercial paper program. This facility, containing customary terms and conditions, replaces the US$1 billion credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October 2011. The credit facility agreement has one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization, and with which the Company is in compliance. As at December 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility (nil as at December 31, 2010).

Commercial paper

The Company has a commercial paper program, which is backed by its revolving credit facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $800 million, or the US dollar equivalent. As at December 31, 2011, the Company had borrowings of $82 million (US$81 million) of commercial paper (nil as at December 31, 2010) which were presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Balance Sheet.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Bilateral letter of credit facilities

In April 2011, the Company entered into a series of three-year bilateral letter of credit facility agreements with various banks to support its requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. As at December 31, 2011, from a total committed amount of $520 million by the various banks, the Company had letters of credit drawn of $499 million ($436 million as at December 31, 2010, under its previous US$1 billion credit facility). Under these agreements, the Company has the option from time to time to pledge collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, for a minimum term of three months, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. As at December 31,2011, cash and cash equivalents of $499 million were pledged as collateral and recorded as Restricted cash and cash equivalents.

Shelf prospectus

In November 2011, the Company filed a new shelf prospectus with Canadian securities regulators and a registration statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), providing for the issuance by CN of up to $2.5 billion of debt securities in Canadian and U.S. markets. The shelf prospectus expires December 2013. Access to capital markets under the shelf is dependent on market conditions at the time of pricing.

All forward-looking information provided in this section is subject to risks and uncertainties and is based on assumptions about events and developments that may not materialize or that may be offset entirely or partially by other events and developments. See the section of this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements for a discussion of assumptions and risk factors affecting such forward-looking statements.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Contractual obligations

In the normal course of business, the Company incurs contractual obligations.  The following table sets forth the Company’s contractual obligations for the following items as at December 31, 2011:

In millions			Total		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		2017 & thereafter
Debt obligations (1)		$	5,621	$	82	$	404	$	328	$	-	$	557	$	4,250
Interest on debt obligations			5,025		312		301		284		276		268		3,584
Capital lease obligations (2)			1,254		99		151		270		109		297		328
Operating lease obligations (3)			665		128		103		76		61		45		252
Purchase obligations (4)			727		457		126		101		43		-		-
Pension contributions (5)			1,065		-		225		280		280		280		-
Other long-term liabilities reflected on
the balance sheet (6)			838		77		64		46		42		39		570
Other commitments(7)			323		96		40		57		85		45		-
Total obligations		$	15,518	$	1,251	$	1,414	$	1,442	$	896	$	1,531	$	8,984
(1)	Presented net of unamortized discounts, of which $834 million relates to non-interest bearing Notes due in 2094, and excludes capital lease obligations of $955 million which are included in “Capital lease obligations.”
(2)	Includes $955 million of minimum lease payments and $299 million of imputed interest at rates ranging from 0.7% to 11.8%.
(3)	Includes minimum rental payments for operating leases having initial non-cancelable lease terms of one year or more. The Company also has operating lease agreements for its automotive fleet with one-year non-cancelable terms for which its practice is to renew monthly thereafter. The estimated annual rental payments for such leases are approximately $30 million and generally extend over five years.
(4)	Includes commitments for railroad ties, rail, freight cars, locomotives and other equipment and services, and outstanding information technology service contracts and licenses.
(5)	The Company’s funding requirements are determined upon completion of actuarial valuations. The Company’s next actuarial valuations required as at December 31, 2011 will be performed in 2012. The estimated minimum required payments for pension contributions, excluding current service cost, are based on the current projected results of actuarial funding valuations on a solvency basis. Actuarial valuations are required annually and as such, future payments for pension contributions are subject to reevaluation on an annual basis. These amounts do not include voluntary contributions in future years. (See the sections of this MD&A entitled Critical accounting policies – Pensions and other postretirement benefits as well as Other risks – Pensions).
(6)	Includes expected payments for workers’ compensation, workforce reductions, postretirement benefits other than pensions, net unrecognized tax benefits and environmental liabilities that have been classified as contractual settlement agreements.
(7)	The Company has remaining estimated commitments totaling approximately $130 million in relation to the EJ&E acquisition for railroad infrastructure improvements, grade separation projects as well as commitments under a series of agreements with individual communities and a comprehensive voluntary mitigation program established to address surrounding municipalities' concerns. The commitment for the grade separation projects is based on estimated costs provided by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) at the time of acquisition and could be subject to adjustment. In addition, remaining implementation costs associated with the U.S. federal government legislative requirement to implement PTC by 2015 are estimated to be approximately $193 million (US$190 million).

For 2012 and the foreseeable future, the Company expects cash flow from operations and from its various sources of financing to be sufficient to meet its debt repayments and future obligations, and to fund anticipated capital expenditures.

See the section of this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements for a discussion of assumptions and risk factors affecting such forward-looking statements.

Acquisition

2009

On January 31, 2009, the Company acquired the principal rail lines of the EJ&E, a short-line railway that operated over 198 miles of track in and around Chicago, for a total cash consideration of US$300 million (C$373 million), paid with cash on hand. The Company accounted for the acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” which the Company adopted on January 1, 2009. As such, the consolidated financial statements of the Company include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of EJ&E as of January 31, 2009, the date of acquisition. The costs incurred to acquire the EJ&E of approximately $49 million were expensed and reported in Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2009 (see Note 2 – Accounting changes).

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

     The following table summarizes the consideration paid for EJ&E and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed that were recognized at the acquisition date:

In US millions	At January 31, 2009
Consideration
Cash		$	300
Fair value of total consideration transferred		$	300
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Current assets		$	4
Properties			310
Current liabilities			(4)
Other noncurrent liabilities			(10)
Total identifiable net assets		$	300

The 2009 revenues and net income of EJ&E included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income from the acquisition date to December 31, 2009, were $74 million and $12 million, respectively.

Disposal of property

2011

IC RailMarine Terminal

In August 2011, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of IC RailMarine Terminal Company (ICRMT), an indirect subsidiary of the Company, to Raven Energy, LLC, an affiliate of Foresight Energy, LLC (Foresight) and the Cline Group (Cline), for cash proceeds of $70 million (US$73 million) before transaction costs. ICRMT is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River and stores and transfers bulk commodities and liquids between rail, ship and barge, serving customers in North American and global markets. Under the sale agreement, the Company will benefit from a 10-year rail transportation agreement with Savatran LLC, an affiliate of Foresight and Cline, to haul a minimum annual volume of coal from four Illinois mines to the ICRMT transfer facility. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $60 million ($38 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income.

Lakeshore East

In March 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell a segment of the Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East in Pickering and Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Lakeshore East”), for cash proceeds of $299 million before transaction costs. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Lakeshore East at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $288 million ($254 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

2010

Oakville subdivision

In March 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision in Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Oakville subdivision”), for proceeds of $168 million before transaction costs, of which $24 million was placed in escrow at the time of disposal and was entirely released by December 31, 2010 in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Oakville subdivision at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $152 million ($131 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

2009

Lower Newmarket subdivision

In November 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell the property known as the Lower Newmarket subdivision in Vaughan and Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Lower Newmarket subdivision”), for cash proceeds of $71 million before transaction costs. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

operate freight trains over the Lower Newmarket subdivision at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $69 million ($59 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

Weston subdivision

In March 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with GO Transit to sell the property known as the Weston subdivision in Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Weston subdivision”), for cash proceeds of $160 million before transaction costs, of which $50 million placed in escrow at the time of disposal was entirely released by December 31, 2009 in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Weston subdivision at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $157 million ($135 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

Off balance sheet arrangements

Accounts receivable securitization program

The Company had a five-year agreement to sell an undivided co-ownership interest in a revolving pool of freight receivables to an unrelated trust for maximum cash proceeds of $600 million. The agreement expired on May 31, 2011 and was not renewed.

Guarantees and indemnifications

In the normal course of business, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, enters into agreements that may involve providing guarantees or indemnifications to third parties and others, which may extend beyond the term of the agreements. These include, but are not limited to, residual value guarantees on operating leases, standby letters of credit and surety and other bonds, and indemnifications that are customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business.

The Company is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing certain guarantees on the date the guarantee is issued or modified. In addition, where the Company expects to make a payment in respect of a guarantee, a liability will be recognized to the extent that one has not yet been recognized.

The nature of these guarantees or indemnifications, the maximum potential amount of future payments, the carrying amount of the liability, if any, and the nature of any recourse provisions are disclosed in Note 17 – Major commitments and contingencies to the Company’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stock plans

The Company has various stock-based incentive plans for eligible employees. A description of the Company’s major plans is provided in Note 11 – Stock plans, to the Company’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. The following table provides the total stock-based compensation expense for awards under all plans, as well as the related tax benefit recognized in income, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Cash settled awards
Restricted share unit plan		$	81	$	77	$	43
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP)			21		18		33
			102		95		76
Stock option awards			10		9		14
Total stock-based compensation expense		$	112	$	104	$	90
Tax benefit recognized in income		$	24	$	27	$	26

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Financial instruments

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to various risks such as customer credit risk, commodity price risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, and liquidity risk. To manage these risks, the Company follows a financial risk management framework, which is monitored and approved by the Company’s Finance Committee, with a goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet, optimizing earnings per share and free cash flow, financing its operations at an optimal cost of capital and preserving its liquidity. The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments in the management of its risks and does not use them for trading purposes. At December 31, 2011, the Company did not have any significant derivative financial instruments outstanding. See Note 18 – Financial instruments, to the Company’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of such risks.

Payments for income taxes

The Company is required to make scheduled installment payments as prescribed by the tax authorities. In Canada, the Company’s domestic jurisdiction, tax installments in a given year are generally based on the prior year’s pretax income whereas in the U.S., the Company’s predominate foreign jurisdiction, they are based on forecasted pretax income of that year.

In 2011, net income tax payments to Canadian tax authorities were $360 million ($171 million in 2010) and net income tax payments to U.S. tax authorities were $122 million ($43 million in 2010). For the 2012 fiscal year, the Company’s net income tax payments are expected to be approximately $500 million. Net income tax payments for 2011 and 2012 both include the impact of recent changes in tax laws, specifically, the savings attributable to the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act in the United States, which increases the accelerated depreciation allowable from 50% to 100% for the period from September 2010 through to the end of 2011, and allows for 50% accelerated depreciation in 2012.

See the section of this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements for assumptions and risk factors affecting such forward-looking statement.

Common shares

Share repurchase programs

In January, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program which allowed for the repurchase of up to 16.5 million common shares to the end of December, 2011 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid, at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange. This share repurchase program was completed by September 30, 2011.

In October 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a new share repurchase program which allows for the repurchase of up to 17.0 million common shares between October 28, 2011 and October 27, 2012 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

The following table provides the activity under such share repurchase programs, as well as the share repurchase programs of the prior years:

In millions, except per share data	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
October 2011 - October 2012 program
Number of common shares (1)			3.4		N/A		N/A
Weighted-average price per share (2)		$	75.08		N/A		N/A
Amount of repurchase		$	256		N/A		N/A
January 2011 - December 2011 program
Number of common shares (1)			16.5		N/A		N/A
Weighted-average price per share (2)		$	70.56		N/A		N/A
Amount of repurchase		$	1,164		N/A		N/A
January 2010 - December 2010 program
Number of common shares (1)			N/A		15.0		N/A
Weighted-average price per share (2)			N/A	$	60.86		N/A
Amount of repurchase			N/A	$	913		N/A
July 2008 - July 2009 program
Number of common shares			N/A		N/A		-
Weighted-average price per share			N/A		N/A	$	-
Amount of repurchase			N/A		N/A	$	-
Total for the year
Number of common shares (1)			19.9		15.0		-
Weighted-average price per share (2)		$	71.33	$	60.86	$	-
Amount of repurchase		$	1,420	$	913	$	-
(1) Includes common shares purchased in the first and fourth quarters of 2011 and in the second and third quarters of 2010 pursuant to private agreements between     the Company and arm's-length third-party sellers.
(2) Includes brokerage fees.

Outstanding share data

As at February 3, 2012, the Company had 442.0 million common shares and 6.3 million stock options outstanding.

Recent accounting pronouncement

The Accounting Standards Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants requires all publicly accountable enterprises to report under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. However, National Instrument 52-107 issued by the Ontario Securities Commission allows Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issuers, as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, such as CN, to file with Canadian securities regulators financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As such, the Company has decided not to report under IFRS by 2011 and to continue reporting under U.S. GAAP. The SEC has issued a roadmap for the potential convergence to IFRS for U.S. issuers. Should the SEC decide it will move forward with the convergence to IFRS, the Company will convert its reporting to IFRS at that time.

Critical accounting policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based upon currently available information. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Company’s policies for personal injury and other claims, environmental matters, depreciation, pensions and other postretirement benefits, and income taxes, require management’s more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and, as such, are considered to be critical. The following information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

Management discusses the development and selection of the Company’s critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the Company’s related disclosures.

Personal injury and other claims

In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involved in various legal actions seeking compensatory and occasionally punitive damages, including actions brought on behalf of various purported classes of claimants and claims relating to employee and third-party personal injuries, occupational disease and property damage, arising out of harm to individuals or property allegedly caused by, but not limited to, derailments or other accidents.

Canada

Employee injuries are governed by the workers’ compensation legislation in each province whereby employees may be awarded either a lump sum or future stream of payments depending on the nature and severity of the injury. As such, the provision for employee injury claims is discounted. In the provinces where the Company is self-insured, costs related to employee work-related injuries are accounted for based on actuarially developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-party administration costs. A comprehensive actuarial study is generally performed at least on a triennial basis. For all other legal actions, the Company maintains, and regularly updates on a case-by-case basis, provisions for such items when the expected loss is both probable and can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information.

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s provision for personal injury and other claims in Canada was as follows:

In millions		2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1	$	200	$	178	$	189
Accruals and other		31		59		48
Payments		(32)		(37)		(59)
Balance December 31	$	199	$	200	$	178
Current portion - Balance December 31	$	39	$	39	$	34

Assumptions used in estimating the ultimate costs for Canadian employee injury claims consider, among others, the discount rate, the rate of inflation, wage increases and health care costs. The Company periodically reviews its assumptions to reflect currently available information. Over the past three years, the Company has not significantly changed any of these assumptions. Changes in any of these assumptions could materially affect Casualty and other expense as reported in the Company’s results of operations.

For all other legal claims in Canada, estimates are based on the specifics of the case, trends and judgment.

United States

Personal injury claims by the Company’s employees, including claims alleging occupational disease and work-related injuries, are subject to the provisions of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Employees are compensated under FELA for damages assessed based on a finding of fault through the U.S. jury system or through individual settlements. As such, the provision is undiscounted. With limited exceptions where claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the Company follows an actuarial-based approach and accrues the expected cost for personal injury, including asserted and unasserted occupational disease claims, and property damage claims, based on actuarial estimates of their ultimate cost. A comprehensive actuarial study is performed annually.

For employee work-related injuries, including asserted occupational disease claims, and third-party claims, including grade crossing, trespasser and property damage claims, the actuarial valuation considers, among other factors, CN’s historical patterns of claims filings and payments. For unasserted occupational disease claims, the actuarial study includes the projection of CN’s experience into the future considering the potentially exposed population. The Company adjusts its liability based upon management’s assessment and the results of the study. On an ongoing basis, management reviews and compares the assumptions inherent in the latest actuarial study with the current claim experience and, if required, adjustments to the liability are recorded.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in projecting future events, including events related to occupational diseases, which include but are not limited to, the timing and number of actual claims, the average cost per claim and the legislative and judicial environment, the Company’s future payments may differ from current amounts recorded.

External actuarial studies reflecting favorable claims development over recent years have supported net reductions to the Company’s provision for U.S. personal injury and other claims of $6 million, $19 million and $60 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The reductions were mainly attributable to decreases in the Company’s estimates of unasserted claims and costs related to asserted claims as a result of its ongoing risk mitigation strategy focused on reducing the frequency and severity of claims through injury prevention and containment; mitigation of claims; and lower settlements for existing claims.

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s provision for personal injury and other claims in the U.S. was asfollows:

In millions		2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1	$	146	$	166	$	265
Accruals and other		30		7		(46)
Payments		(65)		(27)		(53)
Balance December 31	$	111	$	146	$	166
Current portion - Balance December 31	$	45	$	44	$	72

For the U.S. personal injury and other claims liability, historical claim data is used to formulate assumptions relating to the expected number of claims and average cost per claim (severity) for each year. Changes in any one of these assumptions could materially affect Casualty and other expense as reported in the Company’s results of operations. For example, a 5% change in the asbestos average claim cost or a 1% change in the inflation trend rate would result in an increase or decrease of approximately $2 million in the liability recorded for unasserted asbestos claims.

Environmental matters

Known existing environmental concerns

The Company has identified approximately 310 sites at which it is or may be liable for remediation costs, in some cases along with other potentially responsible parties, associated with alleged contamination and is subject to environmental clean-up and enforcement actions, including those imposed by the United States Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law, or analogous state laws. CERCLA and similar state laws, in addition to other similar Canadian and U.S. laws, generally impose joint and several liability for clean-up and enforcement costs on current and former owners and operators of a site, as well as those whose waste is disposed of at the site, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. The Company has been notified that it is a potentially responsible party for study and clean-up costs at approximately 10 sites governed by the Superfund law (and analogous state laws) for which investigation and remediation payments are or will be made or are yet to be determined and, in many instances, is one of several potentially responsible parties.

The ultimate cost of addressing these known contaminated sites cannot be definitely established given that the estimated environmental liability for any given site may vary depending on the nature and extent of the contamination; the nature of anticipated response actions, taking into account the available clean-up techniques; evolving regulatory standards governing environmental liability; and the number of potentially responsible parties and their financial viability. As a result, liabilities are recorded based on the results of a four-phase assessment conducted on a site-by-site basis. A liability is initially recorded when environmental assessments occur, remedial efforts are probable, and when the costs, based on a specific plan of action in terms of the technology to be used and the extent of the corrective action required, can be reasonably estimated. The Company estimates the costs related to a particular site using cost scenarios established by external consultants based on the extent of contamination and expected costs for remedial efforts. In the case of multiple parties, the Company accrues its allocable share of liability taking into account the Company’s alleged responsibility, the number of potentially responsible parties and their ability to pay their respective share of the liability. Adjustments to initial estimates are recorded as additional information becomes available.

The Company’s provision for specific environmental sites is undiscounted and includes costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as monitoring costs. Environmental accruals, which are classified as Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement of Income, include amounts for newly identified sites or contaminants as well as adjustments to initial estimates. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company's provision for specific environmental sites was as follows:
In millions			2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1		$	150	$	103	$	125
	Accruals and other		17		67		(7)
	Payments		(15)		(20)		(15)
Balance December 31		$	152	$	150	$	103
Current portion - Balance December 31		$	63	$	34	$	38

The Company anticipates that the majority of the liability at December 31, 2011 will be paid out over the next five years. However, some costs may be paid out over a longer period. The Company expects to partly recover certain accrued remediation costs associated with alleged contamination and has recorded a receivable in Intangible and other assets for such recoverable amounts. Based on the information currently available, the Company considers its provisions to be adequate.

As of December 31, 2011, most of the Company’s properties have reached the final assessment stage; therefore costs related to such sites have been anticipated. The final assessment stage can span multiple years.

Unknown existing environmental concerns

While the Company believes that it has identified the costs likely to be incurred for environmental matters in the next several years based on known information, the discovery of new facts, future changes in laws, the possibility of releases of hazardous materials into the environment and the Company’s ongoing efforts to identify potential environmental liabilities that may be associated with its properties may result in the identification of additional environmental liabilities and related costs. The magnitude of such additional liabilities and the costs of complying with future environmental laws and containing or remediating contamination cannot be reasonably estimated due to many factors, including:

(i)   the lack of specific technical information available with respect to many sites;

(ii)  the absence of any government authority, third-party orders, or claims with respect to particular sites;

(iii) the potential for new or changed laws and regulations and for development of new remediation technologies and uncertainty regarding the timing of the work with respect to particular sites; and

(iv)  the determination of the Company’s liability in proportion to other potentiallyresponsible parties and the ability to recover costs from any third parties with respect to particular sites.

Therefore, the likelihood of any such costs being incurred or whether such costs would be material to the Company cannot be determined at this time. There can thus be no assurance that liabilities or costs related to environmental matters will not be incurred in the future, or will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year, or that the Company’s liquidity will not be adversely impacted by such liabilities or costs, although management believes, based on current information, that the costs to address environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity. Costs related to any unknown existing or future contamination will be accrued in the period in which they become probable and reasonably estimable.

Future occurrences

In railroad and related transportation operations, it is possible that derailments or other accidents, including spills and releases of hazardous materials, may occur that could cause harm to human health or to the environment. As a result, the Company may incur costs in the future, which may bematerial, to address any such harm, compliance with laws and other risks, including costs relating to the performance of clean-ups, payment of environmental penalties and remediation obligations, and damages relating to harm to individuals or property.

Regulatory compliance

The Company may incur significant capital and operating costs associated with environmental regulatory compliance and clean-up requirements, in its railroad operations and relating to its past and present ownership, operation or control of real property. Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed unless they relate to an improvement to the property. Expenditures that relate to

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

an existing condition caused by past operations and which are not expected to contribute to current or future operations are expensed. Operating expenses for environmental matters amounted to $4 million in 2011, $23 million in 2010 and $11 million in 2009. For 2012, the Company expects to incur approximately $15 million of operating expenses relating to environmental matters. In addition based on the results of its operations and maintenance programs, as well as ongoing environmental audits and other factors, the Company plans for specific capital improvements on an annual basis. Certain of these improvements help ensure facilities, such as fuelling stations and waste water and storm water treatment systems, comply with environmental standards and include new construction and the updating of existing systems and/or processes. Other capital expenditures relate to assessing and remediating certain impaired properties. The Company’s environmental capital expenditures amounted to $11 million in 2011, $14 million in 2010 and $9 million in 2009. For 2012, the Company expects to incur capital expenditures relating to environmental matters in the same range as 2011.

Depreciation

Properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation including asset impairment write-downs. The cost of properties, including those under capital leases, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated service lives, measured in years, except for rail which is measured in millions of gross tons per mile. The Company follows the group method of depreciation whereby a single composite depreciation rate is applied to the gross investment in a class of similar assets, despite small differences in the service life or salvage value of individual property units within the same asset class. The Company uses approximately 40 different depreciable asset classes.

For all depreciable assets, the depreciation rate is based on the estimated service lives of the assets. Assessing the reasonableness of the estimated service lives of properties requires judgment and is based on currently available information, including periodic depreciation studies conducted by the Company. The Company’s U.S. properties are subject to comprehensive depreciation studies as required by the STB and are conducted by external experts. Depreciation studies for Canadian properties are not required by regulation and are therefore conducted internally. Studies are performed on specific asset groups on a periodic basis. Changes in the estimated service lives of the assets and their related composite depreciation rates are implemented prospectively.

The studies consider, among other factors, the analysis of historical retirement data using recognized life analysis techniques, and the forecasting of asset life characteristics. Changes in circumstances, such as technological advances, changes to the Company’s business strategy, changes in the Company’s capital strategy or changes in regulations can result in the actual service lives differing from the Company’s estimates.

A change in the remaining service life of a group of assets, or their estimated net salvage value, will affect the depreciation rate used to amortize the group of assets and thus affect depreciation expense as reported in the Company’s results of operations. A change of one year in the composite service life of the Company’s fixed asset base would impact annual depreciation expense by approximately $23 million.

Depreciation studies are a means of ensuring that the assumptions used to estimate the service lives of particular asset groups are still valid and where they are not, they serve as the basis to establish the new depreciation rates to be used on a prospective basis. In the first quarter of 2011, the Company completed the final phase of its depreciation studies that began in 2010 for Canadian properties and U.S. rolling stock and equipment. As a result of this phase of the studies, in the first quarter of 2011, the Company changed the estimated service lives for various assets and their related composite depreciation rates. Overall, the depreciation studies resulted in an annualized increase to depreciation expense of approximately $30 million.

In 2011, the Company recorded total depreciation expense of $883 million ($833 million in 2010 and $789 million in 2009). At December 31, 2011, the Company had Properties of $23,917 million, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,904 million ($22,917 million in 2010, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,553 million). Additional disclosures are provided in Note 5 – Properties, to the Company’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.

U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require the use of historical cost as the basis of reporting in financial statements. As a result, the cumulative effect of inflation, which has significantly increased asset replacement costs for capital-intensive companies such as CN, is not reflected in operating expenses. Depreciation charges on an inflation-adjusted basis, assuming that all operating assets are replaced at current price levels, would be substantially greater than historically reported amounts.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Pensions and other postretirement benefits

The Company’s plans have a measurement date of December 31. The following table shows the Company’s pension asset, pension liability and other postretirement benefits liability at December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010:

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Pension asset		$	-	$	442
Pension liability		$	829	$	245
Other postretirement benefits liability		$	284	$	283

The descriptions in the following paragraphs pertaining to pensions relate generally to the Company’s main pension plan, the CN Pension Plan, unless otherwise specified.

Calculation of net periodic benefit cost (income)

The Company accounts for net periodic benefit cost for pensions and other postretirement benefits as required by FASB ASC 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits.” Under the standard, assumptions are made regarding the valuation of benefit obligations and performance of plan assets. In the calculation of net periodic benefit cost, the standard allows for a gradual recognition of changes in benefit obligations and fund performance over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans.

In accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits, assumptions are required for, among others, the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the rate of compensation increase, health care cost trend rates, mortality rates, employee early retirements, terminations and disability. Changes in these assumptions result in actuarial gains or losses, which are recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss). The Company amortizes these gains or losses into net periodic benefit cost over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans only to the extent that the unrecognized net actuarial gains and losses are in excess of the corridor threshold, which is calculated as 10% of the greater of the beginning-of-year balances of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets. The Company’s net periodic benefit cost for future periods is dependent on demographic experience, economic conditions and investment performance. Recent demographic experience has revealed no material net gains or losses on termination, retirement, disability and mortality. Experience with respect to economic conditions and investment performance is further discussed herein.

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the consolidated net period benefit cost (income) for pensions and other postretirement benefits were as follows:

In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Net periodic benefit cost (income) for pensions		$	(80)	$	(70)	$	(34)
Net periodic benefit cost for other postretirement benefits		$	19	$	18	$	19

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the projected pension benefit obligation and accumulated other postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) were as follows:

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Projected pension benefit obligation		$	15,548	$	14,895
Accumulated other postretirement benefit obligation		$	284	$	283

Discount rate assumption

The Company’s discount rate assumption, which is set annually at the end of each year, is used to determine the projected benefit obligation at the end of the year and the net periodic benefit cost for the following year. The discount rate is used to measure the single amount that, if invested at the measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments with a rating of AA or better, would provide the necessary cash flows to pay for pension benefits as they become due. The discount rate is determined by management with the aid of third-party actuaries. The Company’s methodology for determining the discount rate is based on a zero-coupon bond yield curve, which is derived from semi-annual bond yields provided by a third party. The portfolio of hypothetical zero-coupon bonds is expected to generate cash flows that match the estimated future benefit payments of the plans as the bond rate for each maturity year is applied to the plans’ corresponding expected benefit payments of that year. A discount rate of 4.84%, based on bond yields prevailing at December 31,

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

2011 (5.32% at December 31, 2010) was considered appropriate by the Company to match the approximately 10-year average duration of estimated future benefit payments. The current estimate for the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans is approximately nine years.

The Company amortizes net actuarial gains and losses over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans, only to the extent they are in excess of the corridor threshold. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded a net actuarial loss of $1,543 million on its pension plans increasing the net actuarial loss recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss to $2,720 million ($1,185 million in 2010). The increase in the net actuarial loss was primarily due to the negative liability experience resulting from the decrease in the discount rate from 5.32% to 4.84%, as well as the difference in the actual and expected return on plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2011.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, a 0.25% decrease in the 4.84% discount rate used to determine the projected benefit obligation would have resulted in a decrease of approximately $385 million to the funded status for pensions and an increase of approximately $25 million to the 2012 net periodic benefit cost. A 0.25% increase in the discount rate would have resulted in an increase of approximately $375 million to the funded status for pensions and a decrease of approximately $25 million to the 2012 net periodic benefit cost.

Expected long-term rate of return assumption

To develop its expected long-term rate of return assumption used in the calculation of net periodic benefit cost applicable to the market-related value of assets, the Company considers multiple factors. The expected long-term rate of return is determined based on expected future performance for each asset class and is weighted based on the current asset portfolio mix. Consideration is taken of the historical performance, the premium return generated from an actively managed portfolio, as well as current and future anticipated asset allocations, economic developments, inflation rates and administrative expenses. Based on these factors, the rate is determined by the Company. For 2011, the Company used a long-term rate of return assumption of 7.50% on the market-related value of plan assets to compute net periodic benefit cost. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company will reduce the expected long term rate of return on plan assets from 7.50% to 7.25% to reflect management's current view of long term investment returns. The effect of this change in management’s assumption will be to increase 2012 net periodic benefit cost by approximately $20 million. The Company has elected to use a market-related value of assets, whereby realized and unrealized gains/losses and appreciation/depreciation in the value of the investments are recognized over a period of five years, while investment income is recognized immediately. If the Company had elected to use the market value of assets, which for the CN Pension Plan at December 31, 2011 was approximately the same as the market-related value of assets there would be no significant impact to the net periodic benefit cost for 2012.

 The assets of the Company’s various plans are held in separate trust fundswhich are diversified by asset type, country and investment strategies. Each year, the CN Board of Directors reviews and confirms or amends the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (SIPP) which includes the plans’ long-term asset class mix and related benchmark indices (Policy). This Policy is based on a long-term forward-looking view of the world economy, the dynamics of the plans’ benefit liabilities, the market return expectations of each asset class and the current state of financial markets. The Policy mix in 2011 was: 2% cash and short-term investments, 38% bonds, 47% equities, 4% real estate, 5% oil and gas and 4% infrastructure assets.

Annually, the CN Investment Division, a division of the Company created to invest and administer the assets of the plans, proposes a short-term asset mix target (Strategy) for the coming year, which is expected to differ from the Policy, because of current economic and market conditions and expectations. The Investment Committee of the Board (Committee) regularly compares the actual asset mix to the Policy and Strategy asset mixes and evaluates the actual performance of the trust funds in relation to the performance of the Policy, calculated using Policy asset mix and the performance of the benchmark indices.

The Committee’s approval is required for all major investments in illiquid securities. The SIPP allows for the use of derivative financial instruments to implement strategies or to hedge or adjust existing or anticipated exposures. The SIPP prohibits investments in securities of the Company or its subsidiaries. During the last 10 years ended December 31, 2011, the CN Pension Plan earned an annual average rate of return of 6.62%.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

The actual, market-related value, and expected rates of return on plan assets for the last five years were as follows:

Rates of return	2011	2010	2009	2008	2007
Actual	0.3%	8.7%	10.8%	(11.0%)	8.0%
Market-related value	3.0%	4.8%	6.5%	7.8%	12.7%
Expected	7.50%	7.75%	7.75%	8.00%	8.00%

The Company’s expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects management’s view of long-term investment returns and the effect of a 1% variation in such rate of return would result in a change to the net periodic benefit cost of approximately $85 million. Management’s assumption of the expected long-term rate of return is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual rate of return to differ materially from management’s assumption. There can be no assurance that the plan assets will be able to earn the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.

Net periodic benefit cost for pensions for 2012

In 2012, the Company expects a net periodic benefit cost in the range of approximately $20 million to $35 million for all its defined benefit pension plans. The unfavorable variance compared to 2011 is mainly due to a decrease in the expected rate of return from 7.50% to 7.25% as well as the amortization of actuarial losses resulting from a decrease in the discount rate used from 5.32% to 4.84% and an actual return on plan assets less than the expected return in 2011, partly offset by lower interest costs.

Plan asset allocation

Based on the fair value of the assets held as at December 31, 2011, excluding the economic exposure of derivatives, the assets of the Company’s various plans are comprised of 7.0% in cash and short-term investments, 26.3% in bonds, 1.2% in mortgages, 42.3% in equities, 1.5% in real estate assets, 8.4% in oil and gas, 4.8% in infrastructure, 8.2% in absolute return investments and 0.3% in other assets. See Note 12 - Pensions and other postretirement benefits, to the Company’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the fair value measurements of such assets.

       A significant portion of the plans' assets are invested in publicly traded equity securities whose return is primarily driven by stock market performance. Debt securities also account for a significant portion of the plans' investments and provide a partial offset to the variation in the pension benefit obligation that is driven by changes in the discount rate. The funded status of the plan fluctuates with future market conditions and impacts funding requirements. The Company will continue to make contributions to the pension plans that as a minimum meet pension legislative requirements.

Rate of compensation increase and health care cost trend rate

The rate of compensation increase is determined by the Company based upon its long-term plans for such increases. For 2011, a rate of compensation increase of 3.25% and 3.50% was used to determine the projected benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost respectively.

For postretirement benefits other than pensions, the Company reviews external data and its own historical trends for health care costs to determine the health care cost trend rates. For measurement purposes, the projected health care cost trend rate for prescription drugs was assumed to be 10% in 2011, and it is assumed that the rate will decrease gradually to 4.5% in 2028 and remain at that level thereafter.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, a one-percentage-point change in either the rate of compensation increase or the health care cost trend rate would not cause a material change to the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for both pensions and other postretirement benefits.

Funding of pension plans

For accounting purposes, the funded status is calculated under generally accepted accounting principles for all pension plans. For funding purposes, the funded status is also calculated under going-concern and solvency scenarios as prescribed under pension legislation and subject to guidance issued by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) for all of the Canadian defined benefit pension plans. The Company’s funding requirements are determined upon completion of actuarial valuations. Due to recent legislative changes, actuarial valuations will be required on an annual basis as at December 31, 2011 for all Canadian plans, or when deemed appropriate by the OSFI.

The latest actuarial valuation of the CN Pension Plan for funding purposes was conducted as at December 31, 2008 and indicated a funding excess on a going-concern and solvency basis. The Company’s next actuarial valuation required as at December 31, 2011 will be

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

performed in 2012. While this actuarial valuation is expected to identify a going concern surplus of approximately $1 billion, on a solvency basis a funding deficit of approximately $1.4 billion is expected due to the level of interest rates applicable during that measurement period and the pension plan asset returns. The federal pension legislation requires funding deficits, as calculated under current pension regulations, to be paid over a number of years. Actuarial valuations are also required annually for the Company’s U.S. pension plans.

In 2011, in anticipation of its future funding requirements, the Company made voluntary contributions of $350 million in excess of the required contributions mainly to strengthen the financial position of its main pension plan, the CN Pension Plan. The Company has been advised by the OSFI that this contribution can be treated as a prepayment against its 2012 pension deficit funding requirements. As a result, the Company’s cash contributions for 2012 are expected to be in the range of approximately $275 million to $575 million for all its pension plans and include a voluntary contribution of approximately $150 million to $450 million. The Company expects cash from operations and its other sources of financing to be sufficient to meet its 2012 funding obligations.

Adverse changes to the assumptions used to calculate the Company’s funding status, particularly the discount rate, as well as changes to existing federal pension legislation could significantly impact the Company’s future contributions.

Information disclosed by major pension plan

The following table provides the Company’s plan assets by category, projected benefit obligation at end of year, as well as Company and employee contributions by major defined benefit pension plan:

				CN		BC Rail Ltd Pension Plan		U.S. and other plans
In millions		December 31, 2011		Pension Plan						Total
Plan assets by category
	Cash and short-term investments		$	976	$	36	$	14	$	1,026
	Bonds			3,636		165		74		3,875
	Mortgage			172		6		-		178
	Equities			5,945		196		91		6,232
	Real estate			206		7		1		214
	Oil and gas			1,186		42		4		1,232
	Infrastructure			680		24		3		707
	Absolute return			1,158		38		4		1,200
	Other			33		14		8		55
Total plan assets			$	13,992	$	528	$	199	$	14,719
Projected benefit obligation at end of year			$	14,514	$	533	$	501	$	15,548
Company contributions in 2011			$	422	$	15	$	21	$	458
Employee contributions in 2011			$	54	$	-	$	-	$	54

Additional disclosures are provided in Note 12 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits, to the Company’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income taxes

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, the change in the net deferred income tax asset or liability is included in the computation of net income or Other comprehensive income (loss). Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. As a result, a projection of taxable income is required for those years, as well as an assumption of the ultimate recovery/settlement period for temporary differences. The projection of future taxable income is based on management’s best estimate and may vary from actual taxable income. On an annual basis, the Company assesses the need to establish a valuation allowance for its deferred income tax assets, and if it is deemed more likely than not that its deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled

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reversals of deferred income tax liabilities including the available carryback and carryforward periods, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. As at December 31, 2011, in order to fully realize all of the deferred income tax assets, the Company will need to generate future taxable income of approximately $1.6 billion and, based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred income tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. Management has assessed the impacts of the current economic environment and concluded there are no significant impacts to its assertions for the realization of deferred income tax assets.

In addition, Canadian, or domestic, tax rules and regulations, as well as those relating to foreign jurisdictions, are subject to interpretation and require judgment by the Company that may be challenged by the taxation authorities upon audit of the filed income tax returns. Tax benefits are recognized if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxation authorities. As at December 31, 2011, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $46 million, before considering tax treaties and other arrangements between taxation authorities. The amount of net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2011 was $35 million. If recognized, all of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2011 would affect the effective tax rate. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $16 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2011 related to various federal, state, and provincial income tax matters, each of which are individually insignificant, may be recognized over the next twelve months as a result of settlements and a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations. In Canada, the Company’s federal income tax returns filed for the years 2007 to 2010 and the provincial income tax returns filed for the years 2006 to 2010 remain subject to examination by the taxation authorities. In the second quarter of 2011, the taxation authorities commenced examinations of the Company's federal income tax returns for 2007 and 2008 which are expected to be completed during 2012. Current on-going examinations on specific tax positions taken for federal and provincial income tax returns filed for the 2006 year are also expected to be completed during 2012. In the U.S., both the federal and state income tax returns filed for the years 2007 to 2010 remain subject to examination by the taxation authorities. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the taxation authorities commenced examinations of the Company's Indiana state income tax returns for 2008 to 2010 and are expected to be completed during 2012. Current on-going examinations of the Company's Wisconsin state income tax returns for 2003 to 2006 are also expected to be completed during 2012. The Company does not anticipate any significant impacts to its results of operations or financial position as a result of the resolutions expected in 2012.

The Company’s deferred income tax assets are mainly composed of temporary differences related to the pension liability, accruals for personal injury claims and other reserves, other postretirement benefits liability, and net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. The majority of these accruals will be paid out over the next five years. The Company’s deferred income tax liabilities are mainly composed of temporary differences related to properties. The reversal of temporary differences is expected at future-enacted income tax rates which could change due to fiscal budget changes and/or changes in income tax laws. As a result, a change in the timing and/or the income tax rate at which the components will reverse, could materially affect deferred income tax expense as recorded in the Company’s results of operations. A one-percentage-point change in the Company’s reported effective income tax rate would have the effect of changing the income tax expense by $34 million in 2011.

From time to time, the federal, provincial, and state governments enact new corporate income tax rates resulting in either lower or higher tax liabilities. Such enactments occurred in each of 2011 and 2009 and resulted in a net deferred income tax expense of $40 million and a deferred income tax recovery of $126 million, respectively, with corresponding adjustments to the Company’s net deferred income tax liability.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded total income tax expense of $899 million ($772 million in 2010 and $407 million in 2009), of which $531 million was a deferred income tax expense and included a net deferred income tax expense of $40 million resulting from the enactment of state corporate income tax rate changes and other legislated state tax revisions, and a current income tax recovery of $11 million relating to certain fuel costs attributed to various wholly-owned subsidiaries’ fuel consumption in prior periods. In 2010, $418 million of the reported income tax expense was for deferred income taxes. In 2009, $138 million of the reported income tax expense was for deferred income taxes, and included a deferred income tax recovery of $157 million. Of this amount, $126 million resulted from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates, $16 million resulted from the recapitalization of a foreign investment, and $15 million resulted from the resolution of various income tax matters and adjustments related to tax filings of prior years. The Company’s net deferred income tax liability at December 31, 2011 was $5,287 million ($5,099 million at December 31, 2010). Additional disclosures are provided in Note 14 – Income taxes, to the Company’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Business risks

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to various business risks and uncertainties that can have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. While some exposures may be reduced by the Company’s risk management strategies, many risks are driven by external factors beyond the Company’s control or are of a nature which cannot be eliminated. The following is a discussion of key areas of business risks and uncertainties.

Competition

The Company faces significant competition, including from rail carriers and other modes of transportation, and is also affected by its customers’ flexibility to select among various origins and destinations, including ports, in getting their products to market. Specifically, the Company faces competition from Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CP), which operates the other major rail system in Canada and services most of the same industrial areas, commodity resources and population centers as the Company; major U.S. railroads and other Canadian and U.S. railroads; long-distance trucking companies, and transportation via the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes Seaway and the Mississippi River. In addition, while railroads must build or acquire and maintain their rail systems, motor carriers and barges are able to use public rights-of-way that are built and maintained by public entities without paying fees covering the entire costs of their usage.

Competition is generally based on the quality and the reliability of the service provided, access to markets, as well as price. Factors affecting the competitive position of customers, including exchange rates and energy cost, could materially adversely affect the demand for goods supplied by the sources served by the Company and, therefore, the Company’s volumes, revenues and profit margins. Factors affecting the general market conditions for our customers can result in an imbalance of transportation capacity relative to demand. An extended period of supply/demand imbalance could negatively impact market rate levels for all transportation services, and more specifically the Company’s ability to maintain or increase rates. This, in turn, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial position.

The level of consolidation of rail systems in the United States has resulted in larger rail systems that are able to offer seamless services in larger market areas and, accordingly, compete effectively with the Company in numerous markets. This requires the Company to consider arrangements or other initiatives that would similarly enhance its own service.

There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete effectively against current and future competitors in the transportation industry, and that further consolidation within the transportation industry and legislation allowing for more leniency in size and weight for motor carriers will not adversely affect the Company’s competitive position. No assurance can be given that competitive pressures will not lead to reduced revenues, profit margins or both.

Environmental matters

The Company’s operations are subject to numerous federal, provincial, state, municipal and local environmental laws and regulations in Canada and the United States concerning, among other things, emissions into the air; discharges into waters; the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste, hazardous substances and other materials; decommissioning of underground and aboveground storage tanks; and soil and groundwater contamination. A risk of environmental liability is inherent in railroad and related transportation operations; real estate ownership, operation or control; and other commercial activities of the Company with respect to both current and past operations. As a result, the Company incurs significant operating and capital costs, on an ongoing basis, associated with environmental regulatory compliance and clean-up requirements in its railroad operations and relating to its past and present ownership, operation or control of real property.

While the Company believes that it has identified the costs likely to be incurred for environmental matters in the next several years based on known information, newly discovered facts, changes in laws, the possibility of releases of hazardous materials into the environment and the Company’s ongoing efforts to identify potential environmental liabilities that may be associated with its properties may result in the identification of additional environmental liabilities and related costs.

In railroad and related transportation operations, it is possible that derailments or other accidents, including spills and releases of hazardous materials, may occur that could cause harm to human health or to the environment. In addition, the Company is also exposed to potential catastrophic liability risk, faced by the railroad industry generally, in connection with the transportation of toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia, commodities that the Company may be required to transport to the extent of its common carrier obligations. As a result, the Company may incur costs in the future, which may be material, to address any such harm, compliance with laws or other risks, including costs relating to the performance of clean-ups, payment of environmental penalties and remediation obligations, and damages relating to harm to individuals or property.

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The environmental liability for any given contaminated site varies depending on the nature and extent of the contamination; the available clean-up techniques; evolving regulatory standards governing environmental liability; and the number of potentially responsible parties and their financial viability. As such, the ultimate cost of addressing known contaminated sites cannot be definitively established. Also, additional contaminated sites yet unknown may be discovered or future operations may result in accidental releases.

While some exposures may be reduced by the Company’s risk mitigation strategies (including periodic audits, employee training programs and emergency plans and procedures), many environmental risks are driven by external factors beyond the Company’s control or are of a nature which cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, there can be no assurance, notwithstanding the Company’s mitigation strategies that liabilities or costs related to environmental matters will not be incurred in the future or that environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity, and reputation in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

Personal injury and other claims

In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involved in various legal actions seeking compensatory and occasionally punitive damages, including actions brought on behalf of various purported classes of claimants and claims relating to employee and third-party personal injuries, occupational disease, and property damage, arising out of harm to individuals or property allegedly caused by, but not limited to, derailments or other accidents. The Company maintains provisions for such items, which it considers to be adequate for all of its outstanding or pending claims and benefits from insurance coverage for occurrences in excess of certain amounts. The final outcome with respect to actions outstanding or pending at December 31, 2011, or with respect to future claims, cannot be predicted with certainty, and therefore there can be no assurance that their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity, in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

Labor negotiations

Canadian workforce

As at December 31, 2011, CN employed a total of 16,313 employees in Canada, of which 12,301 were unionized employees. From time to time, the Company negotiates to renew collective agreements with various unionized groups of employees. In such cases, the collective agreements remain in effect until the bargaining process has been exhausted as per the Canada Labour Code.

On September 1, 2010, CN and the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) had initiated the bargaining process for the renewal of four collective agreements applicable to clerical and intermodal employees, shopcraft mechanics and electricians, excavator operators and owner operator truck drivers working for a CN subsidiary, which were to expire on December 31, 2010. On January 24, 2011, the parties reached agreements for all groups, thus concluding bargaining without a labor disruption. The agreements were ratified on February 14, 2011 and will expire on December 31, 2014.

On September 15, 2011 and October 11, 2011, CN and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) initiated the bargaining process for the renewal of the collective agreements covering approximately 200 rail traffic controllers and 1,500 locomotive engineers respectively, which were set to expire on December 31, 2011. On December 12, 2011, the parties reached a tentative three year agreement covering the locomotive engineers expiring on December 31, 2014. The agreement was ratified by the locomotive engineers on January 27, 2012 and the wage increases are retroactive to January 1, 2012. Bargaining for the renewal of the collective agreement governing the rail traffic controllers is still ongoing.

On September 21, 2011, CN and the Steelworkers (USW) initiated the bargaining process for the renewal of the collective agreement covering approximately 2,900 track maintenance employees, which expired on December 31, 2011. On December 15, 2011, the parties reached a tentative agreement. The result of the ratification process by the employees is expected before February 15, 2012.

Disputes with bargaining units could potentially result in strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns and loss of business. Future labor agreements or renegotiated agreements could increase labor and fringe benefits expenses. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to renew and have its collective agreements ratified without any strikes or lockouts or that the resolution of these collective bargaining negotiations will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

U.S. workforce

As at December 31, 2011, CN employed a total of 6,917 employees in the United States, of which 5,732 were unionized employees.

As of February 2012, the Company had in place agreements with bargaining units representing the entire unionized workforce at Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company (GTW); Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway Company (DWP); Illinois Central Railroad Company (ICRR); companies owned by CCP Holdings, Inc. (CCP); Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway Company (DMIR); Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad Company (BLE); The Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company (PCD); EJ&E; and all but one of the unions at companies owned by Wisconsin

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Central Transportation Corporation (WC). Agreements in place have various moratorium provisions, ranging from 2004 to 2014, which preserve the status quo in respect of given areas during the terms of such moratoriums. Several of these agreements are currently under renegotiation. The WC rail traffic controllers are in the process of negotiating their first collective agreement.

In conjunction with a notice of exemption filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) on April 8, 2011, effective May 8, 2011, allowing for the intra-corporate merger of DWP, DMIR and WC, the Company served notice to unions representing train and engine service employees on those properties to consolidate the collective agreements and allow the transaction to be implemented. This process is governed by the New York Dock labor protective conditions which provide a mechanism to ensure that the change is achieved without disruption in the event that new agreements cannot be reached voluntarily.

Following notice of this transaction, on August 2, 2011, a tentative agreement was reached with the United Transportation Union (UTU) to merge the collective bargaining agreements of those three properties under the general terms of the WC agreement and to extend that agreement for a period of three years ending December 31, 2014. The agreement was ratified on October 14, 2011.

As a similar voluntary agreement to consolidate the locomotive engineer's collective bargaining agreements (on those properties) was not achieved, the matter was progressed to binding arbitration for resolution. On November 29, 2011 the Arbitrator assigned to the New York Dock proceedings rendered a decision that allows CN to consolidate the locomotive engineer collective bargaining agreements effective January 1, 2012. In accordance with the terms of the agreements and conditions, the merger was consummated on December 31, 2011.

The general approach to labor negotiations by U.S. Class I railroads is to bargain on a collective national basis. GTW, DWP, ICRR, CCP, WC, DMIR, BLE, PCD and EJ&E have bargained on a local basis rather than holding national, industry-wide negotiations because they believe it results in agreements that better address both the employees’ concerns and preferences, and the railways’ actual operating environment. However, local negotiations may not generate federal intervention in a strike or lockout situation, since a dispute may be localized. The Company believes the potential mutual benefits of local bargaining outweigh the risks.

Where negotiations are ongoing, the terms and conditions of existing agreements generally continue to apply until new agreements are reached or the processes of the Railway Labor Act have been exhausted.

There can be no assurance that there will not be any work action by any of the bargaining units with which the Company is currently in negotiations or that the resolution of these negotiations will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

Regulation

The Company’s rail operations in Canada are subject to (i) economic regulation by the Canadian Transportation Agency (the Agency) under the Canada Transportation Act (the CTA), and (ii) safety regulation by the federal Minister of Transport under the Railway Safety Act and certain other statutes. The Company’s U.S. rail operations are subject to (i) economic regulation by the STB and (ii) safety regulation by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

Economic regulation – Canada

The CTA provides rate and service remedies, including final offer arbitration (FOA), competitive line rates and compulsory interswitching. In addition, various Company business transactions must gain prior regulatory approval, with attendant risks and uncertainties.

On August 12, 2008, Transport Canada announced the Terms of Reference for the Rail Freight Service Review to examine the services offered by CN and CP to Canadian shippers and customers. The review was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 consisted of analytical work to achieve a better understanding of the state of rail service. Phase 2 commenced on September 23, 2009 with the appointment of a panel to develop recommendations in consultation with stakeholders. Approximately 110 public submissions were made, including three from CN, in response to the panel’s invitation to all interested parties to provide written submissions. The panel issued an interim report on October 8, 2010, and filed its final report and recommendations with the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure in December 2010. This report, which was released to the public on March 18, 2011, recommends streamlined commercial dispute resolution, the establishment of service level agreements with customers, and public reporting of various system metrics amongst other recommendations. The Government of Canada accepted the panel’s report and announced that it intended to implement certain steps to improve the entire rail supply chain, including potentially tabling legislation to give shippers the right to a service agreement. As part of its response to the panel’s report, the Government appointed on October 31, 2011, a facilitator to lead a rail freight service discussion process. To date, the Government has introduced no new legislation.

No assurance can be given that any current or future legislative action by the federal government or other future government initiatives will not materially adversely affect the Company's results of operations or financial position.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Economic regulation – U.S.

The STB serves as both an adjudicatory and regulatory body and has jurisdiction over railroad rate and service issues and rail restructuring transactions such as mergers, line sales, line construction and line abandonments. As such, various Company business transactions must gain prior regulatory approval, with attendant risks and uncertainties.

On April 8, 2011, the Company filed with the STB a notice of exemption that would allow for the intra-corporate merger of WC, DMIR, and DWP. The transaction would simplify the corporate structure of CN’s U.S. operating subsidiaries and allow for operational efficiencies and service improvements. The notice became effective May 8, 2011, and the Company, after completing labor implementing agreements, consummated the transaction on December 31, 2011.

The STB has undertaken proceedings in a number of areas recently on rail issues. In 2010, the STB commenced a proceeding to review the liability of third parties for rail car demurrage, and on February 24, 2011, it held a hearing to review the commodities and forms of service currently exempt from STB regulation. On June 22 – 23, 2011, the STB held a hearing on the current state of competition in the railroad industry. The STB will be considering the comments on these matters and may take further action.

As part of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA), the U.S. Congress has authorized the STB to investigate any railroad over whose track Amtrak operates that fails to meet an 80 percent on-time performance standard for Amtrak operations extending over two calendar quarters and to determine the cause of such failures. Compliance with this mandate began with the third quarter of 2010 and is governed by performance metrics and standards jointly issued by the FRA and Amtrak on May 12, 2010. The Company is participating in a railroad industry lawsuit filed in August 2011 in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. challenging the constitutionality of these performance metrics and standards. Should the STB commence an investigation and determine that a failure to meet these standards is due to the host railroad’s failure to provide preference to Amtrak, the STB is authorized to assess damages against the host railroad.

The U.S. Congress has had under consideration for several years various pieces of legislation that would increase federal economic regulation of the railroad industry. During the 111th Congress (2009 – 2010), legislation to repeal the railroad industry’s limited antitrust exemptions was introduced in both Houses of Congress and was approved by the Senate and House Judiciary Committees. Broader legislation to modify the system of economic regulation of the railroad industry was introduced and approved by the Senate Commerce Committee on December 17, 2009. If enacted, these bills would have made significant changes to the economic regulatory system governing rail operations in the United States. The 111th Congress adjourned without taking final action on this legislation. Broad legislation to modify economic regulation of the rail industry (S. 158) and legislation to repeal the rail industry’s limited antitrust exemptions (S. 49) were introduced in 2011 in the Senate. S. 49 has also been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and there is no assurance that this or similar legislation will not progress through the legislative process.

The acquisition of the EJ&E in 2009 followed an extensive regulatory approval process by the STB, which included an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that resulted in conditions imposed to mitigate municipalities’ concerns regarding increased rail activity expected along the EJ&E line (see Contractual obligations section of this MD&A). The Company accepted the STB-imposed conditions with one exception. The Company filed an appeal at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit challenging the STB’s condition requiring the installation of grade separations at two locations along the EJ&E line at Company funding levels significantly beyond prior STB practice. Appeals were also filed by certain communities challenging the sufficiency of the EIS. On March 15, 2011, the Court denied the CN and community appeals. As such, the Company estimates its total remaining commitment related to the acquisition to be approximately $130 million. The commitment for the grade separation projects is based on estimated costs provided by the STB at the time of acquisition and could be subject to adjustment.

The STB also imposed a five-year monitoring and oversight condition, during which the Company is required to file with the STB monthly operational reports as well as quarterly reports on the implementation status of the STB-imposed mitigation conditions. This permits the STB to take further action if there is a material change in the facts and circumstances upon which it relied in imposing the specific mitigation conditions. In early 2010, the STB directed an audit of the Company’s EJ&E operational and environmental mitigation reports and released the results of the audit to the public in April 2010. The audit generally confirmed CN’s compliance with the STB’s reporting conditions and its cooperation with local communities to mitigate the adverse impacts of additional traffic expected as a result of the EJ&E transaction. However, the audit recommended clarification of reporting requirements for blocked crossings on the EJ&E line. Based on the audit and subsequent direction by the STB, CN provided requested information to the STB on April 26, 2010. On April 28, 2010, the STB held a hearing to review CN’s reporting on blocked crossing occurrences along the EJ&E line. On December 21, 2010, the STB concurred with the audit’s findings as to CN’s general compliance with the reporting and mitigation conditions it had imposed. The STB indicated that it will continue monitoring blocked crossing occurrences, asked for additional information from CN on certain crossing areas for future quarterly environmental reports, and indicated it would commence another audit in 2011. The STB also extended the original monitoring and oversight condition for an additional year. In a separate decision, the STB imposed a US$250,000 civil penalty on CN, which the Company paid in January 2011, based on its finding that the Company breached the Board’s oversight requirement that it report all blocked crossing

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occurrences of 10 minutes or more on the EJ&E line, regardless of cause. On October 14, 2011, as supplemented on November 14, 2011, the Village of Barrington, IL has requested that the STB impose additional mitigation that would require CN to fund the full cost of a grade separation at a location along the EJ&E line in Barrington. The Company has filed comments at the STB responding to Barrington’s request. In December 2011, the STB directed a second audit of the Company’s operational and environmental mitigation reporting to commence in early 2012.

The resolution of matters that could arise during the STB’s remaining oversight of the transaction cannot be predicted with certainty, and therefore, there can be no assurance that their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

The Company’s ownership of the former Great Lakes Transportation vessels is subject to regulation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, which regulate the ownership and operation of vessels operating on the Great Lakes and in U.S. coastal waters. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has authority to regulate air emissions from these vessels. On August 28, 2009, the EPA issued a proposed rule to extend an ongoing rulemaking to limit sulfur emissions for ocean-going vessels to operations in the Great Lakes. The EPA’s proposed rule would have had an adverse impact on the Company’s Great Lakes Fleet operations. The Company’s U.S.-flag vessel operator filed comments on September 28, 2009 in the proceeding. On December 22, 2009, the EPA issued its final emissions regulations, which addressed many of Great Lakes Fleet’s concerns. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard on August 28, 2009 proposed to amend its regulations on ballast water management; the Company’s U.S.-flag vessel operator is participating in this rulemaking proceeding. On November 8, 2011, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), which has authority over oceanborne transport of cargo into and out of the United States, initiated a Notice of Inquiry to examine whether the U.S. Harbor Maintenance tax and other factors may be contributing to the diversion of U.S.-bound cargo to Canadian and Mexican seaports, which could affect CN rail operations. The Company filed comments in this proceeding on January 9, 2012.

No assurance can be given that these or any future regulatory initiatives by the U.S. federal government will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, or its competitive and financial position.

Safety regulation – Canada

Rail safety regulation in Canada is the responsibility of Transport Canada, which administers the Canadian Railway Safety Act, as well as the rail portions of other safety-related statutes. The following actions have been taken by the federal government:

(i) In 2008, a full review of the Railway Safety Act was conducted by the Railway Safety Act Review Panel (Review Panel) and their report was tabled in the House of Commons. The Report includes more than 50 recommendations to improve rail safety in Canada but concludes that the current framework of the Railway Safety Act is sound.

(ii) On June 4, 2010, the Minister of Transport tabled Bill C-33 proposing a number of amendments to the Railway Safety Act addressing the recommendations made by the Review Panel. The Committee completed its study of Bill C-33, but the Bill died on the Order Paper when Parliament was dissolved in March 2011. On October 6, 2011, the Government tabled Bill S-4 which included essentially the same provisions as those that were in Bill C-33.

Safety regulation – U.S.

Rail safety regulation in the U.S. is the responsibility of the FRA, which administers the Federal Railroad Safety Act, as well as the rail portions of other safety statutes. In 2008, the U.S. federal government enacted legislation reauthorizing the Federal Railroad Safety Act. This legislation covers a broad range of safety issues, including fatigue management, PTC, grade crossings, bridge safety, and other matters. The legislation requires all Class I railroads and intercity passenger and commuter railroads to implement a PTC system by December 31, 2015 on mainline track where intercity passenger railroads and commuter railroads operate and where toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials are transported. PTC is a collision avoidance technology intended to override locomotive controls and stop a train before an accident. The Company is taking steps to ensure implementation in accordance with the new law, including working with other Class I railroads to satisfy the requirements for U.S. network interoperability. The Company’s PTC Implementation Plan, submitted in April 2010, has been approved by the FRA. Total implementation costs associated with PTC are estimated to be US$220 million. The legislation also caps the number of on-duty and limbo time hours for certain rail employees on a monthly basis. The Company is taking appropriate steps and working with the FRA to ensure that its operations conform to the law’s requirements.

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No assurance can be given that these or any future regulatory initiatives by the Canadian and U.S. federal governments will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, or its competitive and financial position.

Security

The Company is subject to statutory and regulatory directives in the United States addressing homeland security concerns. In the U.S., safety matters related to security are overseen by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which, like the FRA, is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Border security falls under the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border protection (CBP), which is part of the DHS. In Canada, the Company is subject to regulation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). More specifically, the Company is subject to:

(i) Border security arrangements, pursuant to an agreement the Company and CP entered into with the CBP and the CBSA.

(ii) The CBP’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and designation as a low-risk carrier under CBSA’s Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) program.

(iii) Regulations imposed by the CBP requiring advance notification by all modes of transportation for all shipments into the United States. The CBSA is also working on similar requirements for Canada-bound traffic.

(iv) Inspection for imported fruits and vegetables grown in Canada and the agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) user fee for all traffic entering the U.S. from Canada.

The Company has worked with the Association of American Railroads to develop and put in place an extensive industry-wide security plan to address terrorism and security-driven efforts by state and local governments seeking to restrict the routings of certain hazardous materials. If such state and local routing restrictions were to go into force, they would be likely to add to security concerns by foreclosing the Company’s most optimal and secure transportation routes, leading to increased yard handling, longer hauls, and the transfer of traffic to lines less suitable for moving hazardous materials, while also infringing upon the exclusive and uniform federal oversight over railroad security matters.

Transportation of hazardous materials

The Company may be required to transport toxic-by-inhalation (TIH) hazardous materials to the extent of its common carrier obligations and, as such, is exposed to additional regulatory oversight.

(i) The PHMSA requires carriers operating in the U.S. to report annually the volume and route-specific data for cars containing these commodities; conduct a safety and security risk analysis for each used route; identify a commercially practicable alternative route for each used route; and select for use the practical route posing the least safety and security risk.

(ii) The TSA requires rail carriers to provide upon request, within five minutes for a single car and 30 minutes for multiple cars, location and shipping information on cars on their networks containing TIH materials and certain radioactive or explosive materials; and ensure the secure, attended transfer of all such cars to and from shippers, receivers and other carriers that will move from, to, or through designated high-threat urban areas.

(iii) The PHMSA has issued regulations to enhance the crashworthiness protection of tank cars used to transport TIH and to limit the operating conditions of such cars.

(iv) In Canada, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act establishes the safety requirements for the transportation of goods classified as dangerous and enables the establishment of regulations for security training and screening of personnel working with dangerous goods, as well as the development of a program to require a transportation security clearance for dangerous goods and that dangerous goods be tracked during transport.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

While the Company will continue to work closely with the CBSA, CBP, and other Canadian and U.S. agencies, as described above, no assurance can be given that these and future decisions by the U.S., Canadian, provincial, state, or local governments on homeland security matters, legislation on security matters enacted by the U.S. Congress or Parliament, or joint decisions by the industry in response to threats to the North American rail network, will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, or its competitive and financial position.

Other risks

Economic conditions

The Company, like other railroads, is susceptible to changes in the economic conditions of the industries and geographic areas that produce and consume the freight it transports or the supplies it requires to operate. In addition, many of the goods and commodities carried by the Company experience cyclicality in demand. Many of the bulk commodities the Company transports move offshore and are affected more by global rather than North American economic conditions. Adverse North American and global economic conditions, or economic or industrial restructuring, that affect the producers and consumers of the commodities carried by the Company, including customer insolvency, may have a material adverse effect on the volume of rail shipments and/or revenues from commodities carried by the Company, and thus materially and negatively affect its results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.

Trade restrictions

Global as well as North American trade conditions, including trade barriers on certain commodities, may interfere with the free circulation of goods across Canada and the United States.

Terrorism and international conflicts

Potential terrorist actions can have a direct or indirect impact on the transportation infrastructure, including railway infrastructure in North America, and interfere with the free flow of goods. Rail lines, facilities and equipment could be directly targeted or become indirect casualties, which could interfere with the free flow of goods. International conflicts can also have an impact on the Company’s markets. Government response to such events could adversely affect the Company’s operations. Insurance coverage and premiums could also increase significantly or become unavailable.

Customer credit risk

In the normal course of business, the Company monitors the financial condition and credit limits of its customers and reviews the credit history of each new customer. Although the Company believes there are no significant concentrations of credit risk, economic conditions can affect the Company’s customers and can result in an increase to the Company’s credit risk and exposure to business failures of its customers. To manage its credit risk on an ongoing basis, the Company’s focus is on keeping the average daily sales outstanding within an acceptable range and working with customers to ensure timely payments, and in certain cases, requiring financial security, including letters of credit. A widespread deterioration of customer credit and business failures of customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Liquidity

Disruptions in the financial markets or deterioration of the Company's credit ratings could hinder the Company's access to external sources of funding to meet its liquidity needs. There can be no assurance that changes in the financial markets will not have a negative effect on the Company’s liquidity and its access to capital at acceptable rates.

Supplier risk

The Company operates in a capital-intensive industry where the complexity of rail equipment limits the number of suppliers available. The supply market could be disrupted if changes in the economy caused any of the Company’s suppliers to cease production or to experience capacity or supply shortages. This could also result in cost increases to the Company and difficulty in obtaining and maintaining the Company’s rail equipment and materials. Since the Company also has foreign suppliers, international relations, trade restrictions and global economic and other conditions may potentially interfere with the Company’s ability to procure necessary equipment. To manage its supplier risk, it is the Company’s long-standing practice to ensure that more than one source of supply for a key product or service, where feasible, is available. Widespread business failures of, or restrictions on suppliers, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

92

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Pensions

Overall return in the capital markets and the level of interest rates affect the funded status of the Company's defined benefit pension plans.

For accounting purposes, the funded status of all pension plans is calculated at the measurement date, which for the Company is December 31, using generally accepted accounting principles. Adverse changes with respect to pension plan returns and the level of interest rates from the last measurement date may have a material adverse effect on the funded status and may significantly impact future pension income or expense.

For funding purposes, the funded status of the Canadian pension plans is calculated to determine the required level of contribution using going-concern and solvency scenarios as prescribed under pension legislation and subject to guidance issued by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. Adverse changes with respect to pension plan returns and the level of interest rates from the date of the last actuarial valuations as well aschanges to existing federal pension legislation may significantly impact future pension contributions and have a material adverse effect on the funded status of the plans and the Company’s results of operations. The Company’s funding requirements are determined upon completion of actuarial valuations. Due to recent legislative changes, such actuarial valuations will be required on an annual basis effective for years ending on or after December 31, 2011 for all Canadian plans, or when deemed appropriate by the OSFI. The federal pension legislation allows funding deficits to be paid over a number of years. Actuarial valuations are also required annually for the Company’s U.S. pension plans.

In 2011, in anticipation of its future funding requirements, the Company made voluntary contributions of $350 million in excess of the required contributions mainly to strengthen the financial position of its main pension plan, the CN Pension Plan. The Company has been advised by the OSFI that this contribution can be treated as a prepayment against its 2012 pension deficit funding requirements. As a result, the Company’s cash contributions for 2012 are expected to be in the range of approximately $275 million to $575 million for all its pension plans and include a voluntary contribution of approximately $150 million to $450 million.

The Company expects cash from operations and its other sources of financing to be sufficient to meet its funding obligation.

Availability of qualified personnel

The Company, like other companies in North America, may experience demographic challenges in the employment levels of its workforce. Changes in employee demographics, training requirements and the availability of qualified personnel, particularly locomotive engineers and trainmen, could negatively impact the Company’s ability to meet demand for rail service. The Company expects that approximately 45% of its workforce will be eligible to retire or leave through normal attrition (death, termination, resignation) within the next five-year period. The Company monitors employment levels to ensure that there is an adequate supply of personnel to meet rail service requirements. However, the Company’s efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel may be hindered by specific conditions in the job market. No assurance can be given that demographic or other challenges will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or its financial position.

Fuel costs

The Company, like other railroads, is susceptible to the volatility of fuel prices due to changes in the economy or supply disruptions. Fuel shortages can occur due to refinery disruptions, production quota restrictions, climate, and labor and political instability. Rising fuel prices could materially adversely affect the Company’s expenses. As such, CN has implemented a fuel surcharge program with a view of offsetting the impact of rising fuel prices. The surcharge applied to customers is determined in the second calendar month prior to the month in which it is applied, and is calculated using the average monthly price of West-Texas Intermediate crude oil (WTI) for revenue-based tariffs and On-Highway Diesel (OHD) for mileage-based tariffs. Increases in fuel prices or supply disruptions may materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Foreign currency

The Company conducts its business in both Canada and the U.S. and as a result, is affected by currency fluctuations. The estimated annual impact on net income of a year-over-year one-cent change in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar is in the range of $5 million to $10 million. Changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and other currencies (including the US dollar) make the goods transported by the Company more or less competitive in the world marketplace and thereby further affect the Company’s revenues and expenses.

93

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                                                  U.S. GAAP

Reliance on technology

The Company relies on information technology in all aspects of its business. While the Company has business continuity and disaster recovery plans in place, a significant disruption or failure of its information technology systems could result in service interruptions, safety failures, security violations, regulatory compliance failures or other operational difficulties and compromise corporate information and assets against intruders and, as such, could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. If the Company is unable to acquire or implement new technology, it may suffer a competitive disadvantage, which could also have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Transportation network disruptions

Due to the integrated nature of the North American freight transportation infrastructure, the Company’s operations may be negatively affected by service disruptions of other transportation links such as ports and other railroads which interchange with the Company. A significant prolonged service disruption of one or more of these entities could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. Furthermore, deterioration in the cooperative relationships with the Company’s connecting carriers could directly affect the Company’s operations.

Weather and climate change

The Company’s success is dependent on its ability to operate its railroad efficiently. Severe weather and natural disasters, such as extreme cold or heat, flooding, drought, hurricanes and earthquakes, can disrupt operations and service for the railroad, affect the performance of locomotives and rolling stock, as well as disrupt operations for both the Company and its customers. Climate change, including the impact of global warming, has the potential physical risk of increasing the frequency of adverse weather events, which can disrupt the Company's operations, damage its infrastructure or properties, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In addition, although the Company believes that the growing support for climate change legislation is likely to result in changes to the regulatory framework in Canada and the U.S., it is too early to predict the manner or degree of such impact on the Company at this time. Restrictions, caps, taxes, or other controls on emissions of greenhouse gasses, including diesel exhaust, could significantly increase the Company's capital and operating costs or affect the markets for, or the volume of, the goods the Company carries thereby resulting in a material adverse effect on operations, financial position, results of operations or liquidity. More specifically, climate change legislation and regulation could (a) affect CN’s utility coal customers due to coal capacity being replaced with natural gas generation and renewable energy; (b) make it difficult for CN’s customers to produce products in a cost-competitive manner due to increased energy costs; and (c) increase legal costs related to defending and resolving legal claims and other litigation related to climate change.

Controls and procedures

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of December 31, 2011, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

As of December 31, 2011, management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011, and issued Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting dated February 3, 2012 to that effect.

The Company’s 2011 Annual Information Form (AIF) and Form 40-F, may be found on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, respectively. Copies of such documents, as well as the Company’s Notice of Intention to Make a Normal Course Issuer Bid, may be obtained by contacting the Corporate Secretary’s office.

Montreal, Canada

February 3, 2012

94

Item 5

Statement of CEO Regarding Facts and

Circumstances Relating to Exchange Act Filings

I, Claude Mongeau, certify that:

(1)   I have reviewed this report on Form 6-K of Canadian National Railway Company;

(2)   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

(5)   The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  February 3, 2012

/s/ Claude Mongeau

Claude Mongeau

President and Chief Executive Officer

95

Item 6

Statement of CFO Regarding Facts and

Circumstances Relating to Exchange Act Filings

I, Luc Jobin, certify that:

(1)   I have reviewed this report on Form 6-K of Canadian National Railway Company;

(2)   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

(5)    The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  February 3, 2012

/s/ Luc Jobin

Luc Jobin

Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

96

SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	Canadian National Railway Company
Date: February 3, 2012	By:	/s/ Cristina Circelli
		Name:	Cristina Circelli
		Title:	Deputy Corporate Secretary and General Counsel

XML

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Fair value of plan assets by class

The tables on the following page present the fair value of plan assets excluding the economic exposure of derivativesas at December 31, 2011 and 2010 by asset class, their level within the fair value hierarchy and the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure such fair value.

In millions, unless otherwise indicated					Fair value measurements at December 31, 2011
Asset class		Total	Percentage of total assets		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and short-term investments (1)	$	1,026	7.0%	$	21	$	1,005	$	-
Bonds (2)
Canada and supranational		1,650	11.2%		-		1,650		-
Provinces of Canada		1,937	13.1%		-		1,937		-
Emerging market debt		288	2.0%		-		288		-
Mortgages (3)		178	1.2%		8		170		-
Equities (4)
Canadian		2,395	16.3%		2,373		-		22
U.S.		1,125	7.6%		1,087		38		-
International		2,712	18.4%		2,680		32		-
Real estate (5)		214	1.5%		-		-		214
Oil and gas (6)		1,232	8.4%		343		-		889
Infrastructure (7)		707	4.8%		9		79		619
Absolute return (8)							-		-
Multi-strategy funds		358	2.4%		-		358		-
Fixed income funds		214	1.5%		-		214		-
Equity funds		260	1.8%		-		260		-
Global macro funds		368	2.5%		-		368		-
	$	14,664	99.7%	$	6,521	$	6,399	$	1,744
Other (9)		55	0.3%
Total plan assets	$	14,719	100%
In millions, unless otherwise indicated					Fair value measurements at December 31, 2010
Asset class		Total	Percentage of total assets		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and short-term investments (1)	$	429	2.8%	$	429	$	-	$	-
Bonds (2)
Canada and supranational		2,013	13.3%		-		2,013		-
Provinces of Canada		1,292	8.6%		-		1,292		-
Corporate		92	0.6%		-		92		-
Emerging market debt		318	2.1%		-		318		-
Mortgages (3)		205	1.4%		30		175		-
Equities (4)
Canadian		3,228	21.4%		3,204		-		24
U.S.		1,316	8.7%		1,316		-		-
International		3,076	20.4%		3,076		-		-
Real estate (5)		318	2.1%		-		-		318
Oil and gas (6)		1,141	7.6%		289		-		852
Infrastructure (7)		607	4.0%		29		85		493
Absolute return (8)
Multi-strategy funds		311	2.1%		-		106		205
Fixed income funds		197	1.3%		-		197		-
Commodity funds		75	0.5%		-		75		-
Equity funds		148	1.0%		-		147		1
Global macro funds		292	1.9%		-		292		-
	$	15,058	99.8%	$	8,373	$	4,792	$	1,893
Other (9)		34	0.2%
Total plan assets	$	15,092	100%
Level 1: Fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
Level 2: Fair value based on significant observable inputs
Level 3: Fair value based on significant unobservable inputs					Footnotes to the tables follow on the next page

(1)	Short-term investments consist primarily of securities issued by Canadian chartered banks. Such investments are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
(2)	Bonds are valued using prices obtained from independent pricing data suppliers, predominantly TSX Inc. When prices are not available from independent sources, the bond is valued by comparison to prices obtained for a bond of similar interest rate, maturity and risk.
(3)	Mortgages are secured by real estate. The fair value measurement of $170 million ($175 million in 2010) of mortgages categorized as Level 2 is based on current market yields of financial instruments of similar maturity, coupon and risk factors. Mortgages denominated in foreign currencies are fully hedged back to the Canadian dollar, the effects of which are reflected in the values presented in the tables above.

(4)	The fair value of equity investments of $22 million ($24 million in 2010) categorized as Level 3 represent units in private equity funds which are valued by their administrators.
(5)	The fair value of real estate investments of $214 million ($318 million in 2010) includes land and buildings classified as Level 3. Land is valued based on the fair value of comparable assets, and buildings are valued based on the present value of estimated future net cash flows or the fair value of comparable assets. Independent valuations of land and buildings are performed triennially.
(6)	The fair value of oil and gas investments of $889 million ($852 million in 2010) classified as Level 3 is valued based on estimated future net cash flows that are discounted using prevailing market rates for transactions in similar assets. The future net cash flows are based on forecasted oil and gas prices and projected future annual production and costs.
(7)	Infrastructure funds consist of $9 million ($29 million in 2010) of trust units that are publicly traded and classified as Level 1, $79 million ($85 million in 2010) of bank loans and bonds issued by infrastructure companies classified as Level 2 and $619 million ($493 million in 2010) of infrastructure funds that are classified as Level 3 and are valued based on earnings multiples. Infrastructure funds cannot be redeemed; distributions will be received from the funds as the underlying investments are liquidated. Infrastructure funds denominated in foreign currencies are fully hedged back to the Canadian dollar, the effects of which are reflected in the values presented in the additional information table presented above.
(8)	Absolute return investments are valued using the net asset value as reported by the fund administrators. All hedge fund investments have contractual redemption frequencies, ranging from monthly to annually, and redemption notice periods varying from 5 to 90 days. Hedge fund investments that have redemption dates less frequent than every four months or that have restrictions on contractual redemption features at the reporting date are classified as Level 3. During the year, absolute return investments having a fair value of $198 million (nil in 2010) were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as the restrictions on redemption were lifted.

(9) Other consists of net operating assets required to administer the trust funds' investment assets and the plans' benefit and funding activities. Such assets are valued at cost and have not been assigned to a fair value category.

Reconciliation of the fair value of investments categorized as Level 3 and additional information regarding infrastructure investments

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the fair value of investments classified as Level 3.
		Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)												Additional information (10)
															Infra- stracture hedged		Absolute return hedged
In millions			Equities (4)		Real estate (5)		Oil and gas (6)		Infrastructure (7)		Absolute return (8)		Total
Beginning balance at
December 31, 2009		$	18	$	266	$	752	$	449	$	182	$	1,667	$	449	$	182
	Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date		3		32		90		19		(11)		133		46		-
	Purchases, sales and settlements		3		(14)		(48)		25		109		75		1		99
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		-		34		58		-		(74)		18		-		(74)
Balance at
December 31, 2010		$	24	$	318	$	852	$	493	$	206	$	1,893	$	496	$	207
	Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date		2		58		90		74		(7)		217		63		(8)
	Purchases, sales and settlements		(4)		(162)		(53)		52		(1)		(168)		62		(1)
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		-		-		-		-		(198)		(198)		-		(198)
Ending balance at
December 31, 2011		$	22	$	214	$	889	$	619	$	-	$	1,744	$	621	$	-

(4)	The fair value of equity investments of $22 million ($24 million in 2010) categorized as Level 3 represent units in private equity funds which are valued by their administrators.
(5)	The fair value of real estate investments of $214 million ($318 million in 2010) includes land and buildings classified as Level 3. Land is valued based on the fair value of comparable assets, and buildings are valued based on the present value of estimated future net cash flows or the fair value of comparable assets. Independent valuations of land and buildings are performed triennially.
(6)	The fair value of oil and gas investments of $889 million ($852 million in 2010) classified as Level 3 is valued based on estimated future net cash flows that are discounted using prevailing market rates for transactions in similar assets. The future net cash flows are based on forecasted oil and gas prices and projected future annual production and costs.
(7)	Infrastructure funds consist of $9 million ($29 million in 2010) of trust units that are publicly traded and classified as Level 1, $79 million ($85 million in 2010) of bank loans and bonds issued by infrastructure companies classified as Level 2 and $619 million ($493 million in 2010) of infrastructure funds that are classified as Level 3 and are valued based on earnings multiples. Infrastructure funds cannot be redeemed; distributions will be received from the funds as the underlying investments are liquidated. Infrastructure funds denominated in foreign currencies are fully hedged back to the Canadian dollar, the effects of which are reflected in the values presented in the additional information table presented above.
(8)	Absolute return investments are valued using the net asset value as reported by the fund administrators. All hedge fund investments have contractual redemption frequencies, ranging from monthly to annually, and redemption notice periods varying from 5 to 90 days. Hedge fund investments that have redemption dates less frequent than every four months or that have restrictions on contractual redemption features at the reporting date are classified as Level 3. During the year, absolute return investments having a fair value of $198 million (nil in 2010) were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as the restrictions on redemption were lifted.

(10) This additional information demonstrates the fair value of the infrastructure and absolute return funds after considering the effects of foreign currency hedges.

Obligations and funded status - change in benefit Obligation

		Pensions			Other postretirement benefits
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011	2010		2011	2010

Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	14,895	$	13,708	$	283	$	268
Amendments		27		5		1		-
Interest cost		788		837		14		16
Actuarial loss (gain)		577		1,118		(2)		22
Service cost		124		99		4		3
Curtailment gain		-		-		(1)		(1)
Plan participants’ contributions		54		50		-		-
Foreign currency changes		5		(12)		3		(6)
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers		(922)		(910)		(18)		(19)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	15,548	$	14,895	$	284	$	283
Component representing future salary increases		(437)		(439)		-		-
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	15,111	$	14,456	$	284	$	283

Measurement date for all plans is December 31.

The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the CN Pension Plan at December 31, 2011 were $14,514 million and $13,992 million respectively ($13,941 million and $14,343 million, respectively, at December 31, 2010).

Obligations and funded status - change in plan assets

		Pensions			Other postretirement benefits
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011	2010		2011	2010

Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	15,092	$	14,332	$	-	$	-
Employer contributions		458		411		-		-
Plan participants’ contributions		54		50		-		-
Foreign currency changes		1		(8)		-		-
Actual return on plan assets		36		1,217		-		-
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers		(922)		(910)		-		-
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	14,719	$	15,092	$	-	$	-

Measurement date for all plans is December 31.

The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the CN Pension Plan at December 31, 2011 were $14,514 million and $13,992 million respectively ($13,941 million and $14,343 million, respectively, at December 31, 2010).

Schedule of net funded status

(i) Obligations and funded status

		Pensions			Other postretirement benefits
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011	2010		2011	2010

Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	14,895	$	13,708	$	283	$	268
Amendments		27		5		1		-
Interest cost		788		837		14		16
Actuarial loss (gain)		577		1,118		(2)		22
Service cost		124		99		4		3
Curtailment gain		-		-		(1)		(1)
Plan participants’ contributions		54		50		-		-
Foreign currency changes		5		(12)		3		(6)
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers		(922)		(910)		(18)		(19)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	15,548	$	14,895	$	284	$	283
Component representing future salary increases		(437)		(439)		-		-
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	15,111	$	14,456	$	284	$	283

Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	15,092	$	14,332	$	-	$	-
Employer contributions		458		411		-		-
Plan participants’ contributions		54		50		-		-
Foreign currency changes		1		(8)		-		-
Actual return on plan assets		36		1,217		-		-
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers		(922)		(910)		-		-
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	14,719	$	15,092	$	-	$	-

Funded status (Excess (deficiency) of fair value of plan assets over
projected benefit obligation at end of year)	$	(829)	$	197	$	(284)	$	(283)

Measurement date for all plans is December 31.

The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the CN Pension Plan at December 31, 2011 were $14,514 million and $13,992 million respectively ($13,941 million and $14,343 million, respectively, at December 31, 2010).

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

(ii) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
		Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
In millions	December 31,		2011		2010		2011		2010
Noncurrent assets (Note 6)		$	-	$	442	$	-	$	-
Current liabilities (Note 7)			-		-		(18)		(18)
Noncurrent liabilities			(829)		(245)		(266)		(265)
Total amount recognized		$	(829)	$	197	$	(284)	$	(283)

Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(iii) Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 19)
		Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
In millions	December 31,		2011		2010		2011		2010
Net actuarial gain (loss)		$	(2,720)	$	(1,185)	$	3	$	1
Prior service cost		$	(30)	$	(5)	$	(3)	$	(4)

Information for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets

(iv) Information for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
		Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
In millions	December 31,		2011		2010		2011	2010
Projected benefit obligation		$	15,015	$	436		N/A	N/A
Accumulated benefit obligation		$	14,606	$	386		N/A	N/A
Fair value of plan assets		$	14,191	$	191		N/A	N/A

Components of net periodic benefit cost (income)

(v) Components of net periodic benefit cost (income)
		Pensions						Other postretirement benefits
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009
Service cost		$	124	$	99	$	83	$	4	$	3	$	3
Interest cost			788		837		885		14		16		17
Curtailment gain			-		-		-		(1)		(1)		(3)
Settlement loss			3		-		-		-		-		-
Expected return on plan assets			(1,005)		(1,009)		(1,007)		-		-		-
Amortization of prior service cost			2		-		-		2		2		5
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)			8		3		5		-		(2)		(3)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)		$	(80)	$	(70)	$	(34)	$	19	$	18	$	19
The estimated prior service cost and net actuarial loss for defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost (income) over the next fiscal year are $4 million and $123 million, respectively.
The estimated prior service cost and net actuarial gain for other postretirement benefits that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost (income) over the next fiscal year are $2 million and nil, respectively.

Weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits

(vi) Weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits
			Pensions			Other postretirement benefits
		December 31,	2011	2010	2009	2011	2010	2009
To determine projected benefit obligation
Discount rate (1)			4.84%	5.32%	6.19%	4.70%	5.29%	6.01%
Rate of compensation increase (2)			3.25%	3.50%	3.50%	3.25%	3.50%	3.50%
To determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (1)			5.32%	6.19%	7.42%	5.29%	6.01%	6.84%
Rate of compensation increase (2)			3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Expected return on plan assets (3)			7.50%	7.75%	7.75%	N/A	N/A	N/A
(1)	The Company’s discount rate assumption, which is set annually at the end of each year, is used to determine the projected benefit obligation at the end of the year and the net periodic benefit cost for the following year. The discount rate is used to measure the single amount that, if invested at the measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments with a rating of AA or better, would provide the necessary cash flows to pay for pension benefits as they become due. The discount rate is determined by management with the aid of third-party actuaries. The Company’s methodology for determining the discount rate is based on a zero-coupon bond yield curve, which is derived from semi-annual bond yields provided by a third party. The portfolio of hypothetical zero-coupon bonds is expected to generate cash flows that match the estimated future benefit payments of the plans as the bond rate for each maturity year is applied to the plans’ corresponding expected benefit payments of that year.
(2)	The rate of compensation increase is determined by the Company based upon its long-term plans for such increases.
(3)	To develop its expected long-term rate of return assumption used in the calculation of net periodic benefit cost applicable to the market-related value of assets, the Company considers multiple factors. The expected long-term rate of return is determined based on expected future performance for each asset class and is weighted based on the current asset portfolio mix. Consideration is taken of the historical performance, the premium return generated from an actively managed portfolio, as well as current and future anticipated asset allocations, economic developments, inflation rates and administrative expenses. Based on these factors, the rate is determined by the Company. For 2011, the Company used a long-term rate of return assumption of 7.50% on the market-related value of plan assets to compute net periodic benefit cost. The Company has elected to use a market-related value of assets, whereby realized and unrealized gains/losses and appreciation/depreciation in the value of the investments are recognized over a period of five years, while investment income is recognized immediately. Effective January 1, 2012 the Company will reduce the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets from 7.50% to 7.25% to reflect management's current view of long term investment returns. The effect of this change in management's assumption will be to increase net periodic benefit cost by approximately $20 million.

Effect of One-Percentage-Point change in assumed health care cost trend Rate

(vii) Health care cost trend rate for other postretirement benefits
For measurement purposes, increases in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits were assumed to be 10% and 9% for 2011 and 2012, respectively. It is assumed that the rate will decrease gradually to 4.5% in 2028 and remain at that level thereafter.
Assumed health care costs have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effect:
In millions	One-percentage-point
		Increase		Decrease
Effect on total service and interest costs		$	1	$	(1)
Effect on benefit obligation		$	16	$	(14)

Estimated future benefit payments

(viii) Estimated future benefit payments
In millions	Pensions		Other postretirement benefits
2012	$	973		$	18
2013	$	996		$	18
2014	$	1,018		$	19
2015	$	1,040		$	19
2016	$	1,060		$	19
Years 2017 to 2021	$	5,444		$	98

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Other liabilities and deferred credits (Details) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other liabilities and deferred credits [Line items]
Personal injury and other claims provisions, net of current portion (Note 17)	226	263
Stock-based incentives liability, net of current portion (Note 11)	180	162
Environmental provisions, net of current portion (Note 17)	89	116
Deferred credits and other	267	282
Total other liabilities and deferred credits	762	823

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Accounting Changes (Details) (CAD) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2009
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Approximate costs incurred to acquire Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company including costs to obtain regulatory approval		49
Decrease in net income due to change in accounting policy	28
Decrease in net income on basic earnings per share due to change in accounting policy (in dollars per share)	0.06
Decrease in net income on diluted earnings per share due to change in accounting policy (in dollars per share)	0.06
Decrease in Other current assets due to change in accounting policy	46

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Pensions and other postretirement benefits (Details 8) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 years		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Health care cost trend rate for other postretirement benefits [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, ultimate health care cost trend rate for current year (in hundredths)	10.00%
Defined benefit plan, health care cost trend rate assumed for next fiscal year (in hundredths)	9.00%
Defined benefit plan, health care cost trend rate estimate (in hundredths)	4.50%
Year that rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2028
Effect of one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract]
Effect of one percentage point increase on service and interest costs	1
Effect of one percentage point decrease on service and interest costs	(1)
Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	16
Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	(14)
Pensions [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine projected benefit obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.84%	[1]	5.32%	[1]	6.19%	[1]
Rate of compensation increase	3.25%	[2]	3.50%	[2]	3.50%	[2]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	5.32%	[1]	6.19%	[1]	7.42%	[1]
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	[2]	3.50%	[2]	3.50%	[2]
Expected return on plan assets	7.50%	[3]	7.75%	[3]	7.75%	[3]
Expected return on plan asset assumption to be used in future year (in hundredths)	7.25%
Effect of change in managements assumption will be to increase net periodic benefit cost	20
Period in years over which realized and unrealized gains/losses and appreciation/depreciation in the value of the investments are recognized based on the companies election to use market related value	5
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine projected benefit obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.70%	[1]	5.29%	[1]	6.01%	[1]
Rate of compensation increase	3.25%	[2]	3.50%	[2]	3.50%	[2]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	5.29%	[1]	6.01%	[1]	6.84%	[1]
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	[2]	3.50%	[2]	3.50%	[2]

[1] The Company’s discount rate assumption, which is set annually at the end of each year, is used to determine the projected benefit obligation at the end of the year and the net periodic benefit cost for the following year. The discount rate is used to measure the single amount that, if invested at the measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments with a rating of AA or better, would provide the necessary cash flows to pay for pension benefits as they become due. The discount rate is determined by management with the aid of third-party actuaries. The Company’s methodology for determining the discount rate is based on a zero-coupon bond yield curve, which is derived from semi-annual bond yields provided by a third party. The portfolio of hypothetical zero-coupon bonds is expected to generate cash flows that match the estimated future benefit payments of the plans as the bond rate for each maturity year is applied to the plans’ corresponding expected benefit payments of that year.

[2] The rate of compensation increase is determined by the Company based upon its long-term plans for such increases.

[3] To develop its expected long-term rate of return assumption used in the calculation of net periodic benefit cost applicable to the market-related value of assets, the Company considers multiple factors. The expected long-term rate of return is determined based on expected future performance for each asset class and is weighted based on the current asset portfolio mix. Consideration is taken of the historical performance, the premium return generated from an actively managed portfolio, as well as current and future anticipated asset allocations, economic developments, inflation rates and administrative expenses. Based on these factors, the rate is determined by the Company. For 2011, the Company used a long-term rate of return assumption of 7.50% on the market-related value of plan assets to compute net periodic benefit cost. The Company has elected to use a market-related value of assets, whereby realized and unrealized gains/losses and appreciation/depreciation in the value of the investments are recognized over a period of five years, while investment income is recognized immediately. Effective January 1, 2012 the Company will reduce the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets from 7.50% to 7.25% to reflect management's current view of long term investment returns. The effect of this change in management's assumption will be to increase net periodic benefit cost by approximately $20 million.

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Long-term debt (Details)	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Equipment lease assets [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Equipment lease assets [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Letter of Credit [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Letter of Credit [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Total US denominated Debentures and Notes [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Total US denominated Debentures and Notes [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Total US denominated Debentures and Notes [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Total debentures and notes [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Total debentures and notes [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Commercial Paper [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Commercial Paper [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Commercial Paper [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2011 Notes [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National 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notes [Member] Canadian National 2016 Notes 5Yr [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2016 Notes 5Yr [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2016 Notes 5Yr [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2016 Notes [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2016 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2016 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2017 Notes [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2017 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2017 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2018 Notes 10 Yr [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2018 Notes 10 Yr [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2018 Notes 10 Yr [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2018 Notes 20 Yr[Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2018 Notes 20 Yr[Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2018 Notes 20 Yr[Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2019 Notes [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2019 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2019 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2021 Notes [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2021 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2021 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2028 Notes [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2028 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2028 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2034 Notes [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2034 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2034 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2036 Notes [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2036 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2036 Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2023 Debentures [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2023 Debentures [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2023 Debentures [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2031 Debentures [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2031 Debentures [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2031 Debentures [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2037 Debentures [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2037 Debentures [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Canadian National 2037 Debentures [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Puttable Reset Securities PURSsm [Member] Canadian National 2036 Puttable Reset Securities[Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Canadian National series[Member] Puttable Reset Securities PURSsm [Member] Canadian National 2036 Puttable Reset Securities[Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Canadian National series[Member] Puttable Reset Securities PURSsm [Member] Canadian National 2036 Puttable Reset Securities[Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Illinois Central series [Member] Debentures and notes [Member] IC 2056 Income Debentures [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Illinois Central series [Member] Debentures and notes [Member] IC 2056 Income Debentures [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Illinois Central series [Member] Debentures and notes [Member] IC 2056 Income Debentures [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Illinois Central series [Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Illinois Central 2096 Debentures [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Illinois Central series [Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Illinois Central 2096 Debentures [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Illinois Central series [Member] Debentures and notes [Member] Illinois Central 2096 Debentures [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 BC Rail series [Member] Subordinated Notes [Member] BC Rail 2094 Subordinated Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 BC Rail series [Member] Subordinated Notes [Member] BC Rail 2094 Subordinated Notes [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Other [Member] Capital lease obligations and other [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Other [Member] Capital lease obligations and other [Member] CAD
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate																							6.38%	6.38%				4.40%	4.40%				4.95%	4.95%				1.45%	1.45%				5.80%	5.80%				5.85%	5.85%				5.55%	5.55%				6.80%	6.80%				5.55%	5.55%				2.85%	2.85%				6.90%	6.90%				6.25%	6.25%				6.20%	6.20%				7.63%	7.63%				7.38%	7.38%				6.38%	6.38%				6.71%	6.71%				5.00%	5.00%						7.70%	7.70%
Non-Interest Bearing																																																																																																																						Non-interest bearing
Term of Issuance																							10	10				10	10				6	6				5	5				10	10				10	10				10	10				20	20				10	10				10	10				30	30				30	30				30	30				30	30				30	30				30	30									99	99						100	100		90
Maturity Date of Long-term debt																							Oct. 15, 2011	Oct. 15, 2011				Mar. 15, 2013	Mar. 15, 2013				Jan. 15, 2014	Jan. 15, 2014				Dec. 15, 2016	Dec. 15, 2016				Jun. 01, 2016	Jun. 01, 2016				Nov. 15, 2017	Nov. 15, 2017				May 15, 2018	May 15, 2018				Jul. 15, 2018	Jul. 15, 2018				Mar. 01, 2019	Mar. 01, 2019				Dec. 15, 2021	Dec. 15, 2021				Jul. 15, 2028	Jul. 15, 2028				Aug. 01, 2034	Aug. 01, 2034				Jun. 01, 2036	Jun. 01, 2036				May 15, 2023	May 15, 2023				Oct. 15, 2031	Oct. 15, 2031				Nov. 15, 2037	Nov. 15, 2037				Jul. 15, 2036	Jul. 15, 2036				Dec. 01, 2056	Dec. 01, 2056				Sep. 15, 2096					Jul. 14, 2094
Outstanding US dollar denominated amount													$ 5,457,000,000										$ 0					$ 400,000,000					$ 325,000,000					$ 300,000,000					$ 250,000,000					$ 250,000,000					$ 325,000,000					$ 200,000,000					$ 550,000,000					$ 400,000,000					$ 475,000,000					$ 500,000,000					$ 450,000,000					$ 150,000,000					$ 200,000,000					$ 300,000,000					$ 250,000,000					$ 7,000,000							$ 125,000,000
Debt instrument principal outstanding balance														5,550,000,000	5,129,000,000	6,392,000,000	5,971,000,000		82,000,000	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]		0	[3],[4]	398,000,000	[3],[4]		407,000,000	[3],[4]	398,000,000	[3],[4]		331,000,000	[3],[4]	323,000,000	[3],[4]		305,000,000	[3],[4]	0	[3],[4]		254,000,000	[3],[4]	249,000,000	[3],[4]		254,000,000	[3],[4]	249,000,000	[3],[4]		331,000,000	[3],[4]	323,000,000	[3],[4]		203,000,000	[3],[4]	199,000,000	[3],[4]		559,000,000	[3],[4]	547,000,000	[3],[4]		407,000,000	[3],[4]	0	[3],[4]		483,000,000	[3],[4]	472,000,000	[3],[4]		509,000,000	[3],[4]	497,000,000	[3],[4]		458,000,000	[3],[4]	448,000,000	[3],[4]		153,000,000	[3]	149,000,000	[3]		203,000,000	[3],[4]	199,000,000	[3],[4]		305,000,000	[3],[4]	298,000,000	[3],[4]		254,000,000	[3],[4]	249,000,000	[3],[4]		7,000,000	[3]	7,000,000	[3]	124,000,000	[3]		127,000,000	[3]	842,000,000	[5]	842,000,000	[5]	957,000,000	[6]	952,000,000	[6]
Debt instrument principal outstanding before unamortized discount		7,431,000,000			6,923,000,000
Net unamortized discount		855,000,000			852,000,000
Total debt		6,576,000,000	[7]		6,071,000,000	[7]
Current portion of long-term debt		135,000,000			540,000,000
Total long-term debt		6,441,000,000			5,531,000,000
Discounted Debt [Abstract]
Discounted debt on non-interest bearing 90 year subordinated note																																																																																																																						8,000,000
Imputed interest rate on non-interest bearing 90 year subordinated note																																																																																																																						5.75%
Discount included in the net unamortized discount for the non-interest bearing 90 year subordinated note																																																																																																																						834,000,000
Commercial Paper [Abstract]
Maximum aggregate principal amount of commercial paper that the Company is able to issue																			800,000,000
Commercial paper program																		The Company has a commercial paper program, which is backed by its revolving credit facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $800 million, or the US dollar equivalent.	The Company has a commercial paper program, which is backed by its revolving credit facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $800 million, or the US dollar equivalent.
Commercial paper outstanding																		81,000,000	82,000,000
Commercial Paper Weighted average interest rate																		0.20%	0.20%
Interest rate for capital lease obligations, minimum	0.70%	0.70%																																																																																																																								0.70%
Interest rate for capital lease obligations, maximum	11.80%	11.80%																																																																																																																								11.80%
Capital lease obligations maturity start date																																																																																																																										2012
Capital lease obligations maturity end date																																																																																																																										2037
Interest imputed on capital leases		299,000,000																																																																																																																								299,000,000		342,000,000
Net carrying amount of properties which secures the capital lease obligations																																																																																																																										993,000,000		1,036,000,000
Aggregate amount of US denominated debt payable in US dollars	6,295,000,000	6,402,000,000		5,914,000,000	5,882,000,000
Aggregate amount of US denominated debt relating to capital leases and other debt payable in US dollars	757,000,000			757,000,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, initiation date											May 2011	May 2011
Revolving credit facility, borrowing capacity		800,000,000										800,000,000
Revolving credit facility, additional borrowing capacity												500,000,000
Revolving credit facility, expiration date											4	4
Revolving credit facility, interest rate description											provides for borrowings at various interest rates, including the Canadian prime rate, bankers’ acceptance rates, the U.S. federal funds effective rate and the London Interbank Offer Rate, plus applicable margins	provides for borrowings at various interest rates, including the Canadian prime rate, bankers’ acceptance rates, the U.S. federal funds effective rate and the London Interbank Offer Rate, plus applicable margins
Revolving credit facility, covenant terms											The credit facility agreement has one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization	The credit facility agreement has one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization
Revolving credit facility compliance description											the Company is in compliance	the Company is in compliance
Revolving credit facility, previous borrowing capacity											1,000,000,000
Revolving credit facility, previous expiration date											October 2011	October 2011
Schedule Of Short Term And Long Term Debt Letters Of Credit [Line Items]
Letters Of Credit Drawn									499,000,000	436,000,000
Bilateral letter of credit facilities, description									the Company entered into a series of three-year bilateral letter of credit facility agreements with various banks to support its requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary course of business
Bilateral letter of credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity									520,000,000
Bilateral letter of credit facilities, collateral									Under these agreements, the Company has the option from time to time to pledge collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, for a minimum term of three months, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued.
Minimum term for which collateral in the form of cash and cash equivalents is pledged for.									3
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		499,000,000			0
Bilateral letter of credit facilities, initiation date									April 2011
Bilateral letter of credit facilities, expiration date									3
Capital Leases [Abstract]
Capital lease assets acquired in period							87,000,000	132,000,000

[1] G. In May 2011, the Company entered into a $800 million four-year revolving credit facility agreement with a consortium of lenders. The agreement allows for an increase in amount, up to a maximum of $500 million, as well as the option to extend the term by an additional year at each anniversary date, subject to the consent of individual lenders. The credit facility, containing customary terms and conditions, is available for general corporate purposes, including back-stopping the Company’s commercial paper program, and provides for borrowings at various interest rates, including the Canadian prime rate, bankers’ acceptance rates, the U.S. federal funds effective rate and the London Interbank Offer Rate, plus applicable margins. The credit facility agreement has one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization, and with which the Company is in compliance. This facility replaces the US$1 billion credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October 2011. As at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

[2] H. The Company has a commercial paper program, which is backed by its revolving credit facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $800 million, or the US dollar equivalent. As at December 31, 2011, the Company had borrowings of $82 million (US$81 million) of commercial paper (nil as at December 31, 2010) which were presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Balance Sheet. The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 0.20%.

[3] A. The Company’s debentures, notes and revolving credit facility are unsecured.

[4] B. These debt securities are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, at any time, at the greater of par and a formula price based on interest rates prevailing at the time of redemption.

[5] C. The Company records these notes as a discounted debt of $8 million, using an imputed interest rate of 5.75%. The discount of $834 million is included in the net unamortized discount.

[6] D. During 2011, the Company recorded $87 million in assets it acquired through equipment leases ($132 million in 2010), for which an equivalent amount was recorded in debt.         Interest rates for capital lease obligations range from approximately 0.7% to 11.8% with maturity dates in the years 2012 through 2037. The imputed interest on these leases amounted to $299 million as at December 31, 2011 and $342 million as at December 31, 2010.         The capital lease obligations are secured by properties with a net carrying amount of $993 million as at December 31, 2011 and $1,036 million as at December 31, 2010.

[7] See Note 18 - Financial Instruments, for the fair value of debt.

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Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Details) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Abstract]
Foreign exchange loss	(769)	(796)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	(2,076)	(920)
Derivative instruments (Note 18)	6	7
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,839)	(1,709)	(948)
Components of Other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Balance at January 1	(1,709)	(948)	(155)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign exchange gain (loss) (net of income tax (expense) recovery of $19, $(53) and $(131), for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)	27	(68)	(153)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans (net of income tax (expense) recovery of $401, $241 and $223, for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)	(1,156)	(692)	(640)
Derivative instruments (net of income tax recovery of $1, nil and nil for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)	(1)	(1)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,130)	(761)	(793)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,839)	(1,709)	(948)
Income tax (expense) recovery on foreign exchange gain (loss)	19	(53)	(131)
Income tax (expense) recovery on pension and other postretirement benefit plans	401	241	223
Income tax (expense) recovery on derivative instruments	1	0	0

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Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Foreign exchange loss		$	(769)	$	(796)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans			(2,076)		(920)
Derivative instruments (Note 18)			6		7
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(2,839)	$	(1,709)

Components of Other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects

The components of Other comprehensive lossand the related tax effects are as follows:

In millions			Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Balance at January 1				$	(1,709)	$	(948)	$	(155)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Foreign exchange gain (loss) (net of income tax (expense) recovery of
		$19, $(53) and $(131), for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)			27		(68)		(153)
	Pension and other postretirement benefit plans (net of income tax (expense) recovery of
		$401, $241 and $223, for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)			(1,156)		(692)		(640)
	Derivative instruments (net of income tax recovery of
		$1, nil and nil for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)			(1)		(1)		-
Other comprehensive loss					(1,130)		(761)		(793)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Balance at December 31				$	(2,839)	$	(1,709)	$	(948)

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Intangible and other assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Intangible and other assets by major class

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Deferred and long-term receivables		$	98	$	101
Intangible assets (A)			54		54
Investments (B)			31		25
Pension asset (Note 12)			-		442
Other			78		77
Total intangible and other assets		$	261	$	699

A. Intangible assets

Intangible assets consistmainly of customer contracts and relationships assumed through past acquisitions

B. Investments

As at December 31, 2011, the Company had $21million ($21 million as at December 31, 2010) of investments accounted for under the equity method and $10million ($4 million as at December 31, 2010) of investments accounted for under the cost method.

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Income Taxes (Details) (CAD)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Income tax expense reconciliation [Abstract]
Federal tax rate (in hundredths)	16.50%		18.00%		19.00%
Income tax expense at the statutory Federal tax rate	(554,000,000)		(518,000,000)		(430,000,000)
Income tax (expense) recovery resulting from: [Abstract]
Provincial and foreign taxes	(360,000,000)		(308,000,000)		(213,000,000)
Deferred income tax adjustments due to rate enactments	(40,000,000)		0		126,000,000
Gain on disposals	62,000,000		32,000,000		42,000,000
Other	(7,000,000)	[1]	22,000,000	[1]	68,000,000	[1]
Income tax expense	(899,000,000)		(772,000,000)		(407,000,000)
Cash payments for income taxes	482,000,000		214,000,000		245,000,000
Income before income taxes [Abstract]
Domestic	2,464,000,000		2,052,000,000		1,738,000,000
Foreign	892,000,000		824,000,000		523,000,000
Income before income taxes	3,356,000,000		2,876,000,000		2,261,000,000
Current income tax (expense) [Abstract]
Domestic	(340,000,000)		(306,000,000)		(244,000,000)
Foreign	(28,000,000)		(48,000,000)		(25,000,000)
Current income tax (expense) - Total	(368,000,000)		(354,000,000)		(269,000,000)
Deferred income tax (expense) [Abstract]
Domestic	(288,000,000)		(248,000,000)		(58,000,000)
Foreign	(243,000,000)		(170,000,000)		(80,000,000)
Deferred income tax (expense) - Total	(531,000,000)		(418,000,000)		(138,000,000)
Deferred income tax assets [Abstract]
Pension liability	226,000,000		0
Personal injury claims and other reserves	134,000,000		155,000,000
Other postretirement benefits liability	85,000,000		88,000,000
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards	5,000,000	[2]	11,000,000	[2]
Total deferred income tax assets	450,000,000		254,000,000
Deferred income tax liabilities [Abstract]
Properties	5,618,000,000		5,129,000,000
Net pension asset	0		41,000,000
Other	119,000,000		183,000,000
Total deferred income tax liabilities	5,737,000,000		5,353,000,000
Total net deferred income tax liability	5,287,000,000		5,099,000,000
Total net deferred income tax liability [Abstract]
Domestic	2,046,000,000		2,162,000,000
Foreign	3,241,000,000		2,937,000,000
Total net deferred income tax liability	5,287,000,000		5,099,000,000
Total net deferred income tax liability	5,287,000,000		5,099,000,000
Net current deferred income tax asset	46,000,000		53,000,000
Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability	5,333,000,000		5,152,000,000
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards, expiration date	between the years 2014 and 2031
Future taxable income to fully realize all of the deferred income tax assets	1,600,000,000
Unrecognized deferred income tax asset on unrealized foreign exchange loss in AOCI	280,000,000
Recognized tax credits for eligible research and development expenditures	(1,000,000)		(1,000,000)		(6,000,000)
Accrued interest and penalties	13,000,000		19,000,000
Approximate amount of unrecognized tax benefits that may be recognised over the next 12 months as a results of settlements and a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(16,000,000)
Income tax receivable included in Deferred and receivable income taxes	76,000,000
Reconciliation for unrecognized tax benefits for Domestic and Foreign tax positions: [Roll Forward]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits as at beginning of year	57,000,000		83,000,000		79,000,000
Increases for: [Abstract]
Tax positions related to the current year	1,000,000		4,000,000		11,000,000
Tax positions related to prior years	11,000,000		5,000,000		4,000,000
Decreases for: [Abstract]
Tax positions related to prior years	0		(31,000,000)		(2,000,000)
Settlements	(21,000,000)		0		(2,000,000)
Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(2,000,000)		(4,000,000)		(7,000,000)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	46,000,000		57,000,000		83,000,000
Adjustments to reflect tax treaties and other arrangements	(11,000,000)		(27,000,000)		(46,000,000)
Net unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	35,000,000		30,000,000		37,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits recorded in income tax expense related to penalties and interest expense	4,000,000		5,000,000		4,000,000
Federal Domestic [Member]
Income Tax Returns [Abstract]
Income tax return examination by tax authorities, years under review	2006, 2007 and 2008
Expected completion date of all on-going examinations of the Company's income tax returns by tax authorities	2012
Income tax returns subject to examination by tax authorities, years under consideration	2007 to 2010
Provincial [Member]
Income Tax Returns [Abstract]
Income tax return examination by tax authorities, years under review	2006
Expected completion date of all on-going examinations of the Company's income tax returns by tax authorities	2012
Income tax returns subject to examination by tax authorities, years under consideration	2006 to 2010
Federal US [Member]
Income Tax Returns [Abstract]
Income tax returns subject to examination by tax authorities, years under consideration	2007 to 2010
State [Member]
Income Tax Returns [Abstract]
Income tax returns subject to examination by tax authorities, years under consideration	2007 to 2010
Indiana [Member]
Income Tax Returns [Abstract]
Income tax return examination by tax authorities, years under review	2008 to 2010
Expected completion date of all on-going examinations of the Company's income tax returns by tax authorities	2012
Wisconsin [Member]
Income Tax Returns [Abstract]
Income tax return examination by tax authorities, years under review	2003 to 2006
Expected completion date of all on-going examinations of the Company's income tax returns by tax authorities	2012

[1] Comprises adjustments relating to the resolution of matters pertaining to prior years' income taxes, including net recognized tax benefits, and other items.

[2] Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards will expire between the years 2014 and 2031.

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Capital stock (Detail) (CAD) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Issued and outstanding common shares [Abstract]
Shareholders', common share, beginning balance (in shares)	459.4		471.0		468.2
Number of shares repurchased through buyback programs (in shares)	(19.9)	[1]	(15.0)	[1]	0	[1]
Stock options exercised (in shares)	2.6		3.4		2.8
Shareholders', common share, ending balance (in shares)	442.1		459.4		471.0
Share Repurchase Programs [Abstract]
Number of common shares (in shares)	19.9	[1]	15.0	[1]	0	[1]
Weighted-average price per share (in dollars per share)	71.33	[2]	60.86	[2]	0	[2]
Amount of repurchase	1,420		913		0
Shares approved for repurchase in previous share repurchase program (in shares)	16.5
Previous share repurchase program initiation date	January 2011
Previous share repurchase program expiration date	Sep. 30, 2011
Shares approved for repurchase in share repurchase program (in shares)	17.0
Share repurchase program expiration date	between October 28, 2011 and October 27, 2012
Share repurchase program initiation date	October 2011

[1] Includes common shares purchased in the first and fourth quarters of 2011 and in the second and third quarters of 2010 pursuant to private agreements between the Company and arm's-length third-party sellers.

[2] Includes brokerage fees.

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Major commitments and contingencies (Details) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 CAD	Dec. 31, 2009 CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Workers' compensation and other employee benefits [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Guarantees under operating leases [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Other Guarantees [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Other Guarantees [Member] Equipment under leases and other [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Personal Injury and Other Claims Provision [Member] Canada [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Personal Injury and Other Claims Provision [Member] Canada [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2009 Personal Injury and Other Claims Provision [Member] Canada [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Personal Injury and Other Claims Provision [Member] U.S. [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Personal Injury and Other Claims Provision [Member] U.S. [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2009 Personal Injury and Other Claims Provision [Member] U.S. [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Other Commitments [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Other Commitments [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Fuel [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Commitments and railroad infrastructure improvements [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Positive Train Control Commitment Member USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Positive Train Control Commitment Member CAD
A. Leases
Capital leases description	The Company has operating and capital leases, mainly for locomotives, freight cars and intermodal equipment. Of the capital leases, many provide the option to purchase the leased items at fixed values during or at the end of the lease term.
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
2012	128
2013	103
2014	76
2015	61
2016	45
2017 and thereafter	252
Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	665
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
2012	99
2013	151
2014	270
2015	109
2016	297
2017 and thereafter	328
Total Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	1,254
Less: [Abstract]
Imputed interest on capital leases at rates ranging from approximately 0.7% to 11.8%	299
Present value of minimum lease payments included in debt	955
Approximate interest rate for capital lease obligations, minimum (in hundredths)	0.70%
Approximate interest rate for capital lease obligations, maximum (in hundredths)	11.80%
Description of operating lease agreements	The Company also has operating lease agreements for its automotive fleet with one-year non-cancelable terms for which its practice is to renew monthly thereafter.
Term of automotive fleet operating lease agreements (in years)	1
Estimated annual rental payments for automotive fleet operating leases	30
General period in which automotive fleet operating leases are extended (in years)	5
Annual rent expense for all operating leases	143	176	213
B. Commitments
Aggregate commitment costs														727	740		130	190	193
Approximate percentage of estimated 2012 fuel volume purchase commitment (in hundredths)																61.00%
Approximate percentage of anticipated fuel volume purchase commitment 2013 (in hundredths)																41.00%
Approximate percentage of anticipated fuel volume purchase commitment 2014 (in hundredths)																11.00%
C. Contingencies
Management's assessment of loss contingency from personal injury								Employee injuries are governed by the workers’ compensation legislation in each province whereby employees may be awarded either a lump sum or future stream of payments depending on the nature and severity of the injury. As such, the provision for employee injury claims is discounted. In the provinces where the Company is self-insured, costs related to employee work-related injuries are accounted for based on actuarially developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-party administration costs. A comprehensive actuarial study is generally performed at least on a triennial basis. For all other legal actions, the Company maintains, and regularly updates on a case-by-case basis, provisions for such items when the expected loss is both probable and can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information.			Personal injury claims by the Company’s employees, including claims alleging occupational disease and work-related injuries, are subject to the provisions of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Employees are compensated under FELA for damages assessed based on a finding of fault through the U.S. jury system or through individual settlements. As such, the provision is undiscounted. With limited exceptions where claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the Company follows an actuarial-based approach and accrues the expected cost for personal injury, including asserted and unasserted occupational disease claims, and property damage claims, based on actuarial estimates of their ultimate cost. A comprehensive actuarial study is performed annually. For employee work-related injuries, including asserted occupational disease claims, and third-party claims, including grade crossing, trespasser and property damage claims, the actuarial valuation considers, among other factors, CN’s historical patterns of claims filings and payments. For unasserted occupational disease claims, the actuarial study includes the projection of CN’s experience into the future considering the potentially exposed population. The Company adjusts its liability based upon management’s assessment and the results of the study. On an ongoing basis, management reviews and compares the assumptions inherent in the latest actuarial study with the current claim experience and, if required, adjustments to the liability are recorded.
Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance January 1								200	178	189	146	166	265
Accruals and other								31	59	48	30	7	(46)
Payments								(32)	(37)	(59)	(65)	(27)	(53)
Balance December 31								199	200	178	111	146	166
Current portion, balance December 31								39	39	34	45	44	72
Net reductions to US personal injury and other claims provision persuant to the results of external actuarial studies											6	19	60
D. Environmental matters
Approximate number of identified sites for which the Company is or may be liable for remediation costs	310
Approximate number of sites for which the Company has been notified that it is a potentially responsible party for study and cleanup costs	10
Provision for specific environmental sites [Abstract]
Balance January 1	150	103	125
Accruals and other	17	67	(7)
Payments	(15)	(20)	(15)
Balance December 31	152	150	103
Current portion, balance December 31	63	34	38
Anticipated environmental liability disbursement time frame (in years)	5
Regulatory Compliance [Abstract]
Environmental operating expenses	4	23	11
Environmental capital expenditures	11	14	9
E. Guarantees and indemnifications
Term assets residual values guaranteed under operating leases and other guarantees (in years)					between 2012 and 2022	between 2012 and 2014
Maximum potential liability under guarantees				439	112	509	70
Irrevocable standby letters of credit drawn on the Company's bilateral letter of credit facilities						499
Surety and other bonds drawn on the Company's bilateral letter of credit facilities						10

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Financial Instruments (Details) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Risk Management [Abstract]
Unamortized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	8	10
Unamortized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, after-tax	6	7
Financial liabilities [Abstract]
Revolving credit facility, borrowing capacity	800
Carrying amount [Member]
Financial assets [Abstract]
Investments (Note 6)	31	25
Financial liabilities [Abstract]
Total debt (Note 9)	6,576	6,071
Fair value [Member]
Financial assets [Abstract]
Investments (Note 6)	126	114
Financial liabilities [Abstract]
Total debt (Note 9)	7,978	6,937

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Pensions and other postretirement benefits (Details 9) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Pensions [Member]
Estimated future benefit payments [Line Items]
2012	973
2013	996
2014	1,018
2015	1,040
2016	1,060
Years 2017 to 2021	5,444
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Estimated future benefit payments [Line Items]
2012	18
2013	18
2014	19
2015	19
2016	19
Years 2017 to 2021	98

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Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

18– Financial instruments

A. Risk management

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to various risks such as customer credit risk, commodity price risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, and liquidity risk. To manage these risks, the Company follows a financial risk management framework, which is monitored and approved by the Company's Finance Committee, with a goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet, optimizing earnings per share and free cash flow, financing its operations at an optimal cost of capital and preserving its liquidity. The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments in the management of its risks and does not use them for trading purposes. At December 31, 2011, the Company did not have any significant derivative financial instruments outstanding.

(i) Customer credit risk

In the normal course of business, the Company monitors the financial condition and credit limits of its customers and reviews the credit history of each new customer. Although the Company believes there are no significant concentrations of credit risk, economic conditions canaffect the Company's customers and canresult in an increase to the Company's credit risk and exposure to business failures of its customers. To manage its credit risk, on an ongoing basis, the Company's focus is on keeping the average daily sales outstanding within anacceptable range, and working with customers to ensure timely payments, and in certain cases, requiring financial security, including letters of credit.

(ii) Fuel

The Company is exposed to commodity price risk related to purchases of fuel and the potential reduction in net income due to increases in the price of diesel. The impact of variable fuel expense is mitigated substantially through the Company's fuel surcharge program which apportions incremental changes in fuel prices to shippers within agreed upon guidelines. While this program provides effective coverage, residual exposure remains given that fuel price risk cannot be completely mitigated due to timing and given the volatility in the market. As such, the Company may enter into derivative instruments to mitigate such risk when considered appropriate.

(iii) Interest rate

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk, which is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will vary as a result of changes in market interest rates.

Such risk exists in relation to the Company's pension and postretirement plans and to its long-term debt. Overall return in the capital markets and the level of interest rates affect the funded status of the Company's pension plans, particularly the Company's mainCanadian pension plan. Adverse changes with respect to pension plan returns and the level of interest rates from the date of the last actuarial valuations may have a material adverse effect on the funded status of the plans and on the Company's results of operations.

The Company mainly issues fixed-rate debt, which exposes the Company to variability in the fair value of the debt. The Company also issues debt with variable interest rates through commercial paper borrowing and capital leases, which exposes the Company to variability in interest expense. To manage its interest rate exposure, the Company manages its borrowings in line with liquidity needs, maturity schedule, and currency and interest rate profile. In anticipation of future debt issuances, the Company may enter into forward rate agreements. The Company does not currently hold any significant derivative financial instruments to manage its interest rate risk. At December 31, 2011, Accumulated other comprehensive loss included an unamortized gain of $8million, $6million after-tax ($10 million, $7 million after-tax at December 31, 2010) relating to treasury lock transactions settled in a prior year, which are being amortized over the term of the related debt.

(iv)Foreign currency

The Company conducts its business in both Canada and the U.S. and as a result, is affected by currency fluctuations. Changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and other currencies (including the US dollar) make the goods transported by the Company more or less competitive in the world marketplace and thereby further affect the Company's revenues and expenses.

All of the Company's U.S. operations are self-contained foreign entities with the US dollar as their functional currency. Accordingly, the U.S. operations' assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate in effect at the balance sheet date and the revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. All adjustments resulting from the translation of the foreign operations are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss). For the purpose of minimizing volatility of earnings resulting from the conversion of US dollar-denominated long-term debt into the Canadian dollar, the Company designates the US dollar-denominated long-term debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net investment in U.S. subsidiaries. As a result, from the dates of designation, foreign exchange gains and losses on translation of the Company's US dollar-denominated long-term debt are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

       Occasionally, the Company enters into short-term foreign exchange contracts as part of its cash management strategy. At December 31, 2011, the Company did not have any foreign exchange contracts outstanding.

(v) Liquidity risk

The Company monitors and manages its cash requirements to ensure sufficient access to funds to meet operational and investing requirements. The Company pursues a solid financial policy framework with the goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet, by monitoring its adjusted debt-to-total capitalization and adjusted debt-to-adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratios, and preserving an investment grade credit rating to be able to maintain access to public financing.

       The Company's principal source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, which is supplemented by its commercial paper program to meet short-term liquidity needs. If the Company were to lose access to the program for an extended period of time, the Company could rely on its $800 million revolving credit facility.The Company's primary uses of funds are for working capital requirements, including income tax installments as they become due and pension contributions, contractual obligations, capital expenditures relating to track infrastructure and other, acquisitions, dividend payouts, and the repurchase of shares through a share buyback program, when applicable. The Company sets priorities on its uses of available funds based on short-term operational requirements, expenditures to maintain a safe railway and strategic initiatives, while also considering its long-term contractual obligations and returning value to its shareholders.

B. Fair value of financial instruments

Generally accepted accounting principles define the fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which the carrying amounts are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet under the following captions:

(i) Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash and cash equivalents, Accounts receivable, Other current assets, Accounts payable and other:

The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

(ii) Intangible and other assets:

Included in Intangible and other assets are equity investments for which the carrying value approximates the fair value, with the exception of certain cost investments for which the fair value was estimated based on the Company's proportionate share of the underlying net assets.

(iii) Debt:

The fair value of the Company's debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar debt instruments, as well as discounted cash flows using current interest rates for debt with similar terms, company rating, and remaining maturity.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments as at December 31, 2011 and December 31,2010 for which the carrying values on the Consolidated Balance Sheet are different from their fair values:

In millions			December 31, 2011				December 31, 2010
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			amount		value		amount		value
Financial assets
	Investments (Note 6)	$	31	$	126	$	25	$	114
Financial liabilities
	Total debt (Note 9)	$	6,576	$	7,978	$	6,071	$	6,937

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Accounts receivable (Details) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts receivable
Freight	630	585
Non-freight	206	211
Gross accounts receivable	836	796
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(16)	(21)
Net accounts receivable	820	775
Program maximum cash proceeds from securitization of accounts receivable upon initiation of five-year agreement, which expired on May 31, 2011 and was not renewed	600

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Segmented Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Information by geographic area

The following tables provide information by geographic area

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Revenues (1)
	Canada		$	6,169	$	5,630	$	4,971
	U.S.			2,859		2,667		2,396
			$	9,028	$	8,297	$	7,367
(1)	For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the largest customer represented approximately 3% of total revenues for each year.
In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Net income
	Canada		$	1,836	$	1,498	$	1,436
	U.S.			621		606		418
			$	2,457	$	2,104	$	1,854
In millions		December 31,		2011		2010
Properties
	Canada		$	13,824	$	13,312
	U.S.			10,093		9,605
			$	23,917	$	22,917

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Earnings per share (Details) (CAD) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Earnings per share [Abstract]
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	5.45	4.51	3.95
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	5.41	4.48	3.92
Reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:[Abstract]
Net income	2,457	2,104	1,854
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	451.1	466.3	469.2
Effect of stock options (in shares)	3.3	3.8	4.3
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	454.4	470.1	473.5
Weighted-average number of stock options not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0.1	0	0.4

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Capital Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Activity of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company

The following table provides the activity of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company for the last three years ended December 31, 2011:

In millions	Year ended December 31,	2011	2010	2009
Issued and outstanding common shares at beginning of year		459.4	471.0	468.2
Number of shares repurchased through buyback programs		(19.9)	(15.0)	-
Stock options exercised		2.6	3.4	2.8
Issued and outstanding common shares at end of year		442.1	459.4	471.0

Activity under share repurchase programs

The following table provides the activities under such share repurchase programs, as well as the share repurchase programs of the prior years:

In millions, except per share data		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Number of common shares (1)				19.9		15.0		-
Weighted-average price per share (2)			$	71.33	$	60.86	$	-
Amount of repurchase			$	1,420	$	913	$	-
(1)	Includes common shares purchased in the first and fourth quarters of 2011 and in the second and third quarters of 2010 pursuant to private agreements between the Company and arm's-length third-party sellers.
(2)	Includes brokerage fees.

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Intangible and other assets (Details) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Intangible and other assets [Abstract]
Deferred and long-term receivables	98		101
Intangible assets	54	[1]	54	[1]
Investments	31	[2]	25	[2]
Pension asset (Note 12)	0		442
Other	78		77
Total Intangible and other assets	261		699
Investments [Abstract]
Investments, equity method	21		21
Investments, cost method	10		4

[1] Intangible assets consist mainly of customer contracts and relationships assumed through past acquisitions.

[2] As at December 31, 2011, the Company had $21 million ($21 million as at December 31, 2010) of investments accounted for under the equity method and $10 million ($4 million as at December 31, 2010) of investments accounted for under the cost method.

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Pensions and other postretirement benefits (Details 5) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pensions [Member]
Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(2,720)	(1,185)
Prior service cost	(30)	(5)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Net actuarial gain (loss)	3	1
Prior service cost	(3)	(4)

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Stock Plans - Options Range of exercise prices (Details) (CAD) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 years
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Entity's closing stock price at end of period	80.15
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number of options outstanding	6.9	[1]
Weighted-average years to expiration of options outstanding	4.8	[1]
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding	40.80	[1]
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	270	[1]
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number of exercisable options	4.9	[1]
Weighted average exercise price of exercisable options	35.58	[1]
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options	217	[1]
Weighted-average years to expiration of exercisable options (years)	3.5
Range of Exercise Prices 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Minimum price of options outstanding, end of the period	11.63
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period	20.51
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number of options outstanding	1.5
Weighted-average years to expiration of options outstanding	1.1
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding	20.42
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	92
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number of exercisable options	1.5
Weighted average exercise price of exercisable options	20.42
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options	92
Range of Exercise Prices 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Minimum price of options outstanding, end of the period	20.52
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period	30.19
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number of options outstanding	0.6
Weighted-average years to expiration of options outstanding	1.0
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding	26.67
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	29
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number of exercisable options	0.6
Weighted average exercise price of exercisable options	26.67
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options	29
Range of Exercise Prices 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Minimum price of options outstanding, end of the period	30.20
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period	40.22
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number of options outstanding	0.9
Weighted-average years to expiration of options outstanding	5.9
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding	35.18
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	40
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number of exercisable options	0.5
Weighted average exercise price of exercisable options	35.46
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options	24
Range of Exercise Prices 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Minimum price of options outstanding, end of the period	40.23
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period	50.69
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number of options outstanding	2.0
Weighted-average years to expiration of options outstanding	5.6
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding	46.11
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	69
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number of exercisable options	1.6
Weighted average exercise price of exercisable options	46.28
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options	54
Range of Exercise Prices 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Minimum price of options outstanding, end of the period	50.70
Maximum price of options outstanding, end of the period	78.24
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number of options outstanding	1.9
Weighted-average years to expiration of options outstanding	7.5
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding	58.74
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	40
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number of exercisable options	0.7
Weighted average exercise price of exercisable options	52.50
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options	18

[1] Stock options with a US dollar exercise price have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. As at December 31, 2011, all stock options outstanding were in-the-money. The weighted-average years to expiration of exercisable stock options is 3.5 years.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 years
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Properties depreciation method by asset class	The cost of properties, including those under capital leases, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated service lives, measured in years, except for rail which is measured in millions of gross tons per mile. The Company follows the group method of depreciation whereby a single composite depreciation rate is applied to the gross investment in a class of similar assets, despite small differences in the service life or salvage value of individual property units within the same asset class.
Intangible assets amortization method	straight-line basis
Intangible assets
Intangible assets, useful life, minimum (in years)	40
Intangible assets, useful life, maximum (in years)	50
Pensions
Pension Plan amortization of cumulative net actuarial gains and losses	10.00%
Postretirement benefits amortization of cumulative net actuarial gains and losses	10.00%

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Accounting Changes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Accounting Changes

2 – Accounting changes

2011

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, giving companies the option to present the components of net income and comprehensive income in either one or two consecutive financial statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in shareholders' equity. ASU 2011-05 also requires reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) in both net income and other comprehensive income (OCI) to be separately disclosed on the face of the financial statements. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which deferred the effective date to present reclassification adjustments in net income. The effective date of the deferral is consistent with the effective date of ASU 2011-05 which becomes effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2011.During the deferral period, the FASB plans to re-evaluate the requirement, with a final decision expected in 2012.

The Company currently presents the components of net income and other comprehensive income in two separate and consecutive financial statements. As such, the Company does not expect any significant changes to its annual consolidated financial statements from implementation of the new standards.

2010

Accounting standard updates effective in 2010 that were issued by the FASB had no significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

2009

Business Combinations

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the new requirements of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, “Business Combinations,” relating to the accounting for business combinations (previously Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 (R)), which became effective for acquisitions with an acquisition date on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Until December 31, 2008, the Company was subject to the requirements of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” which required that acquisition-related costs be included as part of the purchase cost of an acquired business. As such, the Company had reported acquisition-related costs in Other current assets pending the closing of its acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E), which had been subject to an extensive U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) approval process. On January 31, 2009, the Company completed its acquisition of the EJ&E and accounted for the acquisition under the revised standard. The Company incurred acquisition-related costs, including costs to obtain regulatory approval of approximately $49 million, which were expensed and reported in Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2009 pursuant to FASB ASC 805 requirements. At the time of adoption, this change in accounting policy had the effect of decreasing net income by $28 million ($0.06 per basic or diluted earnings per share) and Other current assets by $46 million. This change had no effect on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Disclosures prescribed by FASB ASC 805 are presented in Note 3 – Acquisitions.

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Stock Plans - Options Year of Grant (Details) (CAD) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Valuation And Expense Information Stock Option Awards By Year Of Grant [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized over requisite service period	10	[1]	9	[1]	14	[1]
Fair value of awards vested during the year	12		13		12
Unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period	10
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Valuation method used in calculating compensation cost	Black-Scholes option-pricing model
Stock Option Plans [Member] | Granted Year 2011 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Valuation And Expense Information Stock Option Awards By Year Of Grant [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized over requisite service period	5	[1]
Fair value per unit at grant date (in dollars per share)	15.66
Fair value of awards vested during the year	0
Unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period	5
Remaining recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period (years)	3.0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Grant price	68.94
Expected stock price volatility	26.00%	[2]
Expected term (years)	5.3	[3]
Risk-free interest rate	2.53%	[4]
Dividend rate per share (in dollars per share)	1.30	[5]
Stock Option Plans [Member] | Granted in year 2010 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Valuation And Expense Information Stock Option Awards By Year Of Grant [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized over requisite service period	2	[1]	4	[1]
Fair value per unit at grant date (in dollars per share)	13.09
Fair value of awards vested during the year	2		0
Unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period	3
Remaining recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period (years)	2.0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Grant price	54.76
Expected stock price volatility	28.00%	[2]
Expected term (years)	5.4	[3]
Risk-free interest rate	2.44%	[4]
Dividend rate per share (in dollars per share)	1.08	[5]
Stock Option Plans [Member] | Granted in year 2009 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Valuation And Expense Information Stock Option Awards By Year Of Grant [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized over requisite service period	2	[1]	2	[1]	9	[1]
Fair value per unit at grant date (in dollars per share)	12.60
Fair value of awards vested during the year	4		4		0
Unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period	2
Remaining recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period (years)	1.0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Grant price	42.14
Expected stock price volatility	39.00%	[2]
Expected term (years)	5.3	[3]
Risk-free interest rate	1.97%	[4]
Dividend rate per share (in dollars per share)	1.01	[5]
Stock Option Plans [Member] | Granted in year 2008 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Valuation And Expense Information Stock Option Awards By Year Of Grant [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized over requisite service period	1	[1]	2	[1]	1	[1]
Fair value per unit at grant date (in dollars per share)	12.44
Fair value of awards vested during the year	3		3		3
Unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period	0
Remaining recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period (years)	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Grant price	48.51
Expected stock price volatility	27.00%	[2]
Expected term (years)	5.3	[3]
Risk-free interest rate	3.58%	[4]
Dividend rate per share (in dollars per share)	0.92	[5]
Stock Option Plans [Member] | Granted in year 2007 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Valuation And Expense Information Stock Option Awards By Year Of Grant [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized over requisite service period	0	[1]	1	[1]	2	[1]
Fair value per unit at grant date (in dollars per share)	13.37
Fair value of awards vested during the year	3		3		3
Unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period	0
Remaining recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period (years)	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Grant price	52.79
Expected stock price volatility	24.00%	[2]
Expected term (years)	5.2	[3]
Risk-free interest rate	4.12%	[4]
Dividend rate per share (in dollars per share)	0.84	[5]
Stock Option Plans [Member] | Granted in year 2006 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Valuation And Expense Information Stock Option Awards By Year Of Grant [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized over requisite service period			0	[1]	2	[1]
Fair value per unit at grant date (in dollars per share)	13.80
Fair value of awards vested during the year			3		3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Grant price	51.51
Expected stock price volatility	25.00%	[2]
Expected term (years)	5.2	[3]
Risk-free interest rate	4.04%	[4]
Dividend rate per share (in dollars per share)	0.65	[5]
Stock Option Plans [Member] | Granted in year 2005 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Valuation And Expense Information Stock Option Awards By Year Of Grant [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized over requisite service period					0	[1]
Fair value per unit at grant date (in dollars per share)	9.19
Fair value of awards vested during the year					3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Grant price	36.33
Expected stock price volatility	25.00%	[2]
Expected term (years)	5.2	[3]
Risk-free interest rate	3.50%	[4]
Dividend rate per share (in dollars per share)	0.50	[5]

[1] Compensation cost is based on the grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions at the grant date.

[2] Based on the average of the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award and the implied volatility from traded options on the Company's stock.

[3] Represents the period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination, and groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately.

[4] Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.

[5] Based on the annualized dividend rate.

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Earnings per share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Earnings per share reconciliation

	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Basic earnings per share		$	5.45	$	4.51	$	3.95
Diluted earnings per share		$	5.41	$	4.48	$	3.92
The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Net income		$	2,457	$	2,104	$	1,854
Weighted-average shares outstanding			451.1		466.3		469.2
Effect of stock options			3.3		3.8		4.3
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding			454.4		470.1		473.5

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Properties (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Accounting policy for capitalization of costs

Accounting policy for capitalization of costs

The Company's railroad operations are highly capital intensive. The Company's properties consist mainly of a large base of homogeneous or network-type assets such as rail, ties, ballast and other structures, which form the Company's Track and roadway properties, and rolling stock. The Company's capital expenditures are for the replacement of assets and for the purchase or construction of assets to enhance operations or provide new service offerings to customers. A large portion of the Company's capital expenditures are for self-constructed properties including the replacement of existing track and roadway assets and track line expansion, as well as major overhauls and large refurbishments of rolling stock.

Expenditures are generally capitalized if they extend the life of the asset or provide future benefits such as increased revenue-generating capacity, functionality, or physical or service capacity. The Company has a process in place to determine whether its capital programs qualify for capitalization. For Track and roadway properties, the Company establishes basic capital programs to replace or upgrade the track infrastructure assets which are capitalized if they meet the capitalization criteria. These basic capital programs are planned in advance and carried out by the Company's engineering work force.

In addition, for Track and roadway properties, expenditures that meet the minimum level of activity as defined by the Company are also capitalized as detailed below:

• Land: all purchases of land;
• Grading: installation of road bed, retaining walls, drainage structures;
• Rail and related track material: installation of 39 or more continuous feet of rail;
• Ties: installation of 5 or more ties per 39 feet;
• Ballast: installation of 171 cubic yards of ballast per mile.

Expenditures relating to the Company's properties that do not meet the Company's capitalization criteria are considered normal repairs and maintenance and are expensed. For Track and roadway properties, such expenditures include but are not limited to spot tie replacement, spot or broken rail replacement, physical track inspection for detection of rail defects and minor track corrections, and other general maintenance of track infrastructure.

       For the ballast asset, the Company also engages in “shoulder ballast undercutting” that consists of removing some or all of the ballast, which has deteriorated over its service life, and replacing it with new ballast. When ballast is installed as part of a shoulder ballast undercutting project, it represents the addition of a new asset and not the repair or maintenance of an existing asset. As such, the Company capitalizes expenditures related to shoulder ballast undercutting given that an existing asset is retired and replaced with a new asset. Under the group method of accounting for properties, the deteriorated ballast is retired at its average cost measured using the quantities of new ballast added.

       For purchased assets, the Company capitalizes all costs necessary to make the asset ready for its intended use. Expenditures that are capitalized as part of self-constructed properties include direct material, labor, and contracted services, as well as other allocated costs which are not charged directly to capital projects. These allocated costs include, but are not limited to, fringe benefits, small tools and supplies, machinery used on projects and project supervision. The Company reviews and adjusts its allocations, as required, to reflect the actual costs incurred each year.

Costs of deconstruction and removal of replaced assets, referred to herein as dismantling costs, are distinguished from installation costs for self-constructed properties based on the nature of the related activity. For Track and roadway properties, employees concurrently perform dismantling and installation of new track and roadway assets and, as such, the Company estimates the amount of labor and other costs that are related to dismantling. The Company determines dismantling costs based on an analysis of the track and roadway installation process.

Accounting policy for depreciation

Accounting policy for depreciation

Properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation including asset impairment write-downs. The cost of properties, including those under capital leases, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated service lives, measured in years, except for rail which is measured in millions of gross tons per mile. The Company follows the group method of depreciation whereby a single composite depreciation rate is applied to the gross investment in a class of similar assets, despite small differences in the service life or salvage value of individual property units within the same asset class. The Company uses approximately40 different depreciable asset classes.

For all depreciable assets, the depreciation rate is based on the estimated service lives of the assets. Assessing the reasonableness of the estimated service lives of properties requires judgment and is based on currently available information, including periodic depreciation studies conducted by the Company. The Company's U.S. properties are subject to comprehensive depreciation studies as required by the STB and are conducted by external experts. Depreciation studies for Canadian properties are not required by regulation and are therefore conducted internally. Studies are performed on specific asset groups on a periodic basis. Changes in the estimated service lives of the assets and their related composite depreciation rates are implemented prospectively.

       For the rail asset, the estimated service life is measured in millions of gross tons per mile and varies based on rail characteristics such as weight, curvature and metallurgy. The annual composite depreciation rate for rail assets is determined by dividing the estimated annual number of gross tons carried over the rail by the estimated service life of the rail measured in millions of gross tons per mile. For the rail asset, the Company capitalizes the costs of rail grinding which consists of restoring and improving the rail profile and removing irregularities from worn rail to extend the service life. The service life of the rail asset is based on expected future usage of the rail in its existing condition, determined using railroad industry research and testing, less the rail asset's usage to date. The service life of the rail asset is increased incrementally as rail grinding is performed thereon. As such, the costs incurred for rail grinding are capitalized given that the activity extends the service life of the rail asset beyond its original or current condition as additional gross tons can be carried over the rail for its remaining service life. The Company amortizes the cost of rail grinding over the remaining life of the rail asset, which includes the incremental life extension generated by the rail grinding.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Principles of consolidation

A. Principles of consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries. The Company's investments in which it has significant influence are accounted for using the equity method and all other investments are accounted for using the cost method.

Revenues

B. Revenues

Freight revenues are recognized using the percentage of completed service method based on the transit time of freight as it moves from origin to destination. The allocation of revenues between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each period with expenses being recorded as incurred. Revenues related to non-rail transportation services are recognized as service is performed or as contractual obligations are met. Revenues are presented net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities.

Foreign currency

C. Foreign currency

All of the Company's United States (U.S.) operations are self-contained foreign entities with the US dollar as their functional currency. Accordingly, the U.S. operations' assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate in effect at the balance sheet date and the revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. All adjustments resulting from the translation of the foreign operations are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) (see Note 19 – Accumulated other comprehensive loss).

       The Company designates the US dollar-denominated long-term debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net investment in U.S. subsidiaries. Accordingly, foreign exchange gains and losses, from the dates of designation, on the translation of the US dollar-denominated long-term debt are also included in Other comprehensive income (loss).

Cash and cash equivalents

D. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity and are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

E. Restricted cash and cash equivalents

The Company has the option, under its bilateral letter of credit facility agreements with various banks, to pledge collateral in the form of cash and cash equivalents for a minimum term of three months, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. Restricted cash and cash equivalents are shown separately on the balance sheet and include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity and are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

Accounts receivable

F. Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded at cost net of billing adjustments and an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on expected collectability and considers historical experience as well as known trends or uncertainties related to account collectability. When a receivable is deemed uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to the bad debt expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Material and supplies

G. Material and supplies

Material and supplies, which consist mainly of rail, ties, and other items for construction and maintenance of property and equipment, as well as diesel fuel, are valued at weighted-average cost.

Properties

H. Properties

Railroad properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation including asset impairment write-downs. Labor, materials and other costs associated with the installation of rail, ties, ballast and other structures are capitalized to the extent they meet the Company's capitalization criteria. Major overhauls and large refurbishments of equipment are also capitalized when they result in an extension to the service life or increase the functionality of the asset. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

The cost of properties, including those under capital leases, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated service lives, measured in years, except for rail which is measured in millions of gross tons per mile. The Company follows the group method of depreciation whereby a single composite depreciation rate is applied to the gross investment in a class of similar assets, despite small differences in the service life or salvage value of individual property units within the same asset class.

In accordance with the group method of depreciation, upon sale or retirement of properties in the normal course of business, cost less net salvage value is charged to accumulated depreciation. As a result, no gain or loss is recognized in income under the group method as it is assumed that the assets within the group on average have the same life and characteristics and therefore that gains or losses offset over time. For retirements of depreciable properties that do not occur in the normal course of business, a gain or loss may be recognized if the retirement varies significantly from the retirement pattern identified through depreciation studies. A gain or loss is recognized in Other income for the sale of land or disposal of assets that are not part of railroad operations.

Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. Losses resulting from significant rail line sales are recognized in income when the asset meets the criteria for classification as held for sale, whereas losses resulting from significant rail line abandonments are recognized in the statement of income when the asset ceases to be used. Gains are recognized in income when they are realized.

The Company reviews the carrying amounts of properties held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows. Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of such review are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value.

Intangible assets

I. Intangible assets

Intangible assets consist mainly of customer contracts and relationships assumed through past acquisitions and are being amortized on astraight-line basis over 40 to 50 years.

The Company reviews the carrying amounts of intangible assets held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows. Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of such review are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value.

Pensions

J. Pensions

Pension costs are determined using actuarial methods. Net periodic benefit cost is charged to income and includes:

(i)       the cost of pension benefits provided in exchange for employees' services rendered during the year;

(ii)       the interest cost of pension obligations;

(iii)       the expected long-term return on pension fund assets;

(iv)       the amortization of prior service costs and amendments over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans; and

(v)       the amortization of cumulative net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the beginning of year balances of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets, over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans.

The pension plans are funded through contributions determined in accordance with the projected unit credit actuarial cost method.

Postretirement benefits other than pensions

K. Postretirement benefits other than pensions

The Company accrues the cost of postretirement benefits other than pensions using actuarial methods. These benefits, which are funded as they become due, include life insurance programs, medical benefits and,for a closed group of employees, free rail travel benefits.

The Company amortizes the cumulative net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year, over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plan.

Personal injury and other claims

L. Personal injury and other claims

In Canada, the Company accounts for costs related to employee work-related injuries based on actuarially developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-party administration costs.

       In the U.S., the Company accrues the expected cost for personal injury, property damage and occupational disease claims, based on actuarial estimates of their ultimate cost.

For all other legal actions in Canada and the U.S., the Company maintains, and regularly updates on a case-by-case basis, provisions for such items when the expected loss is both probable and can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information.

Environmental expenditures

M. Environmental expenditures

Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations, or to an existing condition caused by past operations, are expensed unless they can contribute to current or future operations. Environmental liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments occur, remedial efforts are probable, and when the costs, based on a specific plan of action in terms of the technology to be used and the extent of the corrective action required, can be reasonably estimated. The Company accrues its allocable share of liability taking into account the Company's alleged responsibility, the number of potentially responsible parties and their ability to pay their respective shares of the liability. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable and collectability is reasonably assured.

Income taxes

N. Income taxes

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, the change in the net deferred tax asset or liability is included in the computation of net income or Other comprehensive income (loss). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Derivative financial instruments

O. Derivative financial instruments

The Company uses derivative financial instruments from time to time in the management of its interest rate and foreign currency exposures. Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and the changes in fair value are recorded in net income or Other comprehensive income (loss) depending on the nature and effectiveness of the hedge transaction. Income and expense related to hedged derivative financial instruments are recorded in the same category as that generated by the underlying asset or liability.

Stock-based compensation

P. Stock-based compensation

The Company follows the fair value based approach for stock option awards based on the grant-date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company expenses the fair value of its stock option awards on a straight-line basis, over the period during which an employee is required to provide service (requisite service period) or until retirement eligibility is attained, whichever is shorter. The Company also follows the fair value based approach for cash settled awards using a lattice-based valuation model. Compensation cost for cash settled awards is based on the fair value of the awards at period-end and is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service (requisite service period) or until retirement eligibility is attained, whichever is shorter. See Note 11 – Stock plans, for the assumptions used to determine fair value and for other required disclosures.

Recent accounting pronouncements

Q. Recent accounting pronouncement

The Accounting Standards Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants requires all publicly accountable enterprises to report under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. However, National Instrument 52-107 issued by the Ontario Securities Commission allows Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issuers, as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, such as CN, to file with Canadian securities regulators financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As such, the Company has decided not to report under IFRS by 2011 and to continue reporting under U.S. GAAP. The SEC has issued a roadmap for the potential convergence to IFRS for U.S. issuers. Should the SEC decide it will move forward with the convergence to IFRS, the Company will convert its reporting to IFRS at that time.

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Long-term debt (Details 1) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Long Term Debt Maturities [Line Items]
2012	135	[1]
2013	512
2014	537
2015	81
2016	826
2017 and thereafter	4,485
Total debt	6,576	[2]	6,071	[2]
Capital Leases [Member]
Long Term Debt Maturities [Line Items]
2012	53	[1]
2013	108
2014	209
2015	81
2016	269
2017 and thereafter	235
Total debt	955
Debt [Member]
Long Term Debt Maturities [Line Items]
2012	82	[1]
2013	404
2014	328
2015	0
2016	557
2017 and thereafter	4,250
Total debt	5,621

[1] Current portion of long-term debt.

[2] See Note 18 - Financial Instruments, for the fair value of debt.

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Major commitments and contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Minimum rental payments for operating leases and minimum lease payments for capital leases in each of the next five years and thereafter

Minimum rental payments for operating leases having initial non-cancelable lease terms of more than one year and minimum lease payments for capital leases in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

In millions		Operating		Capital
2012	$	128	$	99
2013		103		151
2014		76		270
2015		61		109
2016		45		297
2017 and thereafter		252		328
	$	665		1,254
Less: imputed interest on capital leases at rates ranging from approximately 0.7% to 11.8%				299
Present value of minimum lease payments included in debt			$	955

Provision for personal injury and other claims in Canada

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company's provision for personal injury and other claims in Canada was as follows:

In millions		2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1	$	200	$	178	$	189
Accruals and other		31		59		48
Payments		(32)		(37)		(59)
Balance December 31	$	199	$	200	$	178
Current portion - Balance December 31	$	39	$	39	$	34

Provision for personal injury and other claims in the U.S.

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company's provision for personal injury and other claims in the U.S. was asfollows:

In millions		2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1	$	146	$	166	$	265
Accruals and other		30		7		(46)
Payments		(65)		(27)		(53)
Balance December 31	$	111	$	146	$	166
Current portion - Balance December 31	$	45	$	44	$	72

Provision for specific environmental sites

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company's provision for specific environmental sites was as follows:
In millions			2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1		$	150	$	103	$	125
	Accruals and other		17		67		(7)
	Payments		(15)		(20)		(15)
Balance December 31		$	152	$	150	$	103
Current portion - Balance December 31		$	63	$	34	$	38

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Acquisition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Summary of the consideration paid for EJ and E and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed that were recognized at the acquisition date.

The following table summarizes the consideration paid for EJ&E and thefair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed that were recognized at the acquisition date:

In US millions	At January 31, 2009
Consideration
Cash		$	300
Fair value of total consideration transferred		$	300
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Current assets		$	4
Properties			310
Current liabilities			(4)
Other noncurrent liabilities			(10)
Total identifiable net assets		$	300

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Accounts receivable (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Accounts receivable

In millions	December 31,	2011		2010
Freight		$	630	$	585
Non-freight			206		211
Gross accounts receivable			836		796
Allowance for doubtful accounts			(16)		(21)
Net accounts receivable		$	820	$	775

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1 – Summary of significant accounting policies

These consolidated financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated, and have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates, including those related to personal injury and other claims, environmental matters, depreciation, pensions and other postretirement benefits, and income taxes, based upon currently available information. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

A. Principles of consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries. The Company's investments in which it has significant influence are accounted for using the equity method and all other investments are accounted for using the cost method.

B. Revenues

Freight revenues are recognized using the percentage of completed service method based on the transit time of freight as it moves from origin to destination. The allocation of revenues between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each period with expenses being recorded as incurred. Revenues related to non-rail transportation services are recognized as service is performed or as contractual obligations are met. Revenues are presented net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities.

C. Foreign currency

All of the Company's United States (U.S.) operations are self-contained foreign entities with the US dollar as their functional currency. Accordingly, the U.S. operations' assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate in effect at the balance sheet date and the revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. All adjustments resulting from the translation of the foreign operations are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) (see Note 19 – Accumulated other comprehensive loss).

       The Company designates the US dollar-denominated long-term debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net investment in U.S. subsidiaries. Accordingly, foreign exchange gains and losses, from the dates of designation, on the translation of the US dollar-denominated long-term debt are also included in Other comprehensive income (loss).

D. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity and are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

E. Restricted cash and cash equivalents

The Company has the option, under its bilateral letter of credit facility agreements with various banks, to pledge collateral in the form of cash and cash equivalents for a minimum term of three months, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. Restricted cash and cash equivalents are shown separately on the balance sheet and include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity and are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

F. Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded at cost net of billing adjustments and an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on expected collectability and considers historical experience as well as known trends or uncertainties related to account collectability. When a receivable is deemed uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to the bad debt expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

G. Material and supplies

Material and supplies, which consist mainly of rail, ties, and other items for construction and maintenance of property and equipment, as well as diesel fuel, are valued at weighted-average cost.

H. Properties

Railroad properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation including asset impairment write-downs. Labor, materials and other costs associated with the installation of rail, ties, ballast and other structures are capitalized to the extent they meet the Company's capitalization criteria. Major overhauls and large refurbishments of equipment are also capitalized when they result in an extension to the service life or increase the functionality of the asset. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

The cost of properties, including those under capital leases, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated service lives, measured in years, except for rail which is measured in millions of gross tons per mile. The Company follows the group method of depreciation whereby a single composite depreciation rate is applied to the gross investment in a class of similar assets, despite small differences in the service life or salvage value of individual property units within the same asset class.

In accordance with the group method of depreciation, upon sale or retirement of properties in the normal course of business, cost less net salvage value is charged to accumulated depreciation. As a result, no gain or loss is recognized in income under the group method as it is assumed that the assets within the group on average have the same life and characteristics and therefore that gains or losses offset over time. For retirements of depreciable properties that do not occur in the normal course of business, a gain or loss may be recognized if the retirement varies significantly from the retirement pattern identified through depreciation studies. A gain or loss is recognized in Other income for the sale of land or disposal of assets that are not part of railroad operations.

Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. Losses resulting from significant rail line sales are recognized in income when the asset meets the criteria for classification as held for sale, whereas losses resulting from significant rail line abandonments are recognized in the statement of income when the asset ceases to be used. Gains are recognized in income when they are realized.

The Company reviews the carrying amounts of properties held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows. Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of such review are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value.

I. Intangible assets

Intangible assets consist mainly of customer contracts and relationships assumed through past acquisitions and are being amortized on astraight-line basis over 40 to 50 years.

The Company reviews the carrying amounts of intangible assets held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows. Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of such review are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value.

J. Pensions

Pension costs are determined using actuarial methods. Net periodic benefit cost is charged to income and includes:

(i)       the cost of pension benefits provided in exchange for employees' services rendered during the year;

(ii)       the interest cost of pension obligations;

(iii)       the expected long-term return on pension fund assets;

(iv)       the amortization of prior service costs and amendments over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans; and

(v)       the amortization of cumulative net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the beginning of year balances of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets, over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans.

The pension plans are funded through contributions determined in accordance with the projected unit credit actuarial cost method.

K. Postretirement benefits other than pensions

The Company accrues the cost of postretirement benefits other than pensions using actuarial methods. These benefits, which are funded as they become due, include life insurance programs, medical benefits and,for a closed group of employees, free rail travel benefits.

The Company amortizes the cumulative net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year, over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plan.

L. Personal injury and other claims

In Canada, the Company accounts for costs related to employee work-related injuries based on actuarially developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-party administration costs.

       In the U.S., the Company accrues the expected cost for personal injury, property damage and occupational disease claims, based on actuarial estimates of their ultimate cost.

For all other legal actions in Canada and the U.S., the Company maintains, and regularly updates on a case-by-case basis, provisions for such items when the expected loss is both probable and can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information.

M. Environmental expenditures

Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations, or to an existing condition caused by past operations, are expensed unless they can contribute to current or future operations. Environmental liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments occur, remedial efforts are probable, and when the costs, based on a specific plan of action in terms of the technology to be used and the extent of the corrective action required, can be reasonably estimated. The Company accrues its allocable share of liability taking into account the Company's alleged responsibility, the number of potentially responsible parties and their ability to pay their respective shares of the liability. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable and collectability is reasonably assured.

N. Income taxes

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, the change in the net deferred tax asset or liability is included in the computation of net income or Other comprehensive income (loss). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

O. Derivative financial instruments

The Company uses derivative financial instruments from time to time in the management of its interest rate and foreign currency exposures. Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and the changes in fair value are recorded in net income or Other comprehensive income (loss) depending on the nature and effectiveness of the hedge transaction. Income and expense related to hedged derivative financial instruments are recorded in the same category as that generated by the underlying asset or liability.

P. Stock-based compensation

The Company follows the fair value based approach for stock option awards based on the grant-date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company expenses the fair value of its stock option awards on a straight-line basis, over the period during which an employee is required to provide service (requisite service period) or until retirement eligibility is attained, whichever is shorter. The Company also follows the fair value based approach for cash settled awards using a lattice-based valuation model. Compensation cost for cash settled awards is based on the fair value of the awards at period-end and is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service (requisite service period) or until retirement eligibility is attained, whichever is shorter. See Note 11 – Stock plans, for the assumptions used to determine fair value and for other required disclosures.

Q. Recent accounting pronouncement

The Accounting Standards Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants requires all publicly accountable enterprises to report under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. However, National Instrument 52-107 issued by the Ontario Securities Commission allows Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issuers, as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, such as CN, to file with Canadian securities regulators financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As such, the Company has decided not to report under IFRS by 2011 and to continue reporting under U.S. GAAP. The SEC has issued a roadmap for the potential convergence to IFRS for U.S. issuers. Should the SEC decide it will move forward with the convergence to IFRS, the Company will convert its reporting to IFRS at that time.

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Properties (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Property, Plant, Equipment

In millions			December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
	2011 depreciation			Accumulated						Accumulated
	rate		Cost	depreciation			Net		Cost	depreciation			Net
Track and roadway (1)	2%	$	25,534	$	6,903	$	18,631	$	24,568	$	6,744	$	17,824
Rolling stock	4%		4,923		1,668		3,255		4,843		1,565		3,278
Buildings	2%		1,220		473		747		1,148		467		681
Information technology (2)	12%		931		383		548		854		330		524
Other	6%		1,213		477		736		1,057		447		610
Total properties including capital leases		$	33,821	$	9,904	$	23,917	$	32,470	$	9,553	$	22,917

(1)	Includes the cost of land of $1,798 million and $1,712 million as at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2)	The Company capitalized $94 million in 2011 and $79 million in 2010 of internally developed software costs pursuant to ASC 350-40, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, Internal – Use Software.”

Capital Lease Disclosure

Capital leases included in properties
Track and roadway (3)	$	417	$	48	$	369	$	427	$	43	$	384
Rolling stock		1,144		317		827		1,129		287		842
Buildings		109		16		93		108		13		95
Other		102		15		87		130		28		102
Total capital leases included in properties	$	1,772	$	396	$	1,376	$	1,794	$	371	$	1,423

(3) Includes $108 million of right-of-way access in both years.

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Other income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Other income

In millions			Year ended December 31,	2011	2010	2009
Gain on disposals of properties		(1)		$ 348	157	226
Gain on disposal of land				30	20	12
Investment income				3	5	7
Other				20	30	22
Total other income				$ 401	$ 212	$ 267
(1)	2011 includes $60 million and $288 million for the disposal of substantially all of the assets of ICRMT and of a segment of the Company's Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East, respectively, 2010 includes $152 million for the sale of a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision and 2009 includes $69 million and $157 million for the sales of the Lower Newmarket and Weston subdivisions, respectively. See Note 5 - Properties.

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Accounts payable and other (Details) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Accounts payable and other [Abstract]
Trade payables	445	383
Payroll-related accruals	343	292
Income and other taxes	130	170
Accrued interest	123	104
Accrued charges	121	97
Personal injury and other claims provisions (Note 17)	84	83
Stock-based incentives liability (Note 11)	84	37
Environmental provisions (Note 17)	63	34	38
Other postretirement benefits liability (Note 12)	18	18
Other	169	148
Total accounts payable and other	1,580	1,366

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Other income (Details) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011 Gain on disposal of property [Member]		Dec. 31, 2010 Gain on disposal of property [Member]		Dec. 31, 2009 Gain on disposal of property [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Gain on disposal of land [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Gain on disposal of land [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Gain on disposal of land [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Investment income [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Investment income [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Investment income [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Other [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Other [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Other [Member]	Aug. 31, 2011 Ic Rail Marine Terminal [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Lakeshore East [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Oakville Subdivision [Member]	Nov. 30, 2009 Lower Newmarket Subdivision [Member]	Mar. 31, 2009 Weston Subdivision [Member]
Component Of Other Income And Expense Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income	401	212	267	348	[1]	157	[1]	226	[1]	30	20	12	3	5	7	20	30	22
Gain on disposals of properties																			60	288	152	69	157

[1] 2011 includes $60 million and $288 million for the disposal of substantially all of the assets of ICRMT and of a segment of the Company's Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East, respectively, 2010 includes $152 million for the sale of a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision and 2009 includes $69 million and $157 million for the sales of the Lower Newmarket and Weston subdivisions, respectively. See Note 5 - Properties.

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Consolidated Statement of Income (CAD) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	9,028	8,297	7,367
Operating expenses
Labor and fringe benefits	1,812	1,744	1,696
Purchased services and material	1,120	1,036	1,027
Fuel	1,412	1,048	820
Depreciation and amortization	884	834	790
Equipment rents	228	243	284
Casualty and other	276	368	344
Total operating expenses	5,732	5,273	4,961
Operating income	3,296	3,024	2,406
Interest expense	(341)	(360)	(412)
Other income (Note 13)	401	212	267
Income before income taxes	3,356	2,876	2,261
Income tax expense (Note 14)	(899)	(772)	(407)
Net income	2,457	2,104	1,854
Earnings per share (Note 16)
Basic (in dollars per share)	5.45	4.51	3.95
Diluted (in dollars per share)	5.41	4.48	3.92
Weighted-average number of shares
Basic (in shares)	451.1	466.3	469.2
Diluted (in shares)	454.4	470.1	473.5

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Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments for which the carrying values on the Consolidated Balance Sheet are different from their fair values

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments as at December 31, 2011 and December 31,2010 for which the carrying values on the Consolidated Balance Sheet are different from their fair values:

In millions			December 31, 2011				December 31, 2010
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			amount		value		amount		value
Financial assets
	Investments (Note 6)	$	31	$	126	$	25	$	114
Financial liabilities
	Total debt (Note 9)	$	6,576	$	7,978	$	6,071	$	6,937

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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (CAD)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends, per share (in dollars per share)	1.30	1.08	1.01

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Stock Plans - Stock based compensation plans (Details) (CAD) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Total compensation expense and related tax benefit for all plans [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation expense	112		104		90
Tax benefit recognized in income	24		27		26
Share based payment award, options, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Entity's closing stock price at end of period (in dollars per share)	80.15
Total intrinsic value	122		125		93
Cash received upon exercise of options	68		87		53
Related excess tax benefit realized	9		28		20
Stock price volatility [Abstract]
Amount of increase in Company's stock price used for sensitivity analysis which would impact stock based compensation expense for cash settlement awards	1
Amount of increase in Company's stock based compensation expense if stock price increased by $1	3
Amount of decrease in Company's stock price used for sensitivity analysis which would reduce stock based compensation expense for cash settlement awards	1
Amount of reduction in Company's stock based compensation expense if stock price decreased by $1	4
Cash settlement awards [Member]
Total compensation expense and related tax benefit for all plans [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation expense	102		95		76
Cash settlement awards [Member] | RSUs [Member]
Total compensation expense and related tax benefit for all plans [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation expense	81		77		43
Units granted during the period (in shares)	0.5		0.5		0.9
The number of years in the plan period prior to payout of the units (in years)	3
Minimum performance vesting factor range, based on return on invested capital (in hundredths)	0.00%
Maximum performance vesting factor range, based on return on invested capital (in hundredths)	150.00%
Number of days used to calculate the Company's average closing share price as of a predesignated date (in days)	20
Number of units remained authorized for future issuance under plan (in shares)	0.2
Number of last months in period for calculating average stock price used in determining if payout condition is met (in months)	3
Suspended RSU payout to former CEO pending on legal proceedings	18
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Beginning shares outstanding nonvested (in shares)	1.3
Units granted during the period (in shares)	0.5		0.5		0.9
Vested during year (in shares)	(0.9)
Ending shares outstanding non vested (in shares)	0.9		1.3
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, vested [Roll Forward]
Beginning shares outstanding vested (in shares)	0.7
Granted (Payout) (in shares)	(0.7)
Vested (in shares)	0.9
Ending shares outstanding vested	0.9		0.7
Cash settlement awards [Member] | Voluntary incentive deferral plan [Member]
Total compensation expense and related tax benefit for all plans [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation expense	21		18		33
Units granted during the period (in shares)	0
Number of days used to calculate the Company's average closing share price as of a predesignated date (in days)	20
Percentage of additional units to be granted by the Company to senior management for amount elected (in hundredths)	25.00%
The number of years in the plan period over which amounts elected in units will vest	4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Beginning shares outstanding nonvested (in shares)	0
Units granted during the period (in shares)	0
Vested during year (in shares)	0
Ending shares outstanding non vested (in shares)	0		0
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, vested [Roll Forward]
Beginning shares outstanding vested (in shares)	1.5
Granted (Payout) (in shares)	(0.1)
Vested (in shares)	0
Ending shares outstanding vested	1.4		1.5
Stock option awards [Member]
Total compensation expense and related tax benefit for all plans [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation expense	10		9		14
Number of units remained authorized for future issuance under plan (in shares)	11.0
The number of years in the plan period over which amounts elected in units will vest	over a period of four years of
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, general and additional disclosures [Abstract]
Maximum period from grant date in which stock options are exercisable (in years)	10
Period of time (in months) options are generally not exercisable	12
Conventional stock options company granted to designated senior management employees during period (in shares)	0.6		0.7		1.2
Total number of conventional stock options outstanding at end of period (in shares)	5.3
Total number of performance-accelerated stock options outstanding at end of period (in shares)	1.6
Share base payment award, options outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	8.9	[1]
Granted (in shares)	0.6		0.7		1.2
Exercised (in shares)	(2.6)
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares)	6.9	[1]	8.9	[1]
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares)	4.9	[1]
Share base payment award, options outstanding-Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Nonvested options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	2.3	[1]
Granted (in shares)	0.6
Vested (in shares)	(0.9)
Nonvested options outstanding at end of period (in shares)	2.0	[1]	2.3	[1]
Share based payment award, options, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price per share of options outstanding at beginning of period	34.23	[1]
Weighted average exercise price per share of options granted during period	68.94
Weighted average exercise price per share of options exercised during period	26.94
Weighted average exercise price per share of options outstanding at end of period	40.80	[1]	34.23	[1]
Weighted average exercise price per share of options exercisable at end of period	35.58	[1]
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of nonvested options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	12.80	[1]
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of nonvested options granted during the period (in dollars per share)	15.66
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of nonvested options that vested during the period (in dollars per share)	12.83
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	13.71	[1]	12.80	[1]

[1] Stock options with a US dollar exercise price have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.

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Other liabilities and deferred credits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Other liabilities and deferred credits

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Personal injury and other claims provisions, net of current portion (Note 17)		$	226	$	263
Stock-based incentives liability, net of current portion (Note 11)			180		162
Environmental provisions, net of current portion (Note 17)			89		116
Deferred credits and other			267		282
Total other liabilities and deferred credits		$	762	$	823

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Pensions and other postretirement benefits (Details 3) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	14,719	15,092
Projected benefit obligation for the CN pension plan	14,514	13,941
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	14,719	15,092
Fair value of plan assets related to the CN pension plan	13,992	14,343
Pensions [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	14,895	13,708
Amendments	27	5
Interest cost	788	837	885
Actuarial (gain) loss	577	1,118
Service cost	124	99	83
Plan participants' contributions	54	50
Foreign currency changes	5	(12)
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers	(922)	(910)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	15,548	14,895	13,708
Component representing future salary increases	(437)	(439)
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	15,111	14,456
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	15,092	14,332
Employer contributions	458	411
Plan participants' contributions	54	50
Foreign currency changes	1	(8)
Actual return on plan assets	36	1,217
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers	(922)	(910)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	14,719	15,092	14,332
Funded status (Excess (deficiency) of fair value of plan assets over projected benefit obligation at end of year)	(829)	197
Projected benefit obligation for the CN pension plan	15,015	436
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	14,719	15,092	14,332
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	283	268
Amendments	1	0
Interest cost	14	16	17
Actuarial (gain) loss	(2)	22
Service cost	4	3	3
Curtailment gain	(1)	(1)
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Foreign currency changes	3	(6)
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers	(18)	(19)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	284	283	268
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	284	283
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Employer contributions	0	0
Plan participants' contributions	0	0
Foreign currency changes	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status (Excess (deficiency) of fair value of plan assets over projected benefit obligation at end of year)	(284)	(283)
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	0	0

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Segmented Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Segmented information

15 – Segmented information

The Company manages its operations as one business segment over a single network that spans vast geographic distances and territories, with operations in Canada and the United States. Financial information reported at this level, such as revenues, operating income, and cash flow from operations, is used by corporate management, including the Company's chief operating decision-maker, in evaluating financial and operational performance and allocating resources across CN's network.

       The Company's strategic initiatives, which drive its operational direction, are developed and managed centrally by corporate management and are communicated to its regional activity centers (the Western Region, Eastern Region and Southern Region). Corporate management is responsible for, among others, CN's marketing strategy, the management of large customer accounts, overall planning and control of infrastructure and rolling stock, the allocation of resources, and other functions such as financial planning, accounting and treasury.

       The role of each region is to manage the day-to-day service requirements within their respective territories and control direct costs incurred locally. Such cost control is required to ensure that pre-established efficiency standards set at the corporate level are met. The regions execute the overall corporate strategy and operating plan established by corporate management, as their management of throughput and control of direct costs does not serve as the platform for the Company's decision-making process. Approximately 90%of the Company's freight revenues are from national accounts for which freight traffic spans North America and touches various commodity groups. As a result, the Company does not manage revenues on a regional basis since a large number of the movements originate in one region and pass through and/or terminate in another region.

       The regions also demonstrate common characteristics in each of the following areas:

• each region's sole business activity is the transportation of freight over the Company's extensive rail network;
• the regions service national accounts that extend over the Company's various commodity groups and across its rail network;
• the services offered by the Company stem predominantly from the transportation of freight by rail with the goal of optimizing the rail network as a whole;
• the Company and its subsidiaries, not its regions, are subject to single regulatory regimes in both Canada and the U.S.

       For the reasons mentioned herein, the Company reports as one operating segment.

The following tables provide information by geographic area:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Revenues (1)
	Canada		$	6,169	$	5,630	$	4,971
	U.S.			2,859		2,667		2,396
			$	9,028	$	8,297	$	7,367
(1)	For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the largest customer represented approximately 3% of total revenues for each year.
In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Net income
	Canada		$	1,836	$	1,498	$	1,436
	U.S.			621		606		418
			$	2,457	$	2,104	$	1,854
In millions		December 31,		2011		2010
Properties
	Canada		$	13,824	$	13,312
	U.S.			10,093		9,605
			$	23,917	$	22,917

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Long-term debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Long term debt maturities, including repurchase arrangements and capital lease repayments on debt outstanding for the next five years and thereafter

				Outstanding US dollar-denominated amount
								December 31,
In millions			Maturity					2011			2010
Debentures and notes: (A)
Canadian National series:
	6.38%	10-year notes (B)	Oct. 15, 2011	$	-	$	-		$	398
	4.40%	10-year notes (B)	Mar. 15, 2013		400		407			398
	4.95%	6-year notes (B)	Jan. 15, 2014		325		331			323
	5.80%	10-year notes (B)	June 1, 2016		250		254			249
	1.45%	5-year notes (B)	Dec. 15, 2016		300		305			-
	5.85%	10-year notes (B)	Nov. 15, 2017		250		254			249
	5.55%	10-year notes (B)	May 15, 2018		325		331			323
	6.80%	20-year notes (B)	July 15, 2018		200		203			199
	5.55%	10-year notes (B)	Mar. 1, 2019		550		559			547
	2.85%	10-year notes (B)	Dec. 15, 2021		400		407			-
	7.63%	30-year debentures	May 15, 2023		150		153			149
	6.90%	30-year notes (B)	July 15, 2028		475		483			472
	7.38%	30-year debentures (B)	Oct. 15, 2031		200		203			199
	6.25%	30-year notes (B)	Aug. 1, 2034		500		509			497
	6.20%	30-year notes (B)	June 1, 2036		450		458			448
	6.71%	Puttable Reset Securities PURSSM (B)	July 15, 2036		250		254			249
	6.38%	30-year debentures (B)	Nov. 15, 2037		300		305			298
Illinois Central series:
	5.00%	99-year income debentures	Dec. 1, 2056		7		7			7
	7.70%	100-year debentures	Sep. 15, 2096		125		127			124
Total US dollar-denominated debentures and notes				$	5,457		5,550			5,129
BC Rail series:
	Non-interest bearing 90-year subordinated notes (C)		July 14, 2094				842			842
Total debentures and notes							6,392			5,971
Other:
	Commercial paper (G) (H)						82			-
	Capital lease obligations and other (D)						957			952
Total debt, gross							7,431			6,923
Less:
	Net unamortized discount						855			852
Total debt (1) (E)							6,576			6,071
Less:
	Current portion of long-term debt (E)						135			540
Total long-term debt						$	6,441		$	5,531
(1)	See Note 18 - Financial Instruments, for the fair value of debt.				Footnotes to the tables follow on the next page

A. The Company's debentures, notes and revolving credit facility are unsecured.

B. These debt securities are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, at any time, at the greater of par and a formula price based on interest rates prevailing at the time of redemption.

C. The Company records these notes as a discounted debt of $8 million, using an imputed interest rate of 5.75%. The discount of $834 million is included in the net unamortized discount.

D. During 2011, the Company recorded $87million in assets it acquired through equipment leases($132 million in 2010), for which an equivalent amount was recorded in debt.

       Interest rates for capital lease obligations range from approximately 0.7% to 11.8% with maturity dates in the years 2012 through 2037. The imputed interest on these leases amounted to $299million as at December 31, 2011 and $342 million as at December 31, 2010.

The capital lease obligations are secured by properties with a net carrying amount of $993million as at December 31, 2011 and $1,036 million as at December 31, 2010.

E.Long-term debt maturities, including repurchase arrangements and capital lease repayments on debt outstanding as at December 31, 2011, for the next five years and thereafter, are as follows:

In millions			Capital leases		Debt		Total
2012(1)		$	53	$	82	$	135
2013			108		404		512
2014			209		328		537
2015			81		-		81
2016			269		557		826
2017 and thereafter			235		4,250		4,485
		$	955	$	5,621	$	6,576
(1)	Current portion of long-term debt.

F. The aggregate amount of debt payable in US currency as at December 31, 2011 was US$6,295 million (C$6,402 million), including US$757 million relating to capital leases and other, and US$5,914 million (C$5,882 million), including US$757 million relating to capital leases and other, as at December 31, 2010.

G. In May 2011, the Company entered into a $800 million four-year revolving credit facility agreement with a consortium of lenders. The agreement allows for an increase in amount, up to a maximum of $500 million, as well as the option to extend the term by an additional year at each anniversary date, subject to the consent of individual lenders. The credit facility, containing customary terms and conditions, is available for general corporate purposes, including back-stopping the Company's commercial paper program, and provides for borrowings at various interest rates, including the Canadian prime rate, bankers' acceptance rates, the U.S. federal funds effective rate and the London Interbank Offer Rate, plus applicable margins. The credit facility agreement has one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization, and with which the Company is in compliance. This facilityreplaces the US$1billion credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October 2011. As at December 31, 2011and December 31, 2010, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

H.The Company has a commercial paper program, which is backed by its revolving credit facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $800 million, or the US dollar equivalent.As at December 31, 2011, the Company had borrowings of $82million (US$81 million) of commercial paper (nil as at December 31, 2010) which were presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Balance Sheet. The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 0.20%.

I. In April 2011, the Company entered into a series of three-year bilateral letter of credit facility agreements with various banks to support its requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. As at December 31, 2011, from a total committed amount of $520 million by the various banks, the Company had letters of credit drawn of $499 million ($436 million as at December 31, 2010, under its previous US$1 billion credit facility). Under these agreements, the Company has the option from time to time to pledge collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, for a minimum term of three months, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. As at December 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents of $499million were pledged as collateral and recorded as Restricted cash and cash equivalents.

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Major commitments and contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Major commitments and contingencies

17 – Major commitments and contingencies

A. Leases

The Company has operating and capital leases, mainly for locomotives, freight cars and intermodal equipment. Of the capital leases, many provide the option to purchase the leased items at fixed values during or at the end of the lease term. As at December 31, 2011, the Company's commitments under these operating and capital leases were $665 million and $1,254 million, respectively. Minimum rental payments for operating leases having initial non-cancelable lease terms of more than one year and minimum lease payments for capital leases in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

In millions		Operating		Capital
2012	$	128	$	99
2013		103		151
2014		76		270
2015		61		109
2016		45		297
2017 and thereafter		252		328
	$	665		1,254
Less: imputed interest on capital leases at rates ranging from approximately 0.7% to 11.8%				299
Present value of minimum lease payments included in debt			$	955

The Company also has operating lease agreements for its automotive fleet with one-year non-cancelable terms for which its practice is to renew monthly thereafter. The estimated annual rental payments for such leases are approximately $30 million and generally extend over five years.

Rent expense for all operating leases was $143million, $176million and $213 million for the years ended December 31,2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Contingent rentals and sublease rentals were not significant.

B. Commitments

As at December 31, 2011, the Company had commitments to acquire railroad ties, rail, freight cars, locomotives, and other equipment and services, as well asoutstanding information technology service contracts and licenses, at an aggregate cost of $727million ($740million as at December 31, 2010). The Company also has remaining estimated commitments in relation to the acquisition of the principal lines of the former Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company of approximately $130 million to be spent over the next few years for railroad infrastructure improvements, grade separation projects, as well as commitments under a series of agreements with individual communities and a comprehensive voluntary mitigation program established toaddress surrounding municipalities' concerns. The commitment for the grade separation projects is based on estimated costs provided by the STBat the time of acquisition and could be subject to adjustment. In addition, remaining implementation costs associated with the U.S. federal government legislative requirement to implement positive train control (PTC) by 2015 are estimated to be approximately $193million (US$190 million). The Company also has agreements with fuel suppliers to purchase approximately 61% of its estimated 2012 volume, 41% of its anticipated 2013 volume and11% of its anticipated 2014volume at market prices prevailing on the date of the purchase.

C. Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involvedin various legal actions seeking compensatory and occasionallypunitive damages,including actions brought on behalf of various purported classes of claimants and claims relating to employee and third-party personal injuries, occupational disease and property damage, arising out of harm to individuals or property allegedly caused by,but not limited to, derailments or other accidents.

Canada

Employee injuries are governed by the workers' compensation legislation in each province whereby employees may be awarded either a lump sum or future stream of payments depending on the nature and severity of the injury. As such, the provision for employee injury claims is discounted. In the provinces where the Company is self-insured, costs related to employee work-related injuries are accounted for based on actuarially developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-party administration costs. A comprehensive actuarial study is generally performed at least on a triennial basis. For all other legal actions, the Company maintains, and regularly updates on a case-by-case basis, provisions for such items when the expected loss is both probable and can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information.

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company's provision for personal injury and other claims in Canada was as follows:

In millions		2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1	$	200	$	178	$	189
Accruals and other		31		59		48
Payments		(32)		(37)		(59)
Balance December 31	$	199	$	200	$	178
Current portion - Balance December 31	$	39	$	39	$	34

United States

Personal injury claims by the Company's employees, including claims alleging occupational diseaseandwork-related injuries, are subject to the provisions of the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA).Employees are compensated under FELA for damages assessed based ona finding of fault through the U.S. jury system or through individual settlements. As such, the provision is undiscounted. With limited exceptions where claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the Company follows an actuarial-based approach and accrues the expected cost for personal injury, including asserted and unasserted occupational disease claims, and property damage claims, based on actuarial estimates of their ultimate cost. A comprehensive actuarial study is performed annually.

For employee work-related injuries, including asserted occupational disease claims, and third-party claims, including grade crossing, trespasser and property damage claims, the actuarial valuation considers, among other factors, CN's historical patterns of claims filings and payments. For unasserted occupational disease claims, the actuarial studyincludes the projection of CN's experience into the future considering the potentially exposed population. The Company adjusts its liability based upon management's assessment and the results of the study. On an ongoing basis, management reviews and compares the assumptions inherent in the latest actuarial study with the current claim experience and, if required, adjustments to the liability are recorded.

Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in projecting future events, including events related to occupational diseases, which include but are not limited to, the timing and number of actual claims, the average cost per claim and the legislative and judicial environment, the Company's future payments may differ from current amounts recorded.

External actuarial studies reflecting favorable claims development over recent years have supported net reductions to the Company's provision for U.S. personal injury and other claims of $6million, $19million and $60millionin 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The reductions were mainly attributable to decreases in the Company's estimates of unasserted claims and costs related to asserted claims as a result of its ongoing risk mitigation strategy focused on reducing the frequency and severity of claims through injury prevention and containment;mitigation of claims;and lower settlements for existing claims.

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company's provision for personal injury and other claims in the U.S. was asfollows:

In millions		2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1	$	146	$	166	$	265
Accruals and other		30		7		(46)
Payments		(65)		(27)		(53)
Balance December 31	$	111	$	146	$	166
Current portion - Balance December 31	$	45	$	44	$	72

Although the Company considers such provisions to be adequate for all its outstanding and pending claims, the final outcome with respect to actions outstanding or pending at December 31, 2011, or with respect to future claims, cannot be reasonably determined. When establishing provisions for contingent litigation, the Company considers, where a probable loss estimate cannot be made with reasonable certainty, a range of potential probable losses for each such matter, and records the amount it considers the most reasonable estimate within the range. However, when no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount in the range is accrued. For matters where a loss is reasonably possible but not probable, a range of potential losses could not be estimated due to various factors which may include the limited availability of facts, the lack of demand for specific damages and the fact that proceedings were at an early stage. Based on information currently available, the Company believes that the eventual outcome of the actions against the Company will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position. However, due to the inherent inability to predict with certainty unforeseeable future developments, there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

D. Environmental matters

The Company's operations are subject to numerous federal, provincial, state, municipal and local environmental laws and regulations in Canada and the United States concerning, among other things, emissions into the air; discharges into waters; the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste, hazardous substances, and other materials; decommissioning of underground and aboveground storage tanks; and soil and groundwater contamination. A risk of environmental liability is inherent in railroad and related transportation operations; real estate ownership, operation or control; and other commercial activities of the Company with respect to both current and past operations.

Known existing environmental concerns

The Company has identified approximately 310 sites at which it is or may be liable for remediation costs, in some cases along with other potentially responsible parties, associated with alleged contamination and is subject to environmental clean-up and enforcement actions, including those imposed by the United States Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law, or analogous state laws. CERCLA and similar state laws, in addition to other similar Canadian and U.S. laws, generally impose joint and several liability for clean-up and enforcement costs on current and former owners and operators of a site, as well as those whose waste is disposed of at the site, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. The Company has been notified that it is a potentially responsible party for study and clean-up costs at approximately 10 sites governed by the Superfund law (and analogous state laws) for which investigation and remediation payments are or will be made or are yet to be determined and, in many instances, is one of several potentially responsible parties.

The ultimate cost of addressing these known contaminated sites cannot be definitely established given that the estimated environmental liability for any given site may vary depending on the nature and extent of the contamination; the nature of anticipated response actions, taking into accountthe available clean-up techniques; evolving regulatory standards governing environmental liability; and the number of potentially responsible parties and their financial viability. As a result, liabilities are recorded based on the results of a four-phase assessment conducted on a site-by-site basis. A liability is initially recorded when environmental assessments occur, remedial efforts are probable, and when the costs, based on a specific plan of action in terms of the technology to be used and the extent of the corrective action required, can be reasonably estimated. The Company estimates the costs related to a particular site using cost scenarios established by external consultants based on the extent of contamination and expected costs for remedial efforts. In the case of multiple parties, the Company accrues its allocable share of liability taking into account the Company's alleged responsibility, the number of potentially responsible parties and their ability to pay their respective share of the liability. Adjustments to initial estimates are recorded as additional information becomes available.

The Company's provision for specific environmental sites is undiscounted and includes costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as monitoring costs. Environmental accruals, which are classified as Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement of Income, include amounts for newly identified sites or contaminants as well as adjustments to initial estimates. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable.

As at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company's provision for specific environmental sites was as follows:
In millions			2011		2010		2009
Balance January 1		$	150	$	103	$	125
	Accruals and other		17		67		(7)
	Payments		(15)		(20)		(15)
Balance December 31		$	152	$	150	$	103
Current portion - Balance December 31		$	63	$	34	$	38

The Company anticipates that the majority of the liability at December 31, 2011 will be paid out over the next five years. However, some costs may be paid out over a longer period.The Company expects to partly recover certain accrued remediation costs associated with alleged contamination and has recorded a receivable in Intangible and other assets for such recoverable amounts.Based on the information currently available, the Company considers its provisions to be adequate.

Unknown existing environmental concerns

While the Company believes that it has identified the costs likely to be incurred for environmental matters in the next several years based on known information, the discovery of new facts, future changes in laws, the possibility of releases of hazardous materials into the environment and the Company's ongoing efforts to identify potential environmentalliabilities that may be associated with its properties may result in the identification of additional environmental liabilities and related costs. The magnitude of such additional liabilities and the costs of complying with future environmental laws and containing or remediating contamination cannot be reasonably estimated due to many factors, including:

(i)       the lack of specific technical information available with respect to many sites;

(ii)       the absence of any government authority, third-party orders, or claims with respect to particular sites;

(iii)       the potential for new or changed laws and regulations and for development of new remediation technologies and uncertainty regarding the timing of the work with respect to particular sites; and

(iv)       the determination of the Company's liability in proportion to other potentiallyresponsible parties and the ability to recover costs from any third parties with respect to particular sites.

Therefore, the likelihood of any such costs being incurred or whether such costs would be material to the Company cannot be determined at this time. There can thus be no assurance that liabilities or costs related to environmental matters will not be incurred in the future, or will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year, or that the Company's liquidity will not be adversely impacted by such liabilities or costs, although management believes, based on current information, that the costs to address environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial positionor liquidity. Costs related to any unknown existing or future contaminationwill be accrued in the period in which they become probable and reasonably estimable.

Future occurrences

In railroad and related transportation operations, it is possible that derailments or other accidents, including spills and releases of hazardous materials, may occur that could cause harm to human health or to the environment. As a result, the Company may incur costs in the future, which may bematerial, to address any such harm, compliance with laws and other risks, including costs relating to the performance of clean-ups, payment of environmental penalties and remediation obligations, and damages relating to harm to individuals or property.

Regulatory compliance

The Company may incur significant capital and operating costs associated withenvironmental regulatory compliance and clean-up requirements, in its railroad operations and relating to its past and present ownership, operation or control of real property. Operating expenses for environmental matters amounted to $4million in 2011, $23 million in 2010 and $11 million in 2009.In additionbased on the results of its operations and maintenance programs,as well asongoing environmental audits and other factors, the Company plans for specific capital improvements on an annual basis. Certain of these improvements help ensure facilities, such as fuelling stations and wastewater and storm water treatment systems,comply with environmental standards and include new construction and the updating of existing systems and/or processes. Other capital expenditures relate to assessing and remediating certain impaired properties. The Company's environmental capital expendituresamounted to $11million in 2011, $14million in 2010 and $9 million in 2009.

E. Guarantees and indemnifications

In the normal course of business, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, enters into agreements that may involve providing guarantees or indemnifications to third parties and others, which may extend beyond the term of the agreements. These include, but are not limited to, residual value guarantees on operating leases, standby letters of credit and surety and other bonds, and indemnifications that are customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business.

       The Company is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing certain guarantees on the date the guarantee is issued or modified. In addition, where the Company expects to make a payment in respect of a guarantee, a liability will be recognized to the extent that one has not yet been recognized.

(i) Guarantee of residual values of operating leases

The Company has guaranteed a portion of the residual values of certain of its assets under operating leases with expiry dates between 2012and 2022, for the benefit of the lessor. If the fair value of the assets, at the end of their respective lease term, is less than the fair value, as estimated at the inception of the lease, then the Company must, under certain conditions, compensate the lessor for the shortfall. At December 31, 2011, the maximum exposure in respect of these guarantees was $112million. There are no recourse provisions to recover any amounts from third parties.

(ii) Other guarantees

As atDecember 31, 2011, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, has granted $499 million of irrevocable standby letters of credit and $10million of surety and other bonds, issued by highly rated financial institutions, to third parties to indemnify them in the event the Company does not perform its contractual obligations. As at December 31, 2011, the maximum potential liability under these guarantee instruments was $509 million, of which $439 million related to workers' compensation and other employee benefit liabilities and $70 million related to equipment under leases and other liabilities. The letters of creditwere drawn on the Company's bilateral letter of credit facilities. The Company has not recorded a liability in respect of these guarantee instruments as they relate to the Company's future performance. In addition, as the Company does not expect to make anypayments under these guarantee instruments,the Company has not recorded an additional liability at December 31, 2011with respect to such guarantees as they relate to the Company's future performance.The majority of the guarantee instruments mature at various dates between 2012 and 2014.

(iii) General indemnifications

In the normal course of business, the Company has provided indemnifications, customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business, in various agreements with third parties, including indemnification provisions where the Company would be required to indemnify third parties and others. Indemnifications are found in various types of contracts with third parties which include, but are not limited to:

• contracts granting the Company the right to use or enter upon property owned by third parties such as leases, easements, trackage rights and sidetrack agreements;
• contracts granting rights to others to use the Company's property, such as leases, licenses and easements;
• contracts for the sale of assets;
• contracts for the acquisition of services;
• financing agreements;
• trust indentures, fiscal agency agreements, underwriting agreements or similar agreements relating to debt or equity securities of the Company and engagement agreements with financial advisors;
• transfer agent and registrar agreements in respect of the Company's securities;
• trust and other agreements relating to pension plans and other plans, including those establishing trust funds to secure payment to certain officers and senior employees of special retirement compensation arrangements;
• pension transfer agreements;
• master agreements with financial institutions governing derivative transactions;
• settlement agreements with insurance companies or other third parties whereby such insurer or third party has been indemnified for any present or future claims relating to insurance policies, incidents or events covered by the settlement agreements; and
• acquisition agreements.

To the extent of any actual claims under these agreements, the Company maintains provisions for such items, which it considers to be adequate. Due to the nature of the indemnification clauses, the maximum exposure for future payments may be material. However, such exposure cannot be reasonably determined.

During the year, the Company entered into various indemnification contracts with third parties for which the maximum exposure for future payments cannot be reasonably determined. As a result, the Company was unable to determine the fair value of these guarantees and accordingly, no liability was recorded. There are no recourse provisions to recover any amounts from third parties.

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Pensions and other postretirement benefits (Details 6) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Information for the pension plan with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation	14,514	13,941
Pensions [Member]
Information for the pension plan with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation	15,015	436
Accumulated benefit obligation	14,606	386
Fair value of plan assets	14,191	191

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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating activities
Net income	2,457	2,104	1,854
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	884	834	790
Deferred income taxes (Note 14)	531	418	138
Gain on disposal of property (Notes 5, 13)	(348)	(152)	(226)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(51)	(3)	39
Material and supplies	11	(43)	32
Accounts payable and other	34	285	(204)
Other current assets	(2)	13	77
Other, Net	(540)	(457)	(221)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,976	2,999	2,279
Investing activities
Property additions	(1,625)	(1,586)	(1,402)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 3)	0	0	(373)
Disposal of property (Note 5)	369	168	231
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	(499)	0	0
Other, net	26	35	107
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,729)	(1,383)	(1,437)
Financing activities
Issuance of debt	1,361	0	1,626
Repayment of debt	(1,083)	(184)	(2,109)
Issuance of common shares due to exercise of stock options and related excess tax benefits realized (Note11)	77	115	73
Repurchase of common shares (Note 10)	(1,420)	(913)	0
Dividends paid	(585)	(503)	(474)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,650)	(1,485)	(884)
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on US dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents	14	7	(19)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(389)	138	(61)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	490	352	413
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	101	490	352
Supplemental cash flow information
Net cash receipts from customers and other	8,995	8,404	7,505
Net cash payments for:
Employee services, suppliers and other expenses	(4,643)	(4,334)	(4,323)
Interest	(329)	(366)	(407)
Personal injury and other claims (Note 17)	(97)	(64)	(112)
Pensions (Note 12)	(468)	(427)	(139)
Income taxes (Note 14)	(482)	(214)	(245)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,976	2,999	2,279

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Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	2,457	2,104	1,854
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on:
Translation of the net investment in foreign operations	130	(330)	(998)
Translation of US dollar-denominated long-term debt designated as a hedge of the net investment in U.S. subsidiaries	(122)	315	976
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans (Note 12):
Net actuarial loss arising during the year	(1,541)	(931)	(868)
Prior service cost arising during the year	(28)	(5)	(2)
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net periodic benefit cost (income)	8	1	2
Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic benefit cost (income)	4	2	5
Derivative instruments (Note 18)	(2)	(1)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	(1,551)	(949)	(885)
Income tax recovery	421	188	92
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,130)	(761)	(793)
Comprehensive income	1,327	1,343	1,061

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Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Capital stock

10 – Capital stock

A. Authorized capital stock

The authorized capital stock of the Company is as follows:

• Unlimited number of Common Shares, without par value

• Unlimited number of Class A Preferred Shares, without par value, issuable in series

• Unlimited number of Class B Preferred Shares, without par value, issuable in series

B. Issued and outstanding common shares

The following table provides the activity of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company for the last three years ended December 31, 2011:

In millions	Year ended December 31,	2011	2010	2009
Issued and outstanding common shares at beginning of year		459.4	471.0	468.2
Number of shares repurchased through buyback programs		(19.9)	(15.0)	-
Stock options exercised		2.6	3.4	2.8
Issued and outstanding common shares at end of year		442.1	459.4	471.0

Share repurchase programs

In January 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program which allowed for the repurchase of up to 16.5million common shares to the end of December 2011 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid, at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange. This share repurchase program was completed by September 30, 2011.

              In October 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a new share repurchase program which allows for the repurchase of up to 17.0 million common shares between October 28, 2011 and October 27, 2012 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid at prevailing market pricesplus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange.

The following table provides the activities under such share repurchase programs, as well as the share repurchase programs of the prior years:

In millions, except per share data		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Number of common shares (1)				19.9		15.0		-
Weighted-average price per share (2)			$	71.33	$	60.86	$	-
Amount of repurchase			$	1,420	$	913	$	-
(1)	Includes common shares purchased in the first and fourth quarters of 2011 and in the second and third quarters of 2010 pursuant to private agreements between the Company and arm's-length third-party sellers.
(2)	Includes brokerage fees.

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Document and Entity Information (CAD)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	6-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Registrant Name	Canadian National Railway Company
Entity Central Index Key	0000016868
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	442,071,052
Entity Public Float		35,317,314,034
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

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Stock Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments

11 – Stock plans

The Company has various stock-based incentive plans for eligible employees. A description of the Company's major plans is provided below:

A.       Employee Share Investment Plan

The Company has an Employee Share Investment Plan (ESIP) giving eligible employees the opportunity to subscribe for up to 10% of their gross salaries to purchase shares of the Company's common stock on the open market and to have the Company invest, on the employees' behalf, a further 35% of the amount invested by the employees, up to 6% of their gross salaries.

The following table provides the number of participants holding shares, the total number of ESIP shares purchased on behalf of employees, including the Company's contributions, as well as the resulting expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Number of participants holding shares		16,218		14,997		14,152
Total number of ESIP shares purchased on behalf of employees (millions)		1.3		1.3		1.6
Expense for Company contribution (millions)	$	21	$	19	$	18

B.       Stock-based compensation plans

The following table provides the total stock-based compensation expense for awards under all plans, as well as the related tax benefit recognized in income, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Cash settled awards
Restricted share unit plan		$	81	$	77	$	43
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP)			21		18		33
			102		95		76
Stock option awards			10		9		14
Total stock-based compensation expense		$	112	$	104	$	90
Tax benefit recognized in income		$	24	$	27	$	26

i)       Cash settled awards

Restricted share units

The Company has granted restricted share units (RSUs), 0.5 million in 2011, 0.5 million in 2010 and 0.9 million in 2009, to designatedmanagement employees entitling them to receive payout in cash based on the Company's share price. The RSUs granted are generally scheduled for payout after three years (“plan period”) and vest conditionally upon the attainment of a target relating to return on invested capital (ROIC) over the plan period. Such performance vesting criteria results in a performance vesting factor that ranges from 0% to 150% depending on the level of ROIC attained.

Payout is conditional upon the attainment of a minimum share price, calculated using the average of the last three months of the plan period. In addition, commencing at various dates, for senior and executive management employees (“executive employees”), payout for RSUs is also conditional on compliance with the conditions of their benefit plans, award or employment agreements, including but not limited to non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure of confidential information conditions. Current or former executive employees who breach such conditions of their benefit plans, award or employment agreements will forfeit the RSU payout. Should the Company reasonably determine that a current or former executive employee may have violated the conditions of their benefit plans, award or employment agreement, the Company may at its discretion change the manner of vesting of the RSUs to suspend payout on any RSUs pending resolution of such matter.

The value of the payout is equal to the number of RSUs awarded multiplied by the performance vesting factor and by the 20-day average closing share price ending on January 31 of the following year. On December 31, 2011, for the 2009 grant, the level of ROIC attained resulted in a performance vesting factor of approximately 120%. Asthe minimum share price condition was met, payout under the plan of approximately $80 million, calculated using the Company's average share price during the 20-day period ending on January 31, 2012 and will be paid to employees meeting the conditions of their benefit plans, award or employment agreements in the first quarter of 2012.In addition, the Company has suspended the RSU payout of approximately $18 million included in the above amount, to its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) pending resolution with the former CEO of issues relating to his compliance with the non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure of confidential information conditions contained in the former CEO's employment agreement and in respect of which the Company has commenced legal proceedings.

As at December 31, 2011, 0.2 million RSUs remained authorized for future issuance under this plan.

Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan

The Company has a Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP), providing eligible senior management employees the opportunity to elect to receive their annual incentive bonus payment and other eligible incentive payments in deferred share units (DSUs). A DSU is equivalent to a common share of the Company and also earns dividends when normal cash dividends are paid on common shares. The number of DSUs received by each participant is established using the average closing price for the 20 trading days prior to and including the date of the incentive payment. For each participant, the Company will grant a further 25% of the amount elected in DSUs, which will vest over a period of four years. The election to receive eligible incentive payments in DSUs is no longer available to a participant when the value of the participant's vested DSUs is sufficient to meet the Company's stock ownership guidelines. The value of each participant's DSUs is payable in cash at the time of cessation of employment. The Company's liability for DSUs is marked-to-market at each period-end based on the Company's closing stock price.

The following table provides the 2011 activity for all cash settled awards:
	RSUs		VIDP
In millions	Nonvested	Vested	Nonvested	Vested
Outstanding at December 31, 2010	1.3	0.7	-	1.5
Granted (Payout)	0.5	(0.7)	-	(0.1)
Vested during year	(0.9)	0.9	-	-
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	0.9	0.9	-	1.4

The following table provides valuation and expense information for all cash settled awards:
In millions, unless otherwise indicated		RSUs (1)																VIDP (2)	Total
Year of grant		2011		2010		2009		2008		2007		2006
Stock-based compensation expense (recovery)
	recognized over requisite service period
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	19	$	27	$	35	$	-		N/A		N/A	$	21	$	102
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	17	$	34	$	26	$	-		N/A	$	18	$	95
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	13	$	3	$	29	$	(2)	$	33	$	76
Liability outstanding
December 31, 2011		$	19	$	44	$	82		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	119	$	264
December 31, 2010			N/A	$	17	$	46	$	37		N/A		N/A	$	99	$	199
Fair value per unit
December 31, 2011 ($)		$	60.48	$	77.59	$	80.15		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	80.15		N/A
Fair value of awards vested during the year
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	-	$	-	$	82		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	1	$	83
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	-	$	-	$	37		N/A		N/A	$	1	$	38
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	-	$	-	$	38		N/A	$	3	$	41
Nonvested awards at December 31, 2011
Unrecognized compensation cost		$	20	$	14	$	-		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	1	$	35
Remaining recognition period (years)			2.0		1.0		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A (3)		N/A
Assumptions (4)
Stock price ($)		$	80.15	$	80.15	$	80.15		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	80.15		N/A
Expected stock price volatility (5)			18%		18%		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Expected term (years) (6)			2.0		1.0		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Risk-free interest rate (7)			0.95%		0.92%		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Dividend rate ($) (8)		$	1.30	$	1.30	$	N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
(1)	Compensation cost is based on the fair value of the awards at period-end using the lattice-based valuation model that uses the assumptions as presented herein.
(2)	Compensation cost is based on intrinsic value.
(3)	The remaining recognition period has not been quantified as it relates solely to the 25% Company grant and the dividends earned thereon, representing a minimal number of units.
(4)	Assumptions used to determine fair value are at December 31, 2011.
(5)	Based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award.
(6)	Represents the remaining period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding.
(7)	Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
(8)	Based on the annualized dividend rate.

(ii)       Stock option awards

The Company has stock option plans for eligible employees to acquire common shares of the Company upon vesting at a price equal to the market value of the common shares at the date of granting. The options are exercisable during a period not exceeding 10 years. The right to exercise options generally accrues over a period of four years of continuous employment. Options are not generally exercisable during the first 12 months after the date of grant. At December 31, 2011, 11.0million common shares remained authorized for future issuances under these plans.

       Options issued by the Company include conventional options, which vest over a period of time; and performance-accelerated stock options.As at December 31, 2011, the performance-accelerated stock options were fully vested.

              For 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company granted 0.6 million,0.7 million and 1.2 million, respectively, of conventional stock options to designated senior management employees that vest over a period of four years of continuous employment.

              The total number of options outstanding at December 31, 2011, for conventional and performance-accelerated options was 5.3 million and 1.6 million, respectively.

       The following table provides the activity of stock option awards during 2011, and for options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2011, the weighted-average exercise price.

		Options outstanding			Nonvested options
				Weighted-			Weighted-
		Number of	average		Number of	average grant
		of options	exercise price		options	date fair value
		In millions			In millions
Outstanding at December 31, 2010 (1)		8.9	$	34.23	2.3	$	12.80
Granted		0.6	$	68.94	0.6	$	15.66
Exercised		(2.6)	$	26.94	N/A		N/A
Vested		N/A		N/A	(0.9)	$	12.83
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 (1)		6.9	$	40.80	2.0	$	13.71
Exercisable at December 31, 2011 (1)		4.9	$	35.58	N/A		N/A
(1)	Stock options with a US dollar exercise price have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.

The following table provides the number of stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2011 by range of exercise price and their related intrinsic value, and for options outstanding, the weighted-average years to expiration. The table also provides the aggregate intrinsic value for in-the-money stock options, which represents the value that would have been received by option holders had they exercised their options on December 31, 2011 at the Company's closing stock price of $80.15.

					Options outstanding							Options exercisable
Range of exercise prices					Number of options	Weighted-average years to expiration	Weighted-average exercise price			Aggregate intrinsic value		Number of options	Weighted-average exercise price			Aggregate intrinsic value
					In millions				In millions			In millions			In millions
$	11.63	-	$	20.51	1.5	1.1	$	20.42		$	92	1.5	$	20.42		$	92
$	20.52	-	$	30.19	0.6	1.0	$	26.67			29	0.6	$	26.67			29
$	30.20	-	$	40.22	0.9	5.9	$	35.18			40	0.5	$	35.46			24
$	40.23	-	$	50.69	2.0	5.6	$	46.11			69	1.6	$	46.28			54
$	50.70	-	$	78.24	1.9	7.5	$	58.74			40	0.7	$	52.50			18
Balance at December 31, 2011 (1)					6.9	4.8	$	40.80		$	270	4.9	$	35.58		$	217
(1)	Stock options with a US dollar exercise price have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. As at December 31, 2011, all stock options outstanding were in-the-money. The weighted-average years to expiration of exercisable stock options is 3.5 years.

The following table provides valuation and expense information for all stock option awards:
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
Year of grant			2011		2010		2009		2008		2007		2006		2005		Total
Stock-based compensation expense
recognized over requisite service period (1)
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	5	$	2	$	2	$	1	$	-		N/A		N/A	$	10
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	4	$	2	$	2	$	1	$	-		N/A	$	9
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	9	$	1	$	2	$	2	$	-	$	14
Fair value per unit
At grant date ($)		$	15.66	$	13.09	$	12.60	$	12.44	$	13.37	$	13.80	$	9.19		N/A
Fair value of awards vested during the year
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	-	$	2	$	4	$	3	$	3		N/A		N/A	$	12
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	-	$	4	$	3	$	3	$	3		N/A	$	13
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	-	$	3	$	3	$	3	$	3	$	12
Nonvested awards at December 31, 2011
Unrecognized compensation cost		$	5	$	3	$	2	$	-	$	-		N/A		N/A	$	10
Remaining recognition period (years)			3.0		2.0		1.0		-		-		N/A		N/A		N/A
Assumptions
Grant price ($)		$	68.94	$	54.76	$	42.14	$	48.51	$	52.79	$	51.51	$	36.33		N/A
Expected stock price volatility (2)			26%		28%		39%		27%		24%		25%		25%		N/A
Expected term (years) (3)			5.3		5.4		5.3		5.3		5.2		5.2		5.2		N/A
Risk-free interest rate (4)			2.53%		2.44%		1.97%		3.58%		4.12%		4.04%		3.50%		N/A
Dividend rate ($) (5)		$	1.30	$	1.08	$	1.01	$	0.92	$	0.84	$	0.65	$	0.50		N/A
(1)	Compensation cost is based on the grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions at the grant date.
(2)	Based on the average of the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award and the implied volatility from traded options on the Company's stock.
(3)	Represents the period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination, and groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately.
(4)	Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
(5)	Based on the annualized dividend rate.

The following table provides information related to stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Total intrinsic value		$	122	$	125	$	93
Cash received upon exercise of options		$	68	$	87	$	53
Related excess tax benefit realized		$	9	$	28	$	20

(iii) Stock price volatility

Compensation cost for the Company's RSU plans is based on the fair value of the awards at period end using the lattice-based valuation model for which a primary assumption is the Company's share price. In addition, the Company's liability for the VIDP is marked-to-market at period-end and, as such, is also reliant on the Company's share price. Fluctuations in the Company's share price cause volatility to stock-based compensation expense as recorded in net income. The Company does not currently hold any derivative financial instruments to manage this exposure. A $1 increase in the Company's share price at December 31, 2011 would have increased stock-based compensation expense by $3 million, whereas a$1 decrease in the price would have reduced it by $4 million.

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Consolidated Balance Sheet (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	101	490
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Note 9)	499	0
Accounts receivable (Note 4)	820	775
Material and supplies	201	210
Deferred and receivable income taxes (Note 14)	122	53
Other	105	62
Total current assets	1,848	1,590
Properties (note 5)	23,917	22,917
Intangible and other assets (Note 6)	261	699
Total assets	26,026	25,206
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other (Note 7)	1,580	1,366
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 9)	135	540
Total current liabilities	1,715	1,906
Deferred income taxes (Note 14)	5,333	5,152
Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of current portion (Note 12)	1,095	510
Other Liabilities and deferred credits (Note 8)	762	823
Long-term debt (Note 9)	6,441	5,531
Shareholders' equity
Common shares (Note 10)	4,141	4,252
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 19)	(2,839)	(1,709)
Retained earnings	9,378	8,741
Total shareholders' equity	10,680	11,284
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	26,026	25,206

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Properties

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Properties

5– Properties

In millions				December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
		2011 depreciation			Accumulated						Accumulated
		rate		Cost	depreciation			Net		Cost	depreciation			Net
Track and roadway (1)		2%	$	25,534	$	6,903	$	18,631	$	24,568	$	6,744	$	17,824
Rolling stock		4%		4,923		1,668		3,255		4,843		1,565		3,278
Buildings		2%		1,220		473		747		1,148		467		681
Information technology (2)		12%		931		383		548		854		330		524
Other		6%		1,213		477		736		1,057		447		610
Total properties including capital leases			$	33,821	$	9,904	$	23,917	$	32,470	$	9,553	$	22,917
Capital leases included in properties
Track and roadway (3)			$	417	$	48	$	369	$	427	$	43	$	384
Rolling stock				1,144		317		827		1,129		287		842
Buildings				109		16		93		108		13		95
Other				102		15		87		130		28		102
Total capital leases included in properties			$	1,772	$	396	$	1,376	$	1,794	$	371	$	1,423
(1)	Includes the cost of land of $1,798 million and $1,712 million as at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2)	The Company capitalized $94 million in 2011 and $79 million in 2010 of internally developed software costs pursuant to ASC 350-40, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, Internal – Use Software.”
(3)	Includes $108 million of right-of-way access in both years.

Accounting policy for capitalization of costs

The Company's railroad operations are highly capital intensive. The Company's properties consist mainly of a large base of homogeneous or network-type assets such as rail, ties, ballast and other structures, which form the Company's Track and roadway properties, and rolling stock. The Company's capital expenditures are for the replacement of assets and for the purchase or construction of assets to enhance operations or provide new service offerings to customers. A large portion of the Company's capital expenditures are for self-constructed properties including the replacement of existing track and roadway assets and track line expansion, as well as major overhauls and large refurbishments of rolling stock.

Expenditures are generally capitalized if they extend the life of the asset or provide future benefits such as increased revenue-generating capacity, functionality, or physical or service capacity. The Company has a process in place to determine whether its capital programs qualify for capitalization. For Track and roadway properties, the Company establishes basic capital programs to replace or upgrade the track infrastructure assets which are capitalized if they meet the capitalization criteria. These basic capital programs are planned in advance and carried out by the Company's engineering work force.

In addition, for Track and roadway properties, expenditures that meet the minimum level of activity as defined by the Company are also capitalized as detailed below:

• Land: all purchases of land;
• Grading: installation of road bed, retaining walls, drainage structures;
• Rail and related track material: installation of 39 or more continuous feet of rail;
• Ties: installation of 5 or more ties per 39 feet;
• Ballast: installation of 171 cubic yards of ballast per mile.

Expenditures relating to the Company's properties that do not meet the Company's capitalization criteria are considered normal repairs and maintenance and are expensed. For Track and roadway properties, such expenditures include but are not limited to spot tie replacement, spot or broken rail replacement, physical track inspection for detection of rail defects and minor track corrections, and other general maintenance of track infrastructure.

       For the ballast asset, the Company also engages in “shoulder ballast undercutting” that consists of removing some or all of the ballast, which has deteriorated over its service life, and replacing it with new ballast. When ballast is installed as part of a shoulder ballast undercutting project, it represents the addition of a new asset and not the repair or maintenance of an existing asset. As such, the Company capitalizes expenditures related to shoulder ballast undercutting given that an existing asset is retired and replaced with a new asset. Under the group method of accounting for properties, the deteriorated ballast is retired at its average cost measured using the quantities of new ballast added.

       For purchased assets, the Company capitalizes all costs necessary to make the asset ready for its intended use. Expenditures that are capitalized as part of self-constructed properties include direct material, labor, and contracted services, as well as other allocated costs which are not charged directly to capital projects. These allocated costs include, but are not limited to, fringe benefits, small tools and supplies, machinery used on projects and project supervision. The Company reviews and adjusts its allocations, as required, to reflect the actual costs incurred each year.

Costs of deconstruction and removal of replaced assets, referred to herein as dismantling costs, are distinguished from installation costs for self-constructed properties based on the nature of the related activity. For Track and roadway properties, employees concurrently perform dismantling and installation of new track and roadway assets and, as such, the Company estimates the amount of labor and other costs that are related to dismantling. The Company determines dismantling costs based on an analysis of the track and roadway installation process.

Accounting policy for depreciation

Properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation including asset impairment write-downs. The cost of properties, including those under capital leases, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated service lives, measured in years, except for rail which is measured in millions of gross tons per mile. The Company follows the group method of depreciation whereby a single composite depreciation rate is applied to the gross investment in a class of similar assets, despite small differences in the service life or salvage value of individual property units within the same asset class. The Company uses approximately40 different depreciable asset classes.

For all depreciable assets, the depreciation rate is based on the estimated service lives of the assets. Assessing the reasonableness of the estimated service lives of properties requires judgment and is based on currently available information, including periodic depreciation studies conducted by the Company. The Company's U.S. properties are subject to comprehensive depreciation studies as required by the STB and are conducted by external experts. Depreciation studies for Canadian properties are not required by regulation and are therefore conducted internally. Studies are performed on specific asset groups on a periodic basis. Changes in the estimated service lives of the assets and their related composite depreciation rates are implemented prospectively.

       For the rail asset, the estimated service life is measured in millions of gross tons per mile and varies based on rail characteristics such as weight, curvature and metallurgy. The annual composite depreciation rate for rail assets is determined by dividing the estimated annual number of gross tons carried over the rail by the estimated service life of the rail measured in millions of gross tons per mile. For the rail asset, the Company capitalizes the costs of rail grinding which consists of restoring and improving the rail profile and removing irregularities from worn rail to extend the service life. The service life of the rail asset is based on expected future usage of the rail in its existing condition, determined using railroad industry research and testing, less the rail asset's usage to date. The service life of the rail asset is increased incrementally as rail grinding is performed thereon. As such, the costs incurred for rail grinding are capitalized given that the activity extends the service life of the rail asset beyond its original or current condition as additional gross tons can be carried over the rail for its remaining service life. The Company amortizes the cost of rail grinding over the remaining life of the rail asset, which includes the incremental life extension generated by the rail grinding.

Disposal of property

2011

IC RailMarine Terminal

In August 2011, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of IC RailMarine Terminal Company (ICRMT), an indirect subsidiary of the Company,to Raven Energy, LLC, an affiliate of Foresight Energy, LLC (Foresight) and the Cline Group (Cline), for cash proceeds of $70 million (US$73million) before transaction costs. ICRMT is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River and stores and transfers bulk commodities and liquids between rail, ship and barge, serving customers in North American and global markets. Under the sale agreement, the Company willbenefit from a 10-year rail transportation agreement with Savatran LLC, an affiliate of Foresight and Cline, to haul a minimum annual volume of coal from four Illinois mines to the ICRMT transfer facility. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $60 million ($38 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income.

Lakeshore East

In March 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell a segment of the Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East in Pickering and Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Lakeshore East”), for cash proceeds of $299 million before transaction costs. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Lakeshore East at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $288 million ($254 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

2010

Oakville subdivision

In March 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision in Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Oakville subdivision”), for proceeds of $168 million before transaction costs, of which $24 million was placed in escrow at the time of disposaland was entirely released by December 31, 2010 in accordance with the terms of the agreement.Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Oakville subdivision at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $152 million ($131 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

2009

Lower Newmarketsubdivision

In November 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell the property known as the Lower Newmarket subdivision in Vaughan and Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Lower Newmarket subdivision”), for cash proceeds of $71 million before transaction costs. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Lower Newmarket subdivision at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration.The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $69 million ($59 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other incomeunder the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

Weston subdivision

In March 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with GO Transit to sell the property known as the Weston subdivision in Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Weston subdivision”), for cash proceeds of $160million before transaction costs, of which$50millionplaced in escrow at the time of disposal was entirely released by December 31, 2009 in accordance with the terms of the agreement.Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Weston subdivision at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $157 million ($135 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other incomeunder the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

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Accounts receivable

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Accounts receivable

4 – Accounts receivable

In millions	December 31,	2011		2010
Freight		$	630	$	585
Non-freight			206		211
Gross accounts receivable			836		796
Allowance for doubtful accounts			(16)		(21)
Net accounts receivable		$	820	$	775

The Company had a five-year agreement to sell an undivided co-ownership interest in a revolving pool of freight receivables to an unrelated trust for maximum cash proceeds of $600 million. The agreement expired on May 31, 2011 and was not renewed. As at December 31, 2010, the Company had no receivables sold under this program.

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Earnings per share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Earnings per share

16 – Earnings per share

	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Basic earnings per share		$	5.45	$	4.51	$	3.95
Diluted earnings per share		$	5.41	$	4.48	$	3.92
The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Net income		$	2,457	$	2,104	$	1,854
Weighted-average shares outstanding			451.1		466.3		469.2
Effect of stock options			3.3		3.8		4.3
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding			454.4		470.1		473.5

Basic earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding over each period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding using the treasury stock method, which assumes that any proceeds received from the exercise of in-the-money stock options would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price for the period.For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the weighted-average number of stock options that were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive impact, were 0.1million, nil and 0.4 million, respectively.

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Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Pensions and other postretirement benefits

12 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits

The Company has various retirement benefit plans under which substantially all of its employees are entitled to benefits at retirement age, generally based on compensation and length of service and/or contributions. Senior and executive management (“executive employees”) subject to certain minimum service and age requirements, are also eligible for an additional retirement benefit under their Special Retirement Stipend Agreements (“SRS”), the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) or the Defined Contribution Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“DC SERP”). Executive employees who breach the non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure of confidential information conditions of the SRS, SERP or DC SERP plans or other employment agreement will forfeit the retirement benefit under these plans. Should the Company reasonably determine that a current or former executive employee may have violated the conditions of their SRS, SERP, or DC SERP plan or other employment agreement, the Company may at its discretion withhold or suspend payout of the retirement benefit pending resolution of such matter.The Company has suspended payment of the $1.5 million annual retirement benefit due to its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) pending resolution with the former CEO of issues relating to his compliance with the non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure of confidential information conditions contained in the former CEO's employment agreement and in respect of which the Company has commenced legal proceedings.

The Company also offers postretirement benefitsto certain employees providing life insurance, medical benefits and,for a closed group of employees, free rail travel benefits during retirement. These postretirement benefits are funded as they become due. The information in the tables that follow pertains to all of the Company's defined benefit plans. However, the following descriptions relate solely to the Company's main pension plan, the CN Pension Plan, unless otherwise specified.

A.       Description of the CN Pension Plan

The CN Pension Plan is a contributory defined benefit pension plan that covers the majority of CN employees. It provides for pensions based mainly on years of service and final average pensionable earnings and is generally applicable from the first day of employment. Indexation of pensions is provided after retirement through a gain/loss sharing mechanism, subject to guaranteed minimum increases. An independent trust company is the Trustee of the Company's pension trust funds (including the CN Pension Trust Fund). As Trustee, the trust company performs certain duties, which include holding legal title to the assets of the CN Pension Trust Fund and ensuring that the Company, as Administrator, complies with the provisions of the CN Pension Plan and the related legislation. The Company utilizes a measurement date of December 31 for the CN Pension Plan.

B.       Funding policy

Employee contributions to the CN Pension Plan are determined by the plan rules. Company contributions are in accordance with the requirements of the Government of Canada legislation, The Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985, including amendments thereto, and are determined by actuarial valuations. Due to recent legislative changes, actuarial valuations will be required on an annual basis effective for years ending on or after December 31, 2011 for all Canadian plans, or when deemed appropriate by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). These actuarial valuations are prepared in accordance with legislative requirements and with the recommendations of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries for the valuation of pension plans. The most recently filed actuarial valuation of the CN Pension Plan was conducted as at December 31, 2008 and indicated a funding excess on a going concern and solvency basis. The Company's next actuarial valuation required as at December 31, 2011 will be performed in 2012. While this actuarial valuation is expected to identify a going concern surplus of approximately $1billion, on a solvency basis a funding deficitof approximately $1.4 billionis expected due to the level of interest rates applicable during that measurement period and the pension plan asset returns. The federal pension legislation requires funding deficits, as calculated under current pension regulations, to be paid over a number of years. Actuarial valuations are also required annually for the Company's U.S. pension plans.

In 2011, in anticipation of its future funding requirements, the Company made voluntary contributions of $350million in excess of the required contributions mainly to strengthen the financial position of its main pension plan, the CN Pension Plan. The Company has been advised by the OSFI that this contribution can be treated as a prepayment against its 2012 pension deficit funding requirements. As a result, the Company's cash contributions for 2012 are expected to be in the range of approximately $275 million to $575 millionfor all its pension plansand include an voluntary contribution of approximately $150 million to $450 million.As at February 3, 2012, the Company contributed $250 million to its defined benefit pension plans including a $150 million additional contribution.

C.       Plan assets

The assets of the Company's various plans are held in separate trust fundswhich are diversified by asset type, country and investment strategies. Each year, the CN Board of Directors reviews and confirms or amends the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (SIPP) which includes the plans' long-term asset class mix and related benchmark indices (Policy). This Policy is based on a long-term forward-looking view of the world economy, the dynamics of the plans' benefit liabilities, the market return expectations of each asset class and the current state of financial markets. The Policy mix in 2011was: 2% cash and short-term investments, 38% bonds, 47% equities, 4% real estate,5% oil and gas and 4% infrastructure assets.

Annually, the CN Investment Division, a division of the Company created to invest and administer the assets of the plans, proposes a short-term asset mix target (Strategy) for the coming year, which is expected to differ from the Policy, because of current economic and market conditions and expectations.The Investment Committee of the Board (Committee) regularly compares the actual asset mix to the Policy and Strategy asset mixes and evaluates the actual performance of the trust funds in relation to the performance of the Policy, calculated using Policy asset mix and the performance of the benchmark indices.

The Committee's approval is required for all major investments in illiquid securities. The SIPP allows for the use of derivative financial instruments to implement strategies or to hedge or adjust existing or anticipated exposures. The SIPP prohibits investments in securities of the Company or its subsidiaries.Investments held in the trust funds consist mainly of the following:

• Cash, short-term investments and bonds consist primarily of highly liquid securities which ensure adequate cash flows are available to cover near-term benefit payments. Short-term securities are almost exclusively obligations issued by Canadian chartered banks. As at December 312011, 93% of bonds were issued or guaranteed by Canadian, U.S. or other governments.
• Mortgages consist of mortgage products which are primarily conventional or participating loans secured by commercial properties and publicly traded REITs (Real Estate Investment Trust).
• Equity investments are well diversified by country, issuer and industry sector. The most significant allocation either to an individual issuer or industry sector was approximately 4% and 21%, respectively, in 2011.
• Real estate is a diversified portfolio of Canadian land and commercial properties.
• Oil and gas investments include petroleum and natural gas properties operated by the trusts'wholly-owned subsidiaries and Canadian marketable securities.
• Infrastructure investments are publically traded trust units, participations in private infrastructure funds and public debt and equity securities of infrastructure and utility companies.
• Absolute return investments are a portfolio of units of externally managed hedge funds.

The plans' investment manager monitors market events and exposures to markets, currencies and interest rates daily. When investing in foreign securities, the plans are exposed to foreign currency risk that may be adjusted or hedged; the effect of which is included in the valuation of the foreign securities. Net of the effects mentioned above, the plans were 71% exposed to the Canadian dollar, 7% to European currencies, 11% to the US dollar and 11% to various other currencies as at December 31, 2011. Interest rate risk represents the risk that the fair value of the investments will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. Sensitivity to interest rates is a function of the timing and amount of cash flows of the assets and liabilities of the plans. To manage credit risk, established policies require dealing with counterparties considered to be of high credit quality. Derivatives are used from time to time to adjust asset mix or exposures to foreign currencies, interest rate or market risks of the portfolio or anticipated transactions. Derivatives are contractual agreements whose value is derived from interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity or commodity prices. When derivatives are used for hedging purposes, the gains or losses on the derivatives are offset by a corresponding change in the value of the hedged assets. Derivatives may include forwards, futures, swaps and options.

The tables on the following page present the fair value of plan assets excluding the economic exposure of derivativesas at December 31, 2011 and 2010 by asset class, their level within the fair value hierarchy and the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure such fair value.

In millions, unless otherwise indicated					Fair value measurements at December 31, 2011
Asset class		Total	Percentage of total assets		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and short-term investments (1)	$	1,026	7.0%	$	21	$	1,005	$	-
Bonds (2)
Canada and supranational		1,650	11.2%		-		1,650		-
Provinces of Canada		1,937	13.1%		-		1,937		-
Emerging market debt		288	2.0%		-		288		-
Mortgages (3)		178	1.2%		8		170		-
Equities (4)
Canadian		2,395	16.3%		2,373		-		22
U.S.		1,125	7.6%		1,087		38		-
International		2,712	18.4%		2,680		32		-
Real estate (5)		214	1.5%		-		-		214
Oil and gas (6)		1,232	8.4%		343		-		889
Infrastructure (7)		707	4.8%		9		79		619
Absolute return (8)							-		-
Multi-strategy funds		358	2.4%		-		358		-
Fixed income funds		214	1.5%		-		214		-
Equity funds		260	1.8%		-		260		-
Global macro funds		368	2.5%		-		368		-
	$	14,664	99.7%	$	6,521	$	6,399	$	1,744
Other (9)		55	0.3%
Total plan assets	$	14,719	100%
In millions, unless otherwise indicated					Fair value measurements at December 31, 2010
Asset class		Total	Percentage of total assets		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and short-term investments (1)	$	429	2.8%	$	429	$	-	$	-
Bonds (2)
Canada and supranational		2,013	13.3%		-		2,013		-
Provinces of Canada		1,292	8.6%		-		1,292		-
Corporate		92	0.6%		-		92		-
Emerging market debt		318	2.1%		-		318		-
Mortgages (3)		205	1.4%		30		175		-
Equities (4)
Canadian		3,228	21.4%		3,204		-		24
U.S.		1,316	8.7%		1,316		-		-
International		3,076	20.4%		3,076		-		-
Real estate (5)		318	2.1%		-		-		318
Oil and gas (6)		1,141	7.6%		289		-		852
Infrastructure (7)		607	4.0%		29		85		493
Absolute return (8)
Multi-strategy funds		311	2.1%		-		106		205
Fixed income funds		197	1.3%		-		197		-
Commodity funds		75	0.5%		-		75		-
Equity funds		148	1.0%		-		147		1
Global macro funds		292	1.9%		-		292		-
	$	15,058	99.8%	$	8,373	$	4,792	$	1,893
Other (9)		34	0.2%
Total plan assets	$	15,092	100%
Level 1: Fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
Level 2: Fair value based on significant observable inputs
Level 3: Fair value based on significant unobservable inputs					Footnotes to the tables follow on the next page

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the fair value of investments classified as Level 3.
		Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)												Additional information (10)
															Infra- stracture hedged		Absolute return hedged
In millions			Equities (4)		Real estate (5)		Oil and gas (6)		Infrastructure (7)		Absolute return (8)		Total
Beginning balance at
December 31, 2009		$	18	$	266	$	752	$	449	$	182	$	1,667	$	449	$	182
	Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date		3		32		90		19		(11)		133		46		-
	Purchases, sales and settlements		3		(14)		(48)		25		109		75		1		99
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		-		34		58		-		(74)		18		-		(74)
Balance at
December 31, 2010		$	24	$	318	$	852	$	493	$	206	$	1,893	$	496	$	207
	Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date		2		58		90		74		(7)		217		63		(8)
	Purchases, sales and settlements		(4)		(162)		(53)		52		(1)		(168)		62		(1)
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		-		-		-		-		(198)		(198)		-		(198)
Ending balance at
December 31, 2011		$	22	$	214	$	889	$	619	$	-	$	1,744	$	621	$	-
(1)	Short-term investments consist primarily of securities issued by Canadian chartered banks. Such investments are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
(2)	Bonds are valued using prices obtained from independent pricing data suppliers, predominantly TSX Inc. When prices are not available from independent sources, the bond is valued by comparison to prices obtained for a bond of similar interest rate, maturity and risk.
(3)	Mortgages are secured by real estate. The fair value measurement of $170 million ($175 million in 2010) of mortgages categorized as Level 2 is based on current market yields of financial instruments of similar maturity, coupon and risk factors. Mortgages denominated in foreign currencies are fully hedged back to the Canadian dollar, the effects of which are reflected in the values presented in the tables above.
(4)	The fair value of equity investments of $22 million ($24 million in 2010) categorized as Level 3 represent units in private equity funds which are valued by their administrators.
(5)	The fair value of real estate investments of $214 million ($318 million in 2010) includes land and buildings classified as Level 3. Land is valued based on the fair value of comparable assets, and buildings are valued based on the present value of estimated future net cash flows or the fair value of comparable assets. Independent valuations of land and buildings are performed triennially.
(6)	The fair value of oil and gas investments of $889 million ($852 million in 2010) classified as Level 3 is valued based on estimated future net cash flows that are discounted using prevailing market rates for transactions in similar assets. The future net cash flows are based on forecasted oil and gas prices and projected future annual production and costs.
(7)	Infrastructure funds consist of $9 million ($29 million in 2010) of trust units that are publicly traded and classified as Level 1, $79 million ($85 million in 2010) of bank loans and bonds issued by infrastructure companies classified as Level 2 and $619 million ($493 million in 2010) of infrastructure funds that are classified as Level 3 and are valued based on earnings multiples. Infrastructure funds cannot be redeemed; distributions will be received from the funds as the underlying investments are liquidated. Infrastructure funds denominated in foreign currencies are fully hedged back to the Canadian dollar, the effects of which are reflected in the values presented in the additional information table presented above.
(8)	Absolute return investments are valued using the net asset value as reported by the fund administrators. All hedge fund investments have contractual redemption frequencies, ranging from monthly to annually, and redemption notice periods varying from 5 to 90 days. Hedge fund investments that have redemption dates less frequent than every four months or that have restrictions on contractual redemption features at the reporting date are classified as Level 3. During the year, absolute return investments having a fair value of $198 million (nil in 2010) were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as the restrictions on redemption were lifted.
(9)	Other consists of net operating assets required to administer the trust funds' investment assets and the plans' benefit and funding activities. Such assets are valued at cost and have not been assigned to a fair value category.
(10)	This additional information demonstrates the fair value of the infrastructure and absolute return funds after considering the effects of foreign currency hedges.

D. Additional disclosures

(i) Obligations and funded status
		Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2011		2010
Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	14,895	$	13,708	$	283	$	268
Amendments			27		5		1		-
Interest cost			788		837		14		16
Actuarial loss (gain)			577		1,118		(2)		22
Service cost			124		99		4		3
Curtailment gain			-		-		(1)		(1)
Plan participants’ contributions			54		50		-		-
Foreign currency changes			5		(12)		3		(6)
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers			(922)		(910)		(18)		(19)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year		$	15,548	$	14,895	$	284	$	283
Component representing future salary increases			(437)		(439)		-		-
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year		$	15,111	$	14,456	$	284	$	283
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	15,092	$	14,332	$	-	$	-
Employer contributions			458		411		-		-
Plan participants’ contributions			54		50		-		-
Foreign currency changes			1		(8)		-		-
Actual return on plan assets			36		1,217		-		-
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers			(922)		(910)		-		-
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	14,719	$	15,092	$	-	$	-
Funded status (Excess (deficiency) of fair value of plan assets over
projected benefit obligation at end of year)		$	(829)	$	197	$	(284)	$	(283)
Measurement date for all plans is December 31.
The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the CN Pension Plan at December 31, 2011 were $14,514 million and $13,992 million respectively ($13,941 million and $14,343 million, respectively, at December 31, 2010).
(ii) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
		Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
In millions	December 31,		2011		2010		2011		2010
Noncurrent assets (Note 6)		$	-	$	442	$	-	$	-
Current liabilities (Note 7)			-		-		(18)		(18)
Noncurrent liabilities			(829)		(245)		(266)		(265)
Total amount recognized		$	(829)	$	197	$	(284)	$	(283)
(iii) Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 19)
		Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
In millions	December 31,		2011		2010		2011		2010
Net actuarial gain (loss)		$	(2,720)	$	(1,185)	$	3	$	1
Prior service cost		$	(30)	$	(5)	$	(3)	$	(4)
(iv) Information for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
		Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
In millions	December 31,		2011		2010		2011		2010
Projected benefit obligation		$	15,015	$	436		N/A		N/A
Accumulated benefit obligation		$	14,606	$	386		N/A		N/A
Fair value of plan assets		$	14,191	$	191		N/A		N/A

(v) Components of net periodic benefit cost (income)
			Pensions						Other postretirement benefits
In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009		2011			2010		2009
Service cost			$	124	$	99	$	83	$	4		$	3	$	3
Interest cost				788		837		885		14			16		17
Curtailment gain				-		-		-		(1)			(1)		(3)
Settlement loss				3		-		-		-			-		-
Expected return on plan assets				(1,005)		(1,009)		(1,007)		-			-		-
Amortization of prior service cost				2		-		-		2			2		5
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)				8		3		5		-			(2)		(3)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)			$	(80)	$	(70)	$	(34)	$	19		$	18	$	19
The estimated prior service cost and net actuarial loss for defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost (income) over the next fiscal year are $4 million and $123 million, respectively.
The estimated prior service cost and net actuarial gain for other postretirement benefits that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost (income) over the next fiscal year are $2 million and nil, respectively.
(vi) Weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits
				Pensions						Other postretirement benefits
		December 31,		2011		2010		2009		2011			2010		2009
To determine projected benefit obligation
Discount rate (1)				4.84%		5.32%		6.19%		4.70%			5.29%		6.01%
Rate of compensation increase (2)				3.25%		3.50%		3.50%		3.25%			3.50%		3.50%
To determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (1)				5.32%		6.19%		7.42%		5.29%			6.01%		6.84%
Rate of compensation increase (2)				3.50%		3.50%		3.50%		3.50%			3.50%		3.50%
Expected return on plan assets (3)				7.50%		7.75%		7.75%		N/A			N/A		N/A
(1)	The Company’s discount rate assumption, which is set annually at the end of each year, is used to determine the projected benefit obligation at the end of the year and the net periodic benefit cost for the following year. The discount rate is used to measure the single amount that, if invested at the measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments with a rating of AA or better, would provide the necessary cash flows to pay for pension benefits as they become due. The discount rate is determined by management with the aid of third-party actuaries. The Company’s methodology for determining the discount rate is based on a zero-coupon bond yield curve, which is derived from semi-annual bond yields provided by a third party. The portfolio of hypothetical zero-coupon bonds is expected to generate cash flows that match the estimated future benefit payments of the plans as the bond rate for each maturity year is applied to the plans’ corresponding expected benefit payments of that year.
(2)	The rate of compensation increase is determined by the Company based upon its long-term plans for such increases.
(3)	To develop its expected long-term rate of return assumption used in the calculation of net periodic benefit cost applicable to the market-related value of assets, the Company considers multiple factors. The expected long-term rate of return is determined based on expected future performance for each asset class and is weighted based on the current asset portfolio mix. Consideration is taken of the historical performance, the premium return generated from an actively managed portfolio, as well as current and future anticipated asset allocations, economic developments, inflation rates and administrative expenses. Based on these factors, the rate is determined by the Company. For 2011, the Company used a long-term rate of return assumption of 7.50% on the market-related value of plan assets to compute net periodic benefit cost. The Company has elected to use a market-related value of assets, whereby realized and unrealized gains/losses and appreciation/depreciation in the value of the investments are recognized over a period of five years, while investment income is recognized immediately. Effective January 1, 2012 the Company will reduce the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets from 7.50% to 7.25% to reflect management's current view of long term investment returns. The effect of this change in management's assumption will be to increase net periodic benefit cost by approximately $20 million.
(vii) Health care cost trend rate for other postretirement benefits
For measurement purposes, increases in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits were assumed to be 10% and 9% for 2011 and 2012, respectively. It is assumed that the rate will decrease gradually to 4.5% in 2028 and remain at that level thereafter.
Assumed health care costs have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effect:
In millions										One-percentage-point
												Increase		Decrease
Effect on total service and interest costs												$	1	$	(1)
Effect on benefit obligation												$	16	$	(14)
(viii) Estimated future benefit payments
In millions							Pensions				Other postretirement benefits
2012							$	973						$	18
2013							$	996						$	18
2014							$	1,018						$	19
2015							$	1,040						$	19
2016							$	1,060						$	19
Years 2017 to 2021							$	5,444						$	98

E.Defined contributionand other plans

The Company maintains defined contribution pension plans for certain salaried employeesas well as certain employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Company also maintains other plans includingSection 401(k) savings plans for certain U.S. based employees. The Company's contributions under these plans are expensed as incurred and amounted to$10 million, $16 million and $8 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009,respectively.

F.Contributions to multi-employer plan

Under collective bargaining agreements, the Company participates in a multiemployer benefit plan named the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan which is administered by the National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC), and provides certain postretirement health care benefits to certain retirees.The Company's contributions under this plan are expensed as incurred and amounted to $11 million, $10 million and $8 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The annual contribution rate for the plan is determined by the NCCC and for 2011 was $164.41 per month per active employee ($155.96 in 2010). The plan covered 846 retirees in 2011 (716 in 2010).

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Other liabilities and deferred credits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Other liabilities and deferred credits

8 – Other liabilities and deferred credits

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Personal injury and other claims provisions, net of current portion (Note 17)		$	226	$	263
Stock-based incentives liability, net of current portion (Note 11)			180		162
Environmental provisions, net of current portion (Note 17)			89		116
Deferred credits and other			267		282
Total other liabilities and deferred credits		$	762	$	823

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Stock Plans - Cash settled awards (Details) (CAD) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expense Cost Liability Fair Value By Equity Other Than Options Grants In Period [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense (recovery) recognized over requisite service period	102		95		76
Liability outstanding	264		199
Fair value of awards vested during the year	83		38		41
Unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period	35
Assumptions [Abstract]
Entity's closing stock price at end of period	80.15
Valuation method used in calculating compensation cost	Black-Scholes option-pricing model
RSUs [Member]
Assumptions [Abstract]
Valuation method used in calculating compensation cost	lattice-based valuation model
RSUs [Member] | Granted in year 2011 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expense Cost Liability Fair Value By Equity Other Than Options Grants In Period [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense (recovery) recognized over requisite service period	19	[1]
Liability outstanding	19	[1]
Fair value per unit	60.48	[1]
Fair value of awards vested during the year	0	[1]
Unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period	20	[1]
Remaining recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period (years)	2.0	[1]
Assumptions [Abstract]
Entity's closing stock price at end of period	80.15	[1],[2]
Expected stock price volatility	18.00%	[1],[2],[3]
Expected term (years)	2.0	[1],[2],[4]
Risk-free interest rate	0.95%	[1],[2],[5]
Dividend rate per share (in dollars per share)	1.30	[1],[2],[6]
RSUs [Member] | Granted in year 2010 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expense Cost Liability Fair Value By Equity Other Than Options Grants In Period [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense (recovery) recognized over requisite service period	27	[1]	17	[1]
Liability outstanding	44	[1]	17	[1]
Fair value per unit	77.59	[1]
Fair value of awards vested during the year	0	[1]	0	[1]
Unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period	14	[1]
Remaining recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period (years)	1.0	[1]
Assumptions [Abstract]
Entity's closing stock price at end of period	80.15	[1],[2]
Expected stock price volatility	18.00%	[1],[2],[3]
Expected term (years)	1.0	[1],[2],[4]
Risk-free interest rate	0.92%	[1],[2],[5]
Dividend rate per share (in dollars per share)	1.30	[1],[2],[6]
RSUs [Member] | Granted in year 2009 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expense Cost Liability Fair Value By Equity Other Than Options Grants In Period [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense (recovery) recognized over requisite service period	35	[1]	34	[1]	13	[1]
Liability outstanding	82	[1]	46	[1]
Fair value per unit	80.15	[1]
Fair value of awards vested during the year	82	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period	0	[1]
Assumptions [Abstract]
Entity's closing stock price at end of period	80.15	[1],[2]
Number of days used to calculate the Company's average closing share price as of a predesignated date (in days)	20
Actual performance vesting percentage, based on return on invested capital (in hundredths)	120.00%
Payout under the restricted share unit compensation plan	80
RSUs [Member] | Granted in year 2008 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expense Cost Liability Fair Value By Equity Other Than Options Grants In Period [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense (recovery) recognized over requisite service period	0	[1]	26	[1]	3	[1]
Liability outstanding			37	[1]
Fair value of awards vested during the year			37	[1]	0	[1]
RSUs [Member] | Granted in year 2007 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expense Cost Liability Fair Value By Equity Other Than Options Grants In Period [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense (recovery) recognized over requisite service period			0	[1]	29	[1]
Fair value of awards vested during the year					38	[1]
RSUs [Member] | Granted in year 2006 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expense Cost Liability Fair Value By Equity Other Than Options Grants In Period [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense (recovery) recognized over requisite service period					(2)	[1]
VIDP [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expense Cost Liability Fair Value By Equity Other Than Options Grants In Period [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense (recovery) recognized over requisite service period	21	[7]	18	[7]	33	[7]
Liability outstanding	119	[7]	99	[7]
Fair value per unit	80.15	[7]
Fair value of awards vested during the year	1	[7]	1	[7]	3	[7]
Unrecognized compensation cost on nonvested awards at end of period	1	[7]
Assumptions [Abstract]
Entity's closing stock price at end of period	80.15	[2],[7]
Percentage of grants remaining in which the remaining recognition period has not been quantified	25.00%

[1] Compensation cost is based on the fair value of the awards at period-end using the lattice-based valuation model that uses the assumptions as presented herein.

[2] Assumptions used to determine fair value are at December 31, 2011.

[3] Based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award.

[4] Represents the remaining period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding.

[5] Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.

[6] Based on the annualized dividend rate.

[7] Compensation cost is based on intrinsic value.

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Intangible and other assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Intangible and other assets

6 – Intangible and other assets

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Deferred and long-term receivables		$	98	$	101
Intangible assets (A)			54		54
Investments (B)			31		25
Pension asset (Note 12)			-		442
Other			78		77
Total intangible and other assets		$	261	$	699

A. Intangible assets

Intangible assets consistmainly of customer contracts and relationships assumed through past acquisitions.

B. Investments

As at December 31, 2011, the Company had $21million ($21 million as at December 31, 2010) of investments accounted for under the equity method and $10million ($4 million as at December 31, 2010) of investments accounted for under the cost method.

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Accounts payable and other

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Accounts payable and other

7 – Accounts payable and other

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Trade payables		$	445	$	383
Payroll-related accruals			343		292
Income and other taxes			130		170
Accrued interest			123		104
Accrued charges			121		97
Personal injury and other claims provisions (Note 17)			84		83
Stock-based incentives liability (Note 11)			84		37
Environmental provisions (Note 17)			63		34
Other postretirement benefits liability (Note 12)			18		18
Other			169		148
Total accounts payable and other		$	1,580	$	1,366

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Long-term debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Long-term debt

9– Long-term debt

				Outstanding US dollar-denominated amount
								December 31,
In millions			Maturity					2011			2010
Debentures and notes: (A)
Canadian National series:
	6.38%	10-year notes (B)	Oct. 15, 2011	$	-	$	-		$	398
	4.40%	10-year notes (B)	Mar. 15, 2013		400		407			398
	4.95%	6-year notes (B)	Jan. 15, 2014		325		331			323
	5.80%	10-year notes (B)	June 1, 2016		250		254			249
	1.45%	5-year notes (B)	Dec. 15, 2016		300		305			-
	5.85%	10-year notes (B)	Nov. 15, 2017		250		254			249
	5.55%	10-year notes (B)	May 15, 2018		325		331			323
	6.80%	20-year notes (B)	July 15, 2018		200		203			199
	5.55%	10-year notes (B)	Mar. 1, 2019		550		559			547
	2.85%	10-year notes (B)	Dec. 15, 2021		400		407			-
	7.63%	30-year debentures	May 15, 2023		150		153			149
	6.90%	30-year notes (B)	July 15, 2028		475		483			472
	7.38%	30-year debentures (B)	Oct. 15, 2031		200		203			199
	6.25%	30-year notes (B)	Aug. 1, 2034		500		509			497
	6.20%	30-year notes (B)	June 1, 2036		450		458			448
	6.71%	Puttable Reset Securities PURSSM (B)	July 15, 2036		250		254			249
	6.38%	30-year debentures (B)	Nov. 15, 2037		300		305			298
Illinois Central series:
	5.00%	99-year income debentures	Dec. 1, 2056		7		7			7
	7.70%	100-year debentures	Sep. 15, 2096		125		127			124
Total US dollar-denominated debentures and notes				$	5,457		5,550			5,129
BC Rail series:
	Non-interest bearing 90-year subordinated notes (C)		July 14, 2094				842			842
Total debentures and notes							6,392			5,971
Other:
	Commercial paper (G) (H)						82			-
	Capital lease obligations and other (D)						957			952
Total debt, gross							7,431			6,923
Less:
	Net unamortized discount						855			852
Total debt (1) (E)							6,576			6,071
Less:
	Current portion of long-term debt (E)						135			540
Total long-term debt						$	6,441		$	5,531
(1)	See Note 18 - Financial Instruments, for the fair value of debt.				Footnotes to the tables follow on the next page

A. The Company's debentures, notes and revolving credit facility are unsecured.

B. These debt securities are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, at any time, at the greater of par and a formula price based on interest rates prevailing at the time of redemption.

C. The Company records these notes as a discounted debt of $8 million, using an imputed interest rate of 5.75%. The discount of $834 million is included in the net unamortized discount.

D. During 2011, the Company recorded $87million in assets it acquired through equipment leases($132 million in 2010), for which an equivalent amount was recorded in debt.

       Interest rates for capital lease obligations range from approximately 0.7% to 11.8% with maturity dates in the years 2012 through 2037. The imputed interest on these leases amounted to $299million as at December 31, 2011 and $342 million as at December 31, 2010.

The capital lease obligations are secured by properties with a net carrying amount of $993million as at December 31, 2011 and $1,036 million as at December 31, 2010.

E.Long-term debt maturities, including repurchase arrangements and capital lease repayments on debt outstanding as at December 31, 2011, for the next five years and thereafter, are as follows:

In millions			Capital leases		Debt		Total
2012(1)		$	53	$	82	$	135
2013			108		404		512
2014			209		328		537
2015			81		-		81
2016			269		557		826
2017 and thereafter			235		4,250		4,485
		$	955	$	5,621	$	6,576
(1)	Current portion of long-term debt.

F. The aggregate amount of debt payable in US currency as at December 31, 2011 was US$6,295 million (C$6,402 million), including US$757 million relating to capital leases and other, and US$5,914 million (C$5,882 million), including US$757 million relating to capital leases and other, as at December 31, 2010.

G. In May 2011, the Company entered into a $800 million four-year revolving credit facility agreement with a consortium of lenders. The agreement allows for an increase in amount, up to a maximum of $500 million, as well as the option to extend the term by an additional year at each anniversary date, subject to the consent of individual lenders. The credit facility, containing customary terms and conditions, is available for general corporate purposes, including back-stopping the Company's commercial paper program, and provides for borrowings at various interest rates, including the Canadian prime rate, bankers' acceptance rates, the U.S. federal funds effective rate and the London Interbank Offer Rate, plus applicable margins. The credit facility agreement has one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization, and with which the Company is in compliance. This facilityreplaces the US$1billion credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October 2011. As at December 31, 2011and December 31, 2010, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

H.The Company has a commercial paper program, which is backed by its revolving credit facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $800 million, or the US dollar equivalent.As at December 31, 2011, the Company had borrowings of $82million (US$81 million) of commercial paper (nil as at December 31, 2010) which were presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Balance Sheet. The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 0.20%.

I. In April 2011, the Company entered into a series of three-year bilateral letter of credit facility agreements with various banks to support its requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. As at December 31, 2011, from a total committed amount of $520 million by the various banks, the Company had letters of credit drawn of $499 million ($436 million as at December 31, 2010, under its previous US$1 billion credit facility). Under these agreements, the Company has the option from time to time to pledge collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, for a minimum term of three months, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. As at December 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents of $499million were pledged as collateral and recorded as Restricted cash and cash equivalents.

XML

Pensions and other postretirement benefits (Details 2) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Investments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	14,719		15,092
Absolute Return Investment Redemption Notice Period Range Minimum	5
Absolute Return Investment Redemption Notice Period Range Maximum	90
Absolute Return Investment Redemption Date Frequency Maximum Period For Not Level 3 Category	4
Fair Value Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Investments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,893		1,667
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date	217		133
Purchases, sales and settlements	(168)		75
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	(198)		18
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,744		1,893
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Investments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	24	[1]	18	[1]
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date	2	[1]	3	[1]
Purchases, sales and settlements	(4)	[1]	3	[1]
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	22	[1]	24	[1]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Real estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Investments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	318	[2]	266	[2]
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date	58	[2]	32	[2]
Purchases, sales and settlements	(162)	[2]	(14)	[2]
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	0	[2]	34	[2]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	214	[2]	318	[2]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Oil and gas [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Investments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	852	[3]	752	[3]
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date	90	[3]	90	[3]
Purchases, sales and settlements	(53)	[3]	(48)	[3]
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	0	[3]	58	[3]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	889	[3]	852	[3]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Infrastructure [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Investments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	493	[4]	449	[4]
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date	74	[4]	19	[4]
Purchases, sales and settlements	52	[4]	25	[4]
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	0	[4]	0	[4]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	619	[4]	493	[4]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Absolute return [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Investments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	206	[5]	182	[5]
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(7)	[5]	(11)	[5]
Purchases, sales and settlements	(1)	[5]	109	[5]
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	(198)	[5]	(74)	[5]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[5]	206	[5]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Infastructure hedged [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Investments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	496	[6]	449	[6]
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date	63	[6]	46	[6]
Purchases, sales and settlements	62	[6]	1	[6]
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	0	[6]	0	[6]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	621	[6]	496	[6]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Absolute return hedged [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Investments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	207	[6]	182	[6]
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(8)	[6]	0	[6]
Purchases, sales and settlements	(1)	[6]	99	[6]
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	(198)	[6]	(74)	[6]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[6]	207	[6]

[1] The fair value of equity investments of $22 million ($24 million in 2010) categorized as Level 3 represent units in private equity funds which are valued by their administrators.

[2] The fair value of real estate investments of $214 million ($318 million in 2010) includes land and buildings classified as Level 3. Land is valued based on the fair value of comparable assets, and buildings are valued based on the present value of estimated future net cash flows or the fair value of comparable assets. Independent valuations of land and buildings are performed triennially.

[3] The fair value of oil and gas investments of $889 million ($852 million in 2010) classified as Level 3 is valued based on estimated future net cash flows that are discounted using prevailing market rates for transactions in similar assets. The future net cash flows are based on forecasted oil and gas prices and projected future annual production and costs.

[4] Infrastructure funds consist of $9 million ($29 million in 2010) of trust units that are publicly traded and classified as Level 1, $79 million ($85 million in 2010) of bank loans and bonds issued by infrastructure companies classified as Level 2 and $619 million ($493 million in 2010) of infrastructure funds that are classified as Level 3 and are valued based on earnings multiples. Infrastructure funds cannot be redeemed; distributions will be received from the funds as the underlying investments are liquidated. Infrastructure funds denominated in foreign currencies are fully hedged back to the Canadian dollar, the effects of which are reflected in the values presented in the additional information table presented above.

[5] Absolute return investments are valued using the net asset value as reported by the fund administrators. All hedge fund investments have contractual redemption frequencies, ranging from monthly to annually, and redemption notice periods varying from 5 to 90 days. Hedge fund investments that have redemption dates less frequent than every four months or that have restrictions on contractual redemption features at the reporting date are classified as Level 3. During the year, absolute return investments having a fair value of $198 million (nil in 2010) were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as the restrictions on redemption were lifted.

[6] This additional information demonstrates the fair value of the infrastructure and absolute return funds after considering the effects of foreign currency hedges.

XML

Pensions and other postretirement benefits (Details 4) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Amounts Recognized In Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Noncurrent assets (Note 6)	0	442
Current liabilities (Note 7)	(18)	(18)
Noncurrent liabilities	(1,095)	(510)
Pensions [Member]
Amounts Recognized In Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Noncurrent assets (Note 6)	0	442
Noncurrent liabilities	(829)	(245)
Total amount recognized	(829)	197
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Amounts Recognized In Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Current liabilities (Note 7)	(18)	(18)
Noncurrent liabilities	(266)	(265)
Total amount recognized	(284)	(283)

XML

Pensions and other postretirement benefits (Details 1) (CAD)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	14,719,000,000		15,092,000,000
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	100.00%		100.00%
Expected going concern basis excess (deficit) funded status	1,000,000,000
Expected solvency basis excesss (deficit) funded status	(1,400,000,000)
Voluntary pension contributions	350,000,000
Total projected voluntary contributions for all pension plans for next fiscal year, minimum range	150,000,000
Total projected voluntary contributions for all pension plans for next fiscal year, maximum range	450,000,000
Actual contributions for all pension plans contributed in next fiscal year	250,000,000
Actual voluntary contributions for all pension plans for next fiscal year	150,000,000
Total projected contributions for all pension plans for next fiscal year, minimum range	275,000,000
Total projected contributions for all pension plans for next fiscal year, maximum range	575,000,000
Cash and short term investments policy mix (in hundredths)	2.00%
Bonds policy mix (in hundredths)	38.00%
Equity policy mix (in hundredths)	47.00%
Real estate policy mix (in hundredths)	4.00%
Oil and gas assets policy mix (in hundredths)	5.00%
Infrastructure assets policy mix (in hundredths)	4.00%
Percentage of bonds rated investment grade (in hundredths)	93.00%
Maximum percentage of equity investments allocated to an individual issuer (in hundredths)	4.00%
Maximum percentage of equity investments allocated to an industry sector (in hundredths)	21.00%
Percentage of plans exposed to the Canadian dollar	71.00%
Percentage of plans exposed to the European currencies	7.00%
Percentage of plans exposed to the US dollar	11.00%
Percentage of plans exposed to various other currencies	11.00%
Contributions for the defined contribution plans which are expensed as incurred	10,000,000		16,000,000		8,000,000
Annual retirement benefit payment due to former CEO that the Company has suspended	1,500,000
Multiemployer Plans [Abstract]
Contributions for the multiemployer benefit plan for the period	11,000,000		10,000,000		8,000,000
Description of Multiemployer Plan	Under collective bargaining agreements, the Company participates in a multiemployer benefit plan named the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan which is administered by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC), and provides certain postretirement health care benefits to certain retirees.
Multiemployer plan annual rate per month per active employee	164.41		155.96
Multiemployer plan retirees covered	846		716
Total Investment Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	14,664,000,000		15,058,000,000
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	99.70%		99.80%
Cash and short-term investments [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	1,026,000,000	[1]	429,000,000	[1]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	7.00%		2.80%
Canada and supranational [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	1,650,000,000	[2]	2,013,000,000	[2]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	11.20%		13.30%
Provinces of Canada [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	1,937,000,000	[2]	1,292,000,000	[2]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	13.10%		8.60%
Corporate [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[2]	92,000,000	[2]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	0.00%		0.60%
Emerging market debt [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	288,000,000	[2]	318,000,000	[2]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	2.00%		2.10%
Mortgages [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	178,000,000	[3]	205,000,000	[3]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	1.20%		1.40%
Canadian Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	2,395,000,000	[4]	3,228,000,000	[4]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	16.30%		21.40%
U.S. Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	1,125,000,000	[4]	1,316,000,000	[4]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	7.60%		8.70%
International Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	2,712,000,000	[4]	3,076,000,000	[4]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	18.40%		20.40%
Real estate [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	214,000,000	[5]	318,000,000	[5]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	1.50%		2.10%
Oil And Gas [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	1,232,000,000	[6]	1,141,000,000	[6]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	8.40%		7.60%
Infrastructure [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	707,000,000	[7]	607,000,000	[7]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	4.80%		4.00%
Multi-strategy funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	358,000,000	[8]	311,000,000	[8]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	2.40%		2.10%
Fixed income funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	214,000,000	[8]	197,000,000	[8]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	1.50%		1.30%
Commodity funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	75,000,000	[8]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	0.00%		0.50%
Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	260,000,000	[8]	148,000,000	[8]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	1.80%		1.00%
Global macro funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	368,000,000	[8]	292,000,000	[8]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	2.50%		1.90%
Other Plan Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	55,000,000	[9]	34,000,000	[9]
Actual allocation of individual plan assets	0.30%		0.20%
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Total Investment Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	6,521,000,000		8,373,000,000
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Cash and short-term investments [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	21,000,000	[1]	429,000,000	[1]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Canada and supranational [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Provinces of Canada [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Emerging market debt [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	8,000,000	[3]	30,000,000	[3]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Canadian Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	2,373,000,000	[4]	3,204,000,000	[4]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	1,087,000,000	[4]	1,316,000,000	[4]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | International Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	2,680,000,000	[4]	3,076,000,000	[4]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Real estate [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[5]	0	[5]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Oil And Gas [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	343,000,000	[6]	289,000,000	[6]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Infrastructure [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	9,000,000	[7]	29,000,000	[7]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Multi-strategy funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	0	[8]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Fixed income funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	0	[8]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Commodity funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	0	[8]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	0	[8]
Fair Value Level 1 [Member] | Global macro funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	0	[8]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Total Investment Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	6,399,000,000		4,792,000,000
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Cash and short-term investments [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	1,005,000,000	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Canada and supranational [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	1,650,000,000	[2]	2,013,000,000	[2]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Provinces of Canada [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	1,937,000,000	[2]	1,292,000,000	[2]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[2]	92,000,000	[2]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Emerging market debt [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	288,000,000	[2]	318,000,000	[2]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	170,000,000	[3]	175,000,000	[3]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Canadian Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[4]	0	[4]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	38,000,000	[4]	0	[4]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | International Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	32,000,000	[4]	0	[4]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Real estate [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[5]	0	[5]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Oil And Gas [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[6]	0	[6]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Infrastructure [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	79,000,000	[7]	85,000,000	[7]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Multi-strategy funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	358,000,000	[8]	106,000,000	[8]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Fixed income funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	214,000,000	[8]	197,000,000	[8]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Commodity funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	75,000,000	[8]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	260,000,000	[8]	147,000,000	[8]
Fair Value Level 2 [Member] | Global macro funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	368,000,000	[8]	292,000,000	[8]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Total Investment Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	1,744,000,000		1,893,000,000
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Cash and short-term investments [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Canada and supranational [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Provinces of Canada [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Emerging market debt [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[3]	0	[3]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Canadian Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	22,000,000	[4]	24,000,000	[4]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[4]	0	[4]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | International Equities [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[4]	0	[4]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Real estate [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	214,000,000	[5]	318,000,000	[5]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Oil And Gas [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	889,000,000	[6]	852,000,000	[6]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Infrastructure [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	619,000,000	[7]	493,000,000	[7]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Multi-strategy funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	205,000,000	[8]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Fixed income funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	0	[8]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Commodity funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	0	[8]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	1,000,000	[8]
Fair Value Level 3 [Member] | Global macro funds [Member]
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Fair Value Of Plan Assets Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets for the CN pension plan	0	[8]	0	[8]

[1] Short-term investments consist primarily of securities issued by Canadian chartered banks. Such investments are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

[2] Bonds are valued using prices obtained from independent pricing data suppliers, predominantly TSX Inc. When prices are not available from independent sources, the bond is valued by comparison to prices obtained for a bond of similar interest rate, maturity and risk.

[3] Mortgages are secured by real estate. The fair value measurement of $170 million ($175 million in 2010) of mortgages categorized as Level 2 is based on current market yields of financial instruments of similar maturity, coupon and risk factors. Mortgages denominated in foreign currencies are fully hedged back to the Canadian dollar, the effects of which are reflected in the values presented in the tables above.

[4] The fair value of equity investments of $22 million ($24 million in 2010) categorized as Level 3 represent units in private equity funds which are valued by their administrators.

[5] The fair value of real estate investments of $214 million ($318 million in 2010) includes land and buildings classified as Level 3. Land is valued based on the fair value of comparable assets, and buildings are valued based on the present value of estimated future net cash flows or the fair value of comparable assets. Independent valuations of land and buildings are performed triennially.

[6] The fair value of oil and gas investments of $889 million ($852 million in 2010) classified as Level 3 is valued based on estimated future net cash flows that are discounted using prevailing market rates for transactions in similar assets. The future net cash flows are based on forecasted oil and gas prices and projected future annual production and costs.

[7] Infrastructure funds consist of $9 million ($29 million in 2010) of trust units that are publicly traded and classified as Level 1, $79 million ($85 million in 2010) of bank loans and bonds issued by infrastructure companies classified as Level 2 and $619 million ($493 million in 2010) of infrastructure funds that are classified as Level 3 and are valued based on earnings multiples. Infrastructure funds cannot be redeemed; distributions will be received from the funds as the underlying investments are liquidated. Infrastructure funds denominated in foreign currencies are fully hedged back to the Canadian dollar, the effects of which are reflected in the values presented in the additional information table presented above.

[8] Absolute return investments are valued using the net asset value as reported by the fund administrators. All hedge fund investments have contractual redemption frequencies, ranging from monthly to annually, and redemption notice periods varying from 5 to 90 days. Hedge fund investments that have redemption dates less frequent than every four months or that have restrictions on contractual redemption features at the reporting date are classified as Level 3. During the year, absolute return investments having a fair value of $198 million (nil in 2010) were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as the restrictions on redemption were lifted.

[9] Other consists of net operating assets required to administer the trust funds' investment assets and the plans' benefit and funding activities. Such assets are valued at cost and have not been assigned to a fair value category.

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Accounts payable and other (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Accounts payable and other

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Trade payables		$	445	$	383
Payroll-related accruals			343		292
Income and other taxes			130		170
Accrued interest			123		104
Accrued charges			121		97
Personal injury and other claims provisions (Note 17)			84		83
Stock-based incentives liability (Note 11)			84		37
Environmental provisions (Note 17)			63		34
Other postretirement benefits liability (Note 12)			18		18
Other			169		148
Total accounts payable and other		$	1,580	$	1,366

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Properties (Details)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 CAD	Aug. 31, 2011 IC RailMarineTerminal [Member] USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2011 IC RailMarineTerminal [Member] CAD	Mar. 31, 2011 Lakeshore East [Member] CAD	Mar. 31, 2010 Oakville Subdivision [Member] CAD	Nov. 30, 2009 Lower Newmarket Subdivision [Member] CAD	Mar. 31, 2009 Weston Subdivision [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Track and roadway [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Track and roadway [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Rolling stock [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Rolling stock [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Buildings [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Buildings [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Information technology [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Information technology [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Other [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Other [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Track and roadway [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Track and roadway [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Rolling stock [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Rolling stock [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Buildings [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Buildings [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2011 Information technology [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2010 Information technology [Member] CAD		Dec. 31, 2011 Other [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2010 Other [Member] CAD
Schedule of Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items]
Annual rate (in hundredths)																					2.00%				4.00%		2.00%		12.00%				6.00%
Cost	33,821,000,000	32,470,000,000																			25,534,000,000	[1]	24,568,000,000	[1]	4,923,000,000	4,843,000,000	1,220,000,000	1,148,000,000	931,000,000	[2]	854,000,000	[2]	1,213,000,000	1,057,000,000
Accumulated depreciation	9,904,000,000	9,553,000,000																			6,903,000,000		6,744,000,000		1,668,000,000	1,565,000,000	473,000,000	467,000,000	383,000,000		330,000,000		477,000,000	447,000,000
Net	23,917,000,000	22,917,000,000																			18,631,000,000		17,824,000,000		3,255,000,000	3,278,000,000	747,000,000	681,000,000	548,000,000		524,000,000		736,000,000	610,000,000
Schedule Of Capital Leases [Line Items]
Cost	1,772,000,000	1,794,000,000							417,000,000	[3]	427,000,000	[3]	1,144,000,000	1,129,000,000	109,000,000	108,000,000	0	0	102,000,000	130,000,000
Accumulated depreciation	396,000,000	371,000,000							48,000,000		43,000,000		317,000,000	287,000,000	16,000,000	13,000,000	0	0	15,000,000	28,000,000
Net	1,376,000,000	1,423,000,000							369,000,000		384,000,000		827,000,000	842,000,000	93,000,000	95,000,000	0	0	87,000,000	102,000,000
Cost of land included in track and roadway properties	1,798,000,000	1,712,000,000
Software development costs	94,000,000	79,000,000
Cost of land included in track and roadway properties with right-of-way access recorded as capital lease	108,000,000	108,000,000
Approximate number of depreciable asset classes	40
Significant Disposals of property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Ic Rail Marine Terminal Disposal Agreement			10-year rail transportation agreement	10-year rail transportation agreement
Disposal date of property, plant and equipment			Aug. 01, 2011	Aug. 01, 2011	Mar. 01, 2011	Mar. 01, 2010	Nov. 01, 2009	Mar. 01, 2009
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment			73,000,000	70,000,000	299,000,000	168,000,000	71,000,000	160,000,000
Escrow reserve which was entirely released						24,000,000		50,000,000
Gain on disposals of properties				60,000,000	288,000,000	152,000,000	69,000,000	157,000,000
Gain, after tax, on disposition of property, plant and equipment				38,000,000	254,000,000	131,000,000	59,000,000	135,000,000

[1] Includes the cost of land of $1,798 million and $1,712 million as at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

[2] The Company capitalized $94 million in 2011 and $79 million in 2010 of internally developed software costs pursuant to ASC 350-40, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, Internal – Use Software.”

[3] Includes $108 million of right-of-way access in both years.

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Income taxes

14 –Income taxes

As at December 31, 2011, Deferred and receivable income taxes include a net deferred income tax asset of $46 million ($53 million as at December 31, 2010) and an income tax receivable of $76 million (nil as at December 31, 2010).

The Company's consolidated effective income tax rate differs from the Canadian, or domestic, statutory Federal tax rate. The effective tax rate is affected by recurring items such as tax rates in provincial, U.S. federal, state and other foreign jurisdictions and the proportion of income earned in those jurisdictions. The effective tax rate is also affected by discrete items such as income tax rate enactments and lower tax rates on capital dispositions that may occur in any given year. The reconciliation of income tax expense is as follows:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Federal tax rate				16.5%		18.0%		19.0%
Income tax expense at the statutory Federal tax rate			$	(554)	$	(518)	$	(430)
Income tax (expense) recovery resulting from:
	Provincial and foreign taxes			(360)		(308)		(213)
	Deferred income tax adjustments due to rate enactments			(40)		-		126
	Gain on disposals			62		32		42
	Other (1)			(7)		22		68
Income tax expense			$	(899)	$	(772)	$	(407)
Cash payments for income taxes			$	482	$	214	$	245
(1)	Comprises adjustments relating to the resolution of matters pertaining to prior years' income taxes, including net recognized tax benefits, and other items.

The following table provides tax information on a domestic and foreign basis:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Income before income taxes
	Domestic		$	2,464	$	2,052	$	1,738
	Foreign			892		824		523
			$	3,356	$	2,876	$	2,261
Current income tax expense
	Domestic		$	(340)	$	(306)	$	(244)
	Foreign			(28)		(48)		(25)
			$	(368)	$	(354)	$	(269)
Deferred income tax expense
	Domestic		$	(288)	$	(248)	$	(58)
	Foreign			(243)		(170)		(80)
			$	(531)	$	(418)	$	(138)

Significant components of deferred income tax assets andliabilities are as follows:

In millions		December 31,		2011		2010
Deferred income tax assets
Pension liability			$	226	$	-
Personal injury claims and other reserves				134		155
Other postretirement benefits liability				85		88
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards (1)				5		11
Total deferred income tax assets				450		254
Deferred income tax liabilities
Properties				5,618		5,129
Net pension asset				-		41
Other				119		183
Total deferred income tax liabilities				5,737		5,353
Total net deferred income tax liability			$	5,287	$	5,099
Total net deferred income tax liability
Domestic			$	2,046	$	2,162
Foreign				3,241		2,937
			$	5,287	$	5,099
Total net deferred income tax liability			$	5,287	$	5,099
Net current deferred income tax asset				46		53
Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability			$	5,333	$	5,152
(1)	Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards will expire between the years 2014 and 2031.

On an annual basis, the Company assesses the need to establish a valuation allowance for its deferred income tax assets, and if it is deemed more likely than not that its deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependant upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred income tax liabilities including the available carryback and carryforward periods, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. As at December 31, 2011, in order to fully realize all of the deferred income tax assets, the Company will need to generate future taxable income of approximately $1.6 billion and, based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred income tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. Management has assessed the impacts of the current economic environment and concluded there are no significant impacts to its assertions for the realization of deferred income tax assets. The Company has not recognized a deferred income tax asset ($280 million as at December 31, 2011) on the unrealizedforeign exchange loss recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss relating to its permanent investment in foreign subsidiaries, as the Company does not expect this temporary difference to reverse in the foreseeable future.

The Company recognized tax credits of $1million in each of 2011 and 2010, and $6 million in 2009 for eligible research and development expenditures, which reduced the cost of properties.

The following table provides a reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits on the Company's domestic and foreign tax positions:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year			$	57	$	83	$	79
Increases for:
	Tax positions related to the current year			1		4		11
	Tax positions related to prior years			11		5		4
Decreases for:
	Tax positions related to prior years			-		(31)		(2)
	Settlements			(21)		-		(2)
	Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations			(2)		(4)		(7)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year			$	46	$	57	$	83
Adjustments to reflect tax treaties and other arrangements				(11)		(27)		(46)
Net unrecognized tax benefits at end of year			$	35	$	30	$	37

As at December 31, 2011, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $46 million, before considering tax treaties and other arrangements between taxation authorities. If recognized, all of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2011 would affect the effective tax rate. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $16 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2011 related to various federal, state, and provincial income tax matters, each of which are individually insignificant, may be recognized over the next twelve months as a result of settlements and a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income tax expense in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income. The Company recognized approximately $4 million, $5 million and $4 million inaccrued interest and penalties during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company had approximately $13 million and $19 million of accrued interest and penalties as at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

In Canada, the Company's federal income tax returns filed for the years 2007 to 2010 and the provincial income tax returns filed for the years 2006 to 2010 remain subject to examination by the taxation authorities. In the second quarter of 2011,the taxation authorities commenced examinations of the Company's federal income tax returns for 2007 and 2008 which are expected to be completed during 2012. Current on-going examinations on specific tax positions taken for federal and provincial income tax returns filed for the 2006 year are also expected to be completed during 2012. In the U.S., both the federal and state income tax returns filed for the years 2007 to 2010 remain subject to examination by the taxation authorities. In the fourth quarter of 2011,the taxation authorities commenced examinations of the Company's Indiana state income tax returns for 2008 to 2010whichare expected to be completed during 2012. Current on-going examinations of the Company's Wisconsin state income tax returns for 2003 to 2006 are also expected to be completed during 2012.The Company does not anticipate any significant impacts to its results of operations or financial position as a result of the final resolutions of such matters.

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Accumulated other comprehensive loss

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

19 – Accumulated other comprehensive loss

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

In millions	December 31,		2011		2010
Foreign exchange loss		$	(769)	$	(796)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans			(2,076)		(920)
Derivative instruments (Note 18)			6		7
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(2,839)	$	(1,709)

The components of Other comprehensive lossand the related tax effects are as follows:

In millions			Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Balance at January 1				$	(1,709)	$	(948)	$	(155)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Foreign exchange gain (loss) (net of income tax (expense) recovery of
		$19, $(53) and $(131), for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)			27		(68)		(153)
	Pension and other postretirement benefit plans (net of income tax (expense) recovery of
		$401, $241 and $223, for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)			(1,156)		(692)		(640)
	Derivative instruments (net of income tax recovery of
		$1, nil and nil for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)			(1)		(1)		-
Other comprehensive loss					(1,130)		(761)		(793)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Balance at December 31				$	(2,839)	$	(1,709)	$	(948)

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Acquisition (Details)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

CAD

Dec. 31, 2010

CAD

Dec. 31, 2009

CAD

Dec. 31, 2009

Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ and E) [Member]

CAD

Jan. 31, 2009

Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ and E) [Member]

USD ($)

Jan. 31, 2009

Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ and E) [Member]

CAD

Acquisition [Line Items]

Accounting method used to account for this acquisition

The Company accounted for the acquisition using the acquisitionmethod of accounting pursuant to FASB ASC 805, “BusinessCombinations,” which the Company adopted on January 1, 2009.

Approximate costs incurred in 2009 to acquire EJ and E

49

49

2009 revenues of EJ And E included in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income

74

2009 net income of EJ and E included in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income

12

Length of short-line railway of EJ and E (in miles)

198

198

Consideration

Cash

0

0

373

300

373

Fair value of total consideration transferred

300

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]

Current assets

4

Properties

310

Current liabilities

(4)

Other noncurrent liabilities

(10)

Total identifiable net assets

$ 300

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Reconciliation of income tax expense

As at December 31, 2011, Deferred and receivable income taxes include a net deferred income tax asset of $46 million ($53 million as at December 31, 2010) and an income tax receivable of $76 million (nil as at December 31, 2010).

The Company's consolidated effective income tax rate differs from the Canadian, or domestic, statutory Federal tax rate. The effective tax rate is affected by recurring items such as tax rates in provincial, U.S. federal, state and other foreign jurisdictions and the proportion of income earned in those jurisdictions. The effective tax rate is also affected by discrete items such as income tax rate enactments and lower tax rates on capital dispositions that may occur in any given year. The reconciliation of income tax expense is as follows:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Federal tax rate				16.5%		18.0%		19.0%
Income tax expense at the statutory Federal tax rate			$	(554)	$	(518)	$	(430)
Income tax (expense) recovery resulting from:
	Provincial and foreign taxes			(360)		(308)		(213)
	Deferred income tax adjustments due to rate enactments			(40)		-		126
	Gain on disposals			62		32		42
	Other (1)			(7)		22		68
Income tax expense			$	(899)	$	(772)	$	(407)
Cash payments for income taxes			$	482	$	214	$	245
(1)	Comprises adjustments relating to the resolution of matters pertaining to prior years' income taxes, including net recognized tax benefits, and other items.

Tax information on a domestic and foreign basis

The following table provides tax information on a domestic and foreign basis:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Income before income taxes
	Domestic		$	2,464	$	2,052	$	1,738
	Foreign			892		824		523
			$	3,356	$	2,876	$	2,261
Current income tax expense
	Domestic		$	(340)	$	(306)	$	(244)
	Foreign			(28)		(48)		(25)
			$	(368)	$	(354)	$	(269)
Deferred income tax expense
	Domestic		$	(288)	$	(248)	$	(58)
	Foreign			(243)		(170)		(80)
			$	(531)	$	(418)	$	(138)

Significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities

Significant components of deferred income tax assets andliabilities are as follows:

In millions		December 31,		2011		2010
Deferred income tax assets
Pension liability			$	226	$	-
Personal injury claims and other reserves				134		155
Other postretirement benefits liability				85		88
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards (1)				5		11
Total deferred income tax assets				450		254
Deferred income tax liabilities
Properties				5,618		5,129
Net pension asset				-		41
Other				119		183
Total deferred income tax liabilities				5,737		5,353
Total net deferred income tax liability			$	5,287	$	5,099
Total net deferred income tax liability
Domestic			$	2,046	$	2,162
Foreign				3,241		2,937
			$	5,287	$	5,099
Total net deferred income tax liability			$	5,287	$	5,099
Net current deferred income tax asset				46		53
Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability			$	5,333	$	5,152
(1)	Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards will expire between the years 2014 and 2031.

Reconciliation for unrecognized tax benefits for domestic and foreign tax positions

The following table provides a reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits on the Company's domestic and foreign tax positions:

In millions		Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year			$	57	$	83	$	79
Increases for:
	Tax positions related to the current year			1		4		11
	Tax positions related to prior years			11		5		4
Decreases for:
	Tax positions related to prior years			-		(31)		(2)
	Settlements			(21)		-		(2)
	Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations			(2)		(4)		(7)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year			$	46	$	57	$	83
Adjustments to reflect tax treaties and other arrangements				(11)		(27)		(46)
Net unrecognized tax benefits at end of year			$	35	$	30	$	37

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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (CAD) In Millions		Total		Common shares	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Retained earnings
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2008		10,559		4,179	(155)	6,535
Shareholders', common share, beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2008		468.2		468.2
Net income		1,854				1,854
Stock options exercised and other (in shares) (Notes 10, 11)		2.8		2.8
Stock options exercised and other (Notes 10, 11)		87		87
Number of shares repurchased through buyback programs (in shares)	[1]	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 19)		(793)			(793)
Dividends		(474)				(474)
Shareholders' equity, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2009		11,233		4,266	(948)	7,915
Shareholders', common share, ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2009		471.0		471.0
Net income		2,104				2,104
Stock options exercised and other (in shares) (Notes 10, 11)		3.4		3.4
Stock options exercised and other (Notes 10, 11)		124		124
Number of shares repurchased through buyback programs (in shares)		(15.0)	[1]	(15.0)
Value of shares repurchased		(913)		(138)		(775)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 19)		(761)			(761)
Dividends		(503)				(503)
Shareholders' equity, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2010		11,284		4,252	(1,709)	8,741
Shareholders', common share, ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010		459.4		459.4
Net income		2,457				2,457
Stock options exercised and other (in shares) (Notes 10, 11)		2.6		2.6
Stock options exercised and other (Notes 10, 11)		74		74
Number of shares repurchased through buyback programs (in shares)		(19.9)	[1]	(19.9)
Value of shares repurchased		(1,420)		(185)		(1,235)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 19)		(1,130)			(1,130)
Dividends		(585)				(585)
Shareholders' equity, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011		10,680		4,141	(2,839)	9,378
Shareholders', common share, ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		442.1		442.1

[1] Includes common shares purchased in the first and fourth quarters of 2011 and in the second and third quarters of 2010 pursuant to private agreements between the Company and arm's-length third-party sellers.

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Acquisition

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Acquisitions

3 – Acquisition

2009

On January 31, 2009, the Company acquired the principal rail lines of the EJ&E, a short-line railway that operated over 198 miles of track in and around Chicago,for a total cash consideration of US$300 million (C$373million), paid with cash on hand. The Company accounted for the acquisition using the acquisitionmethod of accounting pursuant to FASB ASC 805, “BusinessCombinations,” which the Company adopted on January 1, 2009. As such, the consolidated financial statements of the Company include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of EJ&E as of January 31, 2009, the date of acquisition. The costs incurred to acquire the EJ&E of approximately $49 million were expensed and reported in Casualty and otherin the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2009 (see Note 2 – Accounting changes).

The following table summarizes the consideration paid for EJ&E and thefair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed that were recognized at the acquisition date:

In US millions	At January 31, 2009
Consideration
Cash		$	300
Fair value of total consideration transferred		$	300
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Current assets		$	4
Properties			310
Current liabilities			(4)
Other noncurrent liabilities			(10)
Total identifiable net assets		$	300

The 2009 revenues and net income of EJ&E included in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income from the acquisition date to December 31, 2009, were $74million and $12 million, respectively.

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Stock Plans - Employee Share Investment Plan (Details) (Employee Share Investment Plan [Member], CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 participants	Dec. 31, 2010 participants	Dec. 31, 2009 participants
Employee Share Investment Plan [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Employee Share Investment Plan Disclosures [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of gross salary employee can contribute toward purchase of Company common stock (in hundredths)	10.00%
Maximum percentage of additional contribution made by the Company of amount invested by employee (in hundredths)	35.00%
Maximum percentage of gross salary employer can contribute toward purchase of Company common stock (in hundredths)	6.00%
Number of employees participating in plan and holding shares at balance sheet date	16,218	14,997	14,152
Number of shares purchased for employees under employee share investment plan, including employer contributions	1.3	1.3	1.6
Expense for Company contribution during period under employee share investment plan	21	19	18

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Pensions and other postretirement benefits (Details 7) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Pensions [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts That Will Be Amortized From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) In Next Fiscal Year [Line Items]
Estimated prior service cost that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost (income) over the next fiscal year	4
Estimated net actuarial gain (loss) that will be amortized from AOCI over the next fiscal year	123
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income) [Abstract]
Service costs	124	99	83
Interest costs	788	837	885
Settlement loss	3	0	0
Expected return on plan assets	(1,005)	(1,009)	(1,007)
Amortization of prior service costs	2	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)	8	3	5
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(80)	(70)	(34)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts That Will Be Amortized From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) In Next Fiscal Year [Line Items]
Estimated prior service cost that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost (income) over the next fiscal year	2
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income) [Abstract]
Service costs	4	3	3
Interest costs	14	16	17
Curtailment gain	(1)	(1)	(3)
Amortization of prior service costs	2	2	5
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)	0	(2)	(3)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	19	18	19

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Comparative Figures

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Comparative figures

20 – Comparative figures

Certain figures previously reported in 2010 and2009 have been reclassified to conform with the basis ofpresentation adopted in 2011.

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Segmented Information (Details) (CAD) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Segmented Information [Abstract]
Approximate percentage of the Company's freight revenues from national accounts (in hundredths)	90.00%
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	9,028	[1]	8,297	[1]	7,367	[1]
Net income	2,457		2,104		1,854
Properties	23,917		22,917
Largest customer percentage of total revenues (in hundredths)	3.00%		3.00%		3.00%
Canada [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	6,169		5,630		4,971
Net income	1,836		1,498		1,436
Properties	13,824		13,312
U.S. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,859		2,667		2,396
Net income	621		606		418
Properties	10,093		9,605

[1] For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the largest customer represented approximately 3% of total revenues for each year.

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Stock Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Disclosures regarding the employee share investment plan

The following table provides the number of participants holding shares, the total number of ESIP shares purchased on behalf of employees, including the Company's contributions, as well as the resulting expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Number of participants holding shares		16,218		14,997		14,152
Total number of ESIP shares purchased on behalf of employees (millions)		1.3		1.3		1.6
Expense for Company contribution (millions)	$	21	$	19	$	18

Disclosures of share based compensation arrangements by share based payment award

The following table provides the total stock-based compensation expense for awards under all plans, as well as the related tax benefit recognized in income, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Cash settled awards
Restricted share unit plan		$	81	$	77	$	43
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP)			21		18		33
			102		95		76
Stock option awards			10		9		14
Total stock-based compensation expense		$	112	$	104	$	90
Tax benefit recognized in income		$	24	$	27	$	26

The following table provides the 2011 activity for all cash settled awards:
	RSUs		VIDP
In millions	Nonvested	Vested	Nonvested	Vested
Outstanding at December 31, 2010	1.3	0.7	-	1.5
Granted (Payout)	0.5	(0.7)	-	(0.1)
Vested during year	(0.9)	0.9	-	-
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	0.9	0.9	-	1.4

		Options outstanding			Nonvested options
				Weighted-			Weighted-
		Number of	average		Number of	average grant
		of options	exercise price		options	date fair value
		In millions			In millions
Outstanding at December 31, 2010 (1)		8.9	$	34.23	2.3	$	12.80
Granted		0.6	$	68.94	0.6	$	15.66
Exercised		(2.6)	$	26.94	N/A		N/A
Vested		N/A		N/A	(0.9)	$	12.83
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 (1)		6.9	$	40.80	2.0	$	13.71
Exercisable at December 31, 2011 (1)		4.9	$	35.58	N/A		N/A
(1)	Stock options with a US dollar exercise price have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.

The following table provides information related to stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
In millions	Year ended December 31,		2011		2010		2009
Total intrinsic value		$	122	$	125	$	93
Cash received upon exercise of options		$	68	$	87	$	53
Related excess tax benefit realized		$	9	$	28	$	20

Valuation and expense information for all cash settled awards

The following table provides valuation and expense information for all cash settled awards:
In millions, unless otherwise indicated		RSUs (1)																VIDP (2)	Total
Year of grant		2011		2010		2009		2008		2007		2006
Stock-based compensation expense (recovery)
	recognized over requisite service period
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	19	$	27	$	35	$	-		N/A		N/A	$	21	$	102
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	17	$	34	$	26	$	-		N/A	$	18	$	95
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	13	$	3	$	29	$	(2)	$	33	$	76
Liability outstanding
December 31, 2011		$	19	$	44	$	82		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	119	$	264
December 31, 2010			N/A	$	17	$	46	$	37		N/A		N/A	$	99	$	199
Fair value per unit
December 31, 2011 ($)		$	60.48	$	77.59	$	80.15		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	80.15		N/A
Fair value of awards vested during the year
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	-	$	-	$	82		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	1	$	83
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	-	$	-	$	37		N/A		N/A	$	1	$	38
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	-	$	-	$	38		N/A	$	3	$	41
Nonvested awards at December 31, 2011
Unrecognized compensation cost		$	20	$	14	$	-		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	1	$	35
Remaining recognition period (years)			2.0		1.0		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A (3)		N/A
Assumptions (4)
Stock price ($)		$	80.15	$	80.15	$	80.15		N/A		N/A		N/A	$	80.15		N/A
Expected stock price volatility (5)			18%		18%		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Expected term (years) (6)			2.0		1.0		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Risk-free interest rate (7)			0.95%		0.92%		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Dividend rate ($) (8)		$	1.30	$	1.30	$	N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
(1)	Compensation cost is based on the fair value of the awards at period-end using the lattice-based valuation model that uses the assumptions as presented herein.
(2)	Compensation cost is based on intrinsic value.
(3)	The remaining recognition period has not been quantified as it relates solely to the 25% Company grant and the dividends earned thereon, representing a minimal number of units.
(4)	Assumptions used to determine fair value are at December 31, 2011.
(5)	Based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award.
(6)	Represents the remaining period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding.
(7)	Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
(8)	Based on the annualized dividend rate.

Number of stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of exercise price and their related intrinsic value, and for options outstanding, the weighted-average years to expiration

10

The following table provides the number of stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2011 by range of exercise price and their related intrinsic value, and for options outstanding, the weighted-average years to expiration. The table also provides the aggregate intrinsic value for in-the-money stock options, which represents the value that would have been received by option holders had they exercised their options on December 31, 2011 at the Company's closing stock price of $80.15.

					Options outstanding							Options exercisable
Range of exercise prices					Number of options	Weighted-average years to expiration	Weighted-average exercise price			Aggregate intrinsic value		Number of options	Weighted-average exercise price			Aggregate intrinsic value
					In millions				In millions			In millions			In millions
$	11.63	-	$	20.51	1.5	1.1	$	20.42		$	92	1.5	$	20.42		$	92
$	20.52	-	$	30.19	0.6	1.0	$	26.67			29	0.6	$	26.67			29
$	30.20	-	$	40.22	0.9	5.9	$	35.18			40	0.5	$	35.46			24
$	40.23	-	$	50.69	2.0	5.6	$	46.11			69	1.6	$	46.28			54
$	50.70	-	$	78.24	1.9	7.5	$	58.74			40	0.7	$	52.50			18
Balance at December 31, 2011 (1)					6.9	4.8	$	40.80		$	270	4.9	$	35.58		$	217
(1)	Stock options with a US dollar exercise price have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. As at December 31, 2011, all stock options outstanding were in-the-money. The weighted-average years to expiration of exercisable stock options is 3.5 years.

Valuation and expense information for all stock option awards

The following table provides valuation and expense information for all stock option awards:
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
Year of grant			2011		2010		2009		2008		2007		2006		2005		Total
Stock-based compensation expense
recognized over requisite service period (1)
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	5	$	2	$	2	$	1	$	-		N/A		N/A	$	10
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	4	$	2	$	2	$	1	$	-		N/A	$	9
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	9	$	1	$	2	$	2	$	-	$	14
Fair value per unit
At grant date ($)		$	15.66	$	13.09	$	12.60	$	12.44	$	13.37	$	13.80	$	9.19		N/A
Fair value of awards vested during the year
Year ended December 31, 2011		$	-	$	2	$	4	$	3	$	3		N/A		N/A	$	12
Year ended December 31, 2010			N/A	$	-	$	4	$	3	$	3	$	3		N/A	$	13
Year ended December 31, 2009			N/A		N/A	$	-	$	3	$	3	$	3	$	3	$	12
Nonvested awards at December 31, 2011
Unrecognized compensation cost		$	5	$	3	$	2	$	-	$	-		N/A		N/A	$	10
Remaining recognition period (years)			3.0		2.0		1.0		-		-		N/A		N/A		N/A
Assumptions
Grant price ($)		$	68.94	$	54.76	$	42.14	$	48.51	$	52.79	$	51.51	$	36.33		N/A
Expected stock price volatility (2)			26%		28%		39%		27%		24%		25%		25%		N/A
Expected term (years) (3)			5.3		5.4		5.3		5.3		5.2		5.2		5.2		N/A
Risk-free interest rate (4)			2.53%		2.44%		1.97%		3.58%		4.12%		4.04%		3.50%		N/A
Dividend rate ($) (5)		$	1.30	$	1.08	$	1.01	$	0.92	$	0.84	$	0.65	$	0.50		N/A
(1)	Compensation cost is based on the grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions at the grant date.
(2)	Based on the average of the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award and the implied volatility from traded options on the Company's stock.
(3)	Represents the period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination, and groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately.
(4)	Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
(5)	Based on the annualized dividend rate.

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Other income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Other income

13 –Other income

In millions			Year ended December 31,	2011	2010	2009
Gain on disposals of properties		(1)		$ 348	157	226
Gain on disposal of land				30	20	12
Investment income				3	5	7
Other				20	30	22
Total other income				$ 401	$ 212	$ 267
(1)	2011 includes $60 million and $288 million for the disposal of substantially all of the assets of ICRMT and of a segment of the Company's Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East, respectively, 2010 includes $152 million for the sale of a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision and 2009 includes $69 million and $157 million for the sales of the Lower Newmarket and Weston subdivisions, respectively. See Note 5 - Properties.