Statement by Minister of Transport on Irving Oil’s guilty plea to violations of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act
Statements
October 26, 2017 Ottawa Transport Canada
As Minister of Transport, my thoughts continue to go out to the community of Lac-Mégantic and all those affected by this tragedy. Today, we close another chapter in this tragic event through a settlement that we have reached with Irving Oil.
Following the accident in Lac-Mégantic, Transport Canada undertook a regulatory investigation to determine whether a violation to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act had occurred. This investigation was done with the assistance of the RCMP.
Transport Canada charged Irving Oil, by way of summary conviction, with 34 counts of violation of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act. Through a settlement, Irving Oil has agreed to plead guilty to all counts. Under the court-ordered settlement, financial penalties assessed to Irving will include $400,320 in fines, as well as $3,599,680 to be invested in improving the safety of the transportation of dangerous goods in Canada.
Rail safety remains my top priority. Transport Canada continues to closely monitor the safety of rail operations and the system, as well as the safe transportation of dangerous goods by all modes of transport across Canada.
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Contacts
Marc Roy
Director of Communications and Director of Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
Marc.Roy@tc.gc.ca
613-991-0700