You may also wish to visit the main FAQ site for other questions and responses organized by category.
Transport Canada is responsible for safety regulation in the rail
transportation industry. To this end, our stated mission is to further
advance the safety and security of an efficient, accessible and
sustainable rail transportation system through:
- establishment and implementation of policies, legislation and
standards
- monitoring and enforcement
- awareness and education
For many years, the safety of Canada's federal railways was regulated
under the Railway Act. In 1989, the Railway Safety Act came into force to address the
many changes that had taken place in the rail transportation industry in
recent years. It was designed to achieve the objectives of the national
transportation policy relating to the safety of railway operations. The Railway
Safety Act gave direct jurisdiction over safety matters to the
Minister of Transport, to be administered by Transport Canada.
The Railway Safety Act is divided into six major parts:
- Part I: Construction or Alteration of Railway Works
- Part II: Operation and Maintenance of Railway Works and Equipment
- Part III: Non-Railway Operations Affecting Rail Safety
- Part IV: Administration and Enforcement
- Part V: Miscellaneous Provisions
- Part VI: Consequential Amendments to Other Acts.
More information can be found at the following web site: http://www.tc.gc.ca/railway/overview.htm
Where can I find rail safety acts and regulations?
Acts and Regulations can be found at the following web sites:
What is Transport Canada doing to improve safety at railway crossings?
Transport Canada is committed to reducing the number of injuries and fatalities that occur every year at Canada’s railway crossings. The department works closely with railway companies to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements.
More information on Grade crossings can be found on the Grade Crossing Improvement Program or Direction 2006: Partners in Transportation Safety websites.
In all the regions, a rail safety group ensures that the railways under
federal jurisdiction comply with the Railway Safety Act and:
- that railway equipment complies with approved equipment and
maintenance standards;
- that the rules and regulations pertaining to the safe handling of
dangerous goods are complied with;
- that the railways operate their trains in accordance with approved
standards, rules and regulations; and
- that the railways construct and maintain their tracks, structures,
signage, crossings and infrastructure in accordance with approved
standards and regulations.
For more information on the regions, please visit the following links:
You can call the Rail Safety general enquiries number at 1-888-267-7704
or 613-998-2985. Our fax number is 613-990-7767. You can also email us
at railsafety@tc.gc.ca
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