Government of Canada invests $20.7 million to improve rail safety

News release

August 1st, 2018                      Ottawa, Ontario                       Transport Canada

With over 40,000 kilometres of track, the rail system connects Canadians by moving people and goods across the country every day. That’s why the Government of Canada supports projects that improve safety, the economy, and the movement of goods and people.

Today, Member of Parliament for Ottawa South, the Honourable David McGuinty, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced 105 new projects and initiatives that will keep Canadians safe, contribute to increasing safety at grade crossings and along rail lines, and increase public confidence in Canada’s rail transportation system. Collectively, the projects will receive more than $20 million under the Government of Canada’s Rail Safety Improvement Program.

The Rail Safety Improvement Program builds on three previous rail safety programs with an increased overall funding level, an expanded list of eligible recipients and a broadened scope of projects that can be funded to enhance rail safety.
Today’s announcement includes funding for:

  • One hundred and three projects that focus on infrastructure, technology and research, including safety improvements on rail property, the use of innovative technologies; research and studies; as well as the closures of grade crossings that present safety concerns; and
  • Two rail safety education and awareness initiatives that focus on reducing injuries and fatalities in communities across Canada.

The Rail Safety Improvement Program is an essential component of the Government of Canada’s commitment to improving rail safety.

Quotes

“The Rail Safety Improvement Program is an important part of Transport Canada’s comprehensive approach to improving the safety of rail transportation across Canada. In funding these projects, we are reinforcing our commitment to enhance rail safety in urban and rural areas.”

The Honourable David McGuinty
Member of Parliament for Ottawa South

“Rail safety is my top priority. A safe and secure national rail transportation system is important to local communities and to Canada’s economic well-being. We are working closely with railway companies and road authorities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements.”

The Honourable Marc Garneau,
Minister of Transport

Quick facts

  • Almost half of all railway-related deaths and injuries result from accidents at crossings. The Government of Canada is committed to reducing the number of these accidents by taking appropriate action as required.

  • This year, Transport Canada is funding two public education and awareness activities, 103 infrastructure projects, including 98 grade-crossing improvements across the country and five technology and research projects.

  • Rail Safety Week, taking place this year from September 23 to 29, 2018, is a national event aimed at increasing awareness of safety around railway operations and highlighting government and industry commitment to making the rail system safer for Canadians.

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Contacts

Delphine Denis
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Delphine.denis@tc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Media@tc.gc.ca

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