Canadian Pacific simply a natural progression.

"I've always been a representative of the people. This fits right in with what I always do in life. I believe in people,'' he told The Royal Gazette in his first interview since taking up the post of director of training at Hamilton Princess this week.

As director of training, Mr. Horton reports directly to the general manager of the Hamilton Princess and is responsible for roughly 300 staff.

He said he found the company's commitment to its workforce especially appealing.

"The companies pledge to really invest in human resources and treat the employees as well as guests are treated,'' he explained.

And he said the corporate mission to "earn the loyalty of the guest by consistently exceeding their expectations'' was something he "would like to be a part of and like to develop''.

"I believe in our workforce. We have some of the most productive people around,'' he added.

But Mr. Horton dismissed any similarity between the paths chosen by himself and MP Dale Butler.

Last month, Mr. Butler became director of training, leadership, and communication for the Little Venice group of restaurants. His appointment came weeks after fellow MP Reginald Burrows publicly called on businesses to hire PLP backbenchers.

At the time, Mr. Burrows described MPs who had given up full time positions as "perfect for many major local businesses in consulting and training roles''.

However, Mr. Horton said they shared only a common background as educators.

"People have always been my thing,'' he said. "Education training has always been my thing.'' "I have had a lot of experience working in the tourism industry. And then of course, I have travelled a lot.'' Randoph Horton TOURISM TOU