The Atlantic Region Railway Conference is an important forum for railway safety stakeholders. It started in 1996 as an informal meeting between regional railways and Transport Canada. The intention of this get-together was to enhance dialogue between all participants. While the level of participation continues to grow, the same goal remains today.

This annual event is sponsored by the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works, as well as regional railways.

Each year there is a full agenda with presentations from railways, Operation Lifesaver/ Direction 2006, the Railway Association of Canada, the Transportation Safety Board, Transport Canada and much more. A conference exhibit also gives an opportunity for suppliers to promote their products and services.

Railways that have been represented at the conference in recent years:

CN
VIA Rail Canada
New Brunswick East Coast Railway
New Brunswick Southern Railway
Cape Breton & Central Nova Scotia Railway
Windsor & Hantsport Railway
Sydney Coal Railway
Wabush Lake Railway
Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway
Tshiuetin Rail Transportation
RailAmerica
Société des Chemins de fer de Québec.