November 19, 2014 – Ottawa – Transport Canada
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced new regulations to enhance railway safety oversight in Canada.
The new regulations under the Railway Safety Act stipulate that federally regulated companies will be required to hold a valid Railway Operating Certificate (ROC) to operate in Canada. The Railway Operating Certificate Regulations establish baseline safety requirements that must be met before a company begins operations, providing another tool to ensure railway companies operate safely in Canada.
The regulations apply to both new and existing railway companies. Existing companies will have a two-year grace period to obtain a Railway Operating Certificate, whereas new companies will be required to obtain a certificate prior to operating in Canada.
These new regulations empower Transport Canada to put an immediate stop to a company’s operations by suspending or revoking a company’s certificate if a serious violation is identified. These new regulations will come into force on January 1, 2015.
Ashley Kelahear
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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