No. H093/12
For release - September 7, 2012
EDMONTON — The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister for the Status of Women and Minister Responsible for Northern Alberta, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today launched a new partnership that will support jobs and long-term success in the Canadian rail sector.
"The economy remains the Harper government's top priority and Canada's railway network is an integral part of our economy – transporting people and goods safely and efficiently across the country and to and from global markets." said Minister Ambrose. "This innovative facility at the University of Alberta will conduct specialized research and educate qualified engineers to meet the future needs of the Canadian rail sector."
"Our strategic investment will support new job opportunities and make it easier for researchers, industry and governments to work together to improve rail safety and efficiency," said Minister Lebel. "By developing technology and training the next generation of students for careers in rail, this partnership will help the Canadian rail sector remain well-equipped and competitive."
This new partnership, the Canadian Rail Research Laboratory, is a joint initiative between the Government of Canada, Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures (AITF), the Association of American Railroads (AAR), Canadian Pacific (CP), CN and the University of Alberta. It will conduct research specifically related to ground hazards and winter service reliability – issues that directly impact the safety and efficiency of Canada's rail network.
In order to enhance rail safety in Canada, research on ground hazards will examine landslides, rock falls, land subsidence, erosion, as well as snow and ice conditions.
Research related to winter service reliability will include studies of optimal materials, fuels and cold weather engineering, avalanche monitoring and control, response to service disruptions, and weather monitoring and predictions.
The Canadian Rail Research Laboratory will receive a total of more than $5 million over the next five years; $1,056,000 from Transport Canada; $1,000,000 from AITF; $500,000 from the AAR; $500,000 from CP; $500,000 from CN; and $1,500,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
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Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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