Statement by Minister of Transport on New Brunswick Southern Railway’s guilty plea to violations of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, issued the following statement today:

“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 New Brunswick Southern Railway.

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 New Brunswick Southern Railway with 24 counts of violating the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, including 12 counts for failing to create proper shipping documents for the purpose of transporting petroleum crude oil; and, 12 counts for having unqualified personnel offering dangerous goods (crude oil) for transport.

New Brunswick Southern Railway pled guilty to two of the 24 charges. Through a settlement, New Brunswick Southern Railway agreed to pay $10,000.00 in fines and $40,000 to be invested in improving the safety of the transportation of dangerous goods in Canada.

New Brunswick Southern Railway previously put into place corrective measures at the onset of the investigation in 2014, and dangerous goods training has been provided to employees.

In addition, Transport Canada charged Irving Oil 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.”

Associated links

Public Prosecution Service of Canada news release on New Brunswick Southern Railway charges