OTTAWA -- Canadian Forces members looking to transition to civilian life could be working on the railroad next year.

CN Rail says it will make a special effort to hire veterans in 2013, hiring up to 2,000 ex-military members.

"Veterans' commitment to teamwork, their feelings of pride and passion and their sense of accountability are precisely the qualities we look for in prospective railroaders," CN executive and former U.S. soldier Keith Creel said in a statement. "A veteran's ability to work in all types of conditions with a sense of urgency and leadership are skills that successful railroaders need."

Former military members will also get help through the new Veterans Transition Advisory Council, announced by Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney in Edmonton.

The council will be led by the True Patriot Love Foundation and include representatives from major companies.

It will have its first meeting next month to start connecting veterans to potential employers.