No. H 157/07
For release August 22, 2007

RAILWAY SAFETY ACT REVIEW CONSULTATIONS WRAP UP – MINISTER CANNON LOOKS FORWARD TO REPORT

OTTAWA — The Railway Safety Act review advisory panel concluded its public consultations yesterday. However, interested organizations and individuals have until August 31, 2007, to make a final written submission for the panel's consideration.

On December 14, 2006, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, announced a full review of the Railway Safety Act.

Since April 2007, an advisory panel, comprising the Honourable Doug Lewis (chair), Mr. Pierre-André Côté, Mr. Martin Lacombe and Mr. Gary Moser, has held public meetings across Canada, the last of which took place in Ottawa yesterday.

The panel will now begin preparing its report for the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities with recommendations to improve railway safety in Canada, including possible amendments to the Railway Safety Act. The report is to be submitted to the Minister in the fall of 2007.

"Canada's New Government takes the safety of the Canadian rail system very seriously. I would like to acknowledge the participation of all parties, including those who attended consultations across Canada and made written submissions. The panel's hard work and dedication are also appreciated," said Minister Cannon. "I look forward to receiving the panel's report and will continue to work towards strengthening the regulatory framework and improve safety."

Organizations and individuals interested in making a submission to the panel are encouraged to contact the Railway Safety Act Review Secretariat at 613-998-6462 or at RailwaySafetyActReview@tc.gc.ca.

For more information about the Railway Safety Act review, please visit www.tc.gc.ca/tcss/RSA_Review-Examen_LSF/.

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