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Background
Before the existence of the Canadian Transportation Agency, the National
Transportation Agency and before it, the Canadian Transport Commission regulated
railways under the " National Transportation Act" (and the Railway
Act.)" The Canadian Transport Commission was replaced by the National
Transportation Agency in 1988. In 1989, the new "Railway Safety Act"
placed the responsibility of railway safety under the jurisdiction of Transport
Canada. The National Transportation Agency has been renamed the "Canadian
Transportation Agency" (1996) and the new act is the "Canada
Transportation Act", which consolidates and revises the National
Transportation Act (1987) and the Railway Act. The Canadian Transportation
Agency is responsible for economic regulation of transportation.
Whom do I contact to find out information about
transporting dangerous materials by rail?
Transport Canada has strict regulations regarding the transportation of
dangerous goods by rail. Therefore, it is imperative that you contact the
Transport Dangerous Goods sector of your Transport Canada Regional office
beforehand in Vancouver at (604) 666-6740.
How do I find statistics dealing with rail accidents?
Transportation Safety Board keeps statistics dealing with rail accidents. For
information and copies of studies, contact:
Transportation Safety Board of Canada - Rail
Suite #4 - 3701 No. 5 Road
Richmond, B.C.
V6X 2T4
Tel. (604) 666-1998
Fax: (604) 666-7230
Web Site: http://www.tsb.gc.ca/en/stats/rail/index.asp?section=1
How to find copies of Acts and Regulations dealing with
railways and railway safety in Canada?
The major act that deals with railway safety in Canada is the Railway Safety
Act. Copies of the act may be found at the Transport Canada regional library, at
most public libraries, and at the Transport Canada World Wide Web site
(http://www.tc.gc.ca). Also, Transport Canada produces a brochure entitled
"An Overview of the Railway Safety Act" that may be obtained from the
Regional Transport Canada office. The phone number and address for the Vancouver
area are listed in the "Important Contacts".
What are Railway Safety Inspectors responsible for?
Railway Safety Inspectors monitor operations, equipment, tracks and crossings to
ensure the railways are as safe as possible. Transport Canada produces a
publication called "Railway Safety Officers" (TP 11359) which outlines
the roles and responsibilities of Railway Safety Inspectors more specifically.
You can look at a copy at the Transport Canada Regional library, the Pacific
Regional Communications office or the Railway Safety office. If you would like a
copy of the publication, contact the Railway Safety office in New Westminster at
(604) 666-0011.
What is a Notice of Railway Works?
When a municipality, road authority, or railway company plans to construct or
alter a railway crossing, they must advise the public by a "Notice of
Railway Works." This notice explains the proposal and must be given at
least sixty days before the work is begun. It ensures that people whose safety
may be affected are given the opportunity to register objections. In the Pacific
Region, a copy of the Notice of Railway Works must also be sent to the Transport
Canada Surface Regional Office.
What are some examples of when a Notice of Railway Works
is required?
Some examples include: widening roads, adding tracks, altering warning systems,
and adding new signal systems. For more information, contact Transport Canada's
Railway Safety office which is listed in the "Important Contacts" page
at the beginning of this booklet.
What are some other agencies which deal with railway
regulations?
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigates railway accidents
and incidents. The Board also makes suggestions for improving safety. The
Canadian Transportation Agency responds to items such as branch line
abandonment, tariffs and levels of service. The Agency also mediates disputes
and looks at plans for railway crossings from the point of view of public
convenience.
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