Strengthening Rail Safety in Canada

With Canada's 73,047 kilometres of railway tracks across the country, it is no surprise rail safety is top of mind for Canadians. Recent derailments and rail accidents in communities across the country have highlighted a need to examine this situation with a view to improving rail safety in Canada.

This is largely why, last December, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities heard your call and announced a full review of the Railway Safety Act. While the review will examine the working and overall efficiency of existing rules and regulations, an Advisory Panel will also look to generate new ideas about rail safety in Canada.

"Our goal is to further promote a safety culture within the railway industry, while preserving and strengthening the essential role this industry plays in the Canadian economy," said the Honourable Doug Lewis, Chair of the Railway Safety Act Review Advisory Panel. "Ultimately, we hope this review contributes to a safer environment for passengers, for employees of railways, for people who live near the railways and for shippers who depend on them.

"The review of the Railway Safety Act will provide an opportunity to modernize the framework for railway safety so that Canadians can continue to be provided with a high level of rail safety. The Advisory Panel will be submitting a report to the Minister of Transport that includes recommendations and observations to improve railway safety.

As part of the review, public consultations will be held in communities across Canada, to consult a wide range of stakeholders, such as the public, railway companies and their industry associations, railway company employees and their unions, railway customers, municipalities, provinces and territories, aboriginal and environmental groups and other federal government departments and agencies.

"We want to conduct a review that brings all the players together," said Mr. Lewis "The input of Canadians is important to our work, and we hope interested organizations and people will share their views freely with us."

A strong and safe railway industry is vital to communities in all parts of Canada. The Railway Safety Act Review Advisory Panel looks forward to meeting with Canadians throughout the consultation process to discuss how to continue to provide a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly rail transportation system.

For more information on how to participate in the Railway Safety Act Review public consultation process, or call 613-998-6462.

Railway Safety Act Review
Calendar of Public Consultations

April 2007

Calgary, Alberta
Date: April 23, 2007
Location: The Westin Calgary – 320 4th Avenue SW, Calgary
Deadline for written submissions: April 9, 2007

Edmonton, Alberta
Date: April 26, 2007
Location: Crowne Plaza Château Lacombe – 10111 Bellamy Hill, Edmonton
Deadline for written submissions: April 12, 2007

May 2007

Vancouver, British Columbia
Date: May 14, 2007
Location: Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Downtown – 1128 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Deadline for written submissions: April 30, 2007

Kamloops, British Columbia
Date: May 16, 2007
Location: The Coast Canadian Inn – 339 St. Paul Street, Kamloops
Deadline for written submissions: May 2, 2007

Prince George, British Columbia
Date: May 18, 2007
Location: Coast Inn of the North – 770 Brunswick Street, Prince George
Deadline for written submissions: May 4, 2007

June 2007

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Date: June 4, 2007
Location: Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Saskatoon – 612 Spadina Crescent E., Saskatoon
Deadline for written submissions: May 18, 2007

Regina, Saskatchewan
Date: June 6, 2007
Location: Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre – 1818 Victoria Avenue, Regina
Deadline for written submissions: May 23, 2007

Winnipeg, Manitoba
Date: June 8, 2007
Location: The Fairmont, Winnipeg – Two Lombard Place, Winnipeg
Deadline for written submissions: May 25, 2007

Montreal, Quebec
Date: June 27, 2007
Location: Hôtel Delta Centre-Ville, 777 University Street, Montréal
Deadline for written submissions: June 13, 2007

Quebec City, Quebec
Date: June 29, 2007
Location: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – 1, rue des Carrières, Quebec City
Deadline for written submissions: June 15, 2007

July 2007

Moncton, New Brunswick
Date: July 17, 2007
Location: Delta Beauséjour – 750 Main Street, Moncton
Deadline for written submissions: July 3, 2007

Halifax, Nova Scotia
Date: July 19, 2007
Location: The Westin Nova Scotian – 1181 Hollis Street, Halifax
Deadline for written submissions: July 5, 2007

August 2007

Thunder Bay, Ontario
Date: August 8, 2007
Location: Valhalla Inn, 1 Valhalla Inn Road, Thunder Bay
Deadline for written submissions: July 25, 2007

Toronto, Ontario
Date: week of August 7-10, 2007
Location: to be confirmed
Deadline for written submissions: to be confirmed

Ottawa, Ontario
Date: August 21, 2007
Location: to be confirmed
Deadline for written submissions: August 7, 2007

Final deadline for all written submissions: to be confirmed.
Public consultations will begin at 9:30 a.m. and presentations will continue throughout the day.

Railway Safety Act Review Secretariat
General Inquiries:  613-998-6462
E-mail: RailwaySafetyActReview@tc.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.tc.gc.ca/tcss/RSA_Review-Examen_LSF/toc_e.htm