No. H180/06
For release December 14, 2006

CANADA’S NEW GOVERNMENT TAKES STEPS
TO IMPROVE CANADIAN RAIL SAFETY

OTTAWA — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced a full review of the Railway Safety Act.

“Canada’s New Government takes the safety of the Canadian rail system very seriously and is committed to ensuring that appropriate levels of safety are maintained,” said Minister Cannon. “A full review of the Railway Safety Act by an independent panel ensures that Canada will have modern, efficient rules and regulations for rail companies.”

Since 2002, there has been an increase in railway accidents and main-track train derailments in Canada. Most recently, in 2005 and 2006, derailments led to fatalities, serious injuries and significant environmental damage in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. Within the parameters of the existing Railway Safety Act, Transport Canada has taken significant safety enforcement actions across Canada to reduce the number of derailments.

The Railway Safety Act, which came into effect in January 1989, is designed to advance rail safety in Canada by giving the Minister of Transport responsibility for rail safety regulation; providing a modern regulatory framework, together with a streamlined regulation development and approval process; and providing railway companies with greater freedom to manage their operations safely and efficiently.

“A strong and safe rail industry is vital to our economy and environment,” added Minister Cannon. “It is time for Canada’s rail sector to work under rail safety legislation that is in step with development in the industry and with other transportation modes. This review will provide the opportunity to not only improve the Railway Safety Act, but also to generate new rail safety ideas in Canada.”

The Minister will announce the members of the independent panel in the new year. The panel will be expected to submit its report in the fall of 2007.

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