Canada relies heavily on rail to move freight and passengers across the country. Strong rail safety measures help prevent accidents, protects communities along rail corridors and ensures the continued operation of critical networks. Investing in rail safety reduces risks while supporting the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.
Today, the Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, announced over $4.5 million in funding for 12 new projects under the Rail Safety Improvement Program's (RSIP) Education and Awareness stream to enhance rail safety in Canada.
The selected projects will promote safer behaviour around trains, tracks, and grade crossings through innovative outreach and education initiatives. By addressing persistent risks related to trespassing and unsafe crossing practices, these projects will strengthen community safety, contribute to a more secure rail transportation system, and help prevent fatalities and injuries.
Funded projects will support rail safety education and awareness across Canada. Initiatives include youth ambassador programs that encourage peer-to-peer learning, rail safety workshops for newcomers to Canada, and efforts to make rail and transit signage more consistent and accessible. Together, these projects will help Canadians better understand rail safety risks and how to stay safe around railways.
Through the RSIP, the Government of Canada is investing in infrastructure enhancements, innovative technologies, research initiatives, climate resilience measures, and public education activities across the country.
Canada maintains one of the safest rail transportation systems in the world thanks to ongoing investment and collaboration between governments, rail operators, communities, and the public. While no transportation system in the world is entirely risk-free, we must continue working together to prevent rail-related incidents and protect Canadians who work and live near railways.
