HS002/13
For release - July 7, 2013
OTTAWA – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today released the following statement concerning the rail incident at Lac-Mégantic, Quebec.
"On behalf of Transport Canada, I would like to convey my thoughts and prayers to the residents of Lac Mégantic. The department is in contact with local officials and The Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway.
"The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is conducting a full investigation to determine the cause of the incident. A Minister's Observer has been appointed and will keep me informed of the investigation's progress. Should any deficiencies be identified, we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.
"Our government remains dedicated to keeping Canada's transportation system safe and secure.
"We have increased the number of inspectors and auditors and we have implemented the new Railway Safety Act which requires rail companies to create and maintain a culture of safety and will penalize rule breakers with tough new penalties.
"Safety is our top priority, day-in and day-out.
"Transport Canada will continue to work with the Transportation Safety Board to do all it can to maintain and enhance the safety of Canada's rail sector."
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Contacts:
Marie-Josée Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities, Minister of the Economic
Development Agency of Canada for the Regions
of Quebec, and Minister of Intergovernmental
Affairs, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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