June 22, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario – Government of Canada
Today charges have been laid in connection with the tragic train derailment in Lac-Mégantic under the Railway Safety Act and the Fisheries Act.
Transport Canada’s investigation under the Railway Safety Act found that an insufficient number of handbrakes were applied to the train and that the handbrakes were not tested properly.
Transport Canada takes the safety of the Canadian railway system very seriously by establishing strict rules, regulations and standards, such as the new tougher, more robust tank cars used for transporting oil. Following the accident, the department introduced even stricter requirements for railways to physically secure trains and reduce their speed when carrying dangerous goods in highly urbanized areas.
Environment Canada’s investigation under the Fisheries Act relates to the prohibition of depositing or permitting the deposit of a deleterious substance into fish-bearing waters with the release of crude oil into the immediate environment of Lac Mégantic and the Chaudière River as a result of the accident.
The actions taken by the Government of Canada in response to this tragedy is a testament to its efforts to continually improve both environmental security and rail safety for all Canadians. From the beginning, the Government of Canada stood by Lac-Mégantic and it remains committed to doing everything possible to help rebuild and restore this vibrant community.
Transport Canada
Media Relations
613-993-0055
Environment Canada
Media Relations
819-934-8008
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