No. H180/06For release
December 14, 2006
CANADA'S NEW GOVERNMENT TAKES STEPS
TO IMPROVE CANADIAN RAIL SAFETY
OTTAWA − The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, today announced a full review of the Railway
Safety Act.
"Canada's New Government takes the safety of the Canadian rail system very
seriously and is committed to ensuring that appropriate levels of safety are
maintained," said Minister Cannon. "A full review of the Railway Safety Act by
an independent panel ensures that Canada will have modern, efficient rules and
regulations for rail companies."
Since 2002, there has been an increase in railway accidents and main-track
train derailments in Canada. Most recently, in 2005 and 2006, derailments led to
fatalities, serious injuries and significant environmental damage in British
Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. Within the parameters of the existing Railway
Safety Act, Transport Canada has taken significant safety enforcement actions
across Canada to reduce the number of derailments.
The Railway Safety Act, which came into effect in January 1989, is designed
to advance rail safety in Canada by giving the Minister of Transport
responsibility for rail safety regulation; providing a modern regulatory
framework, together with a streamlined regulation development and approval
process; and providing railway companies with greater freedom to manage their
operations safely and efficiently.
"A strong and safe rail industry is vital to our economy and environment,"
added Minister Cannon. "It is time for Canada's rail sector to work under rail
safety legislation that is in step with development in the industry and with
other transportation modes. This review will provide the opportunity to not only
improve the Railway Safety Act, but also to generate new rail safety ideas in
Canada."
The Minister will announce the members of the independent panel in the new
year. The panel will be expected to submit its report in the fall of 2007.
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Contacts:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Fiona MacLeod
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at
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