April 16, 2019 Moncton, New Brunswick Transport Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to keeping Canadians safe by improving rail safety and increasing public awareness and confidence in Canada's rail transportation system.
Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced that the Government of Canada is providing $16.5 million under the Rail Safety Improvement Program to support 136 new projects and initiatives, including improvements to 104 grade crossings and rail infrastructure across the country.
These projects and initiatives will contribute to increasing safety at grade crossings and along rail lines, and prevent serious incidents through outreach, education and awareness.
The Rail Safety Improvement Program is an essential component of the Government of Canada's commitment to improving rail safety. Over the last four years, the Government of Canada has invested more than $71 million to promote rail safety.
Today's announcement includes funding for new projects that focus on infrastructure, technology and research, including safety improvements on rail property; the use of innovative technologies; research and studies; as well as the closures of grade crossings that present safety concerns.
"Rail safety is my top priority. We have taken many steps to strengthen rail safety and will continue working on ways to make our railway system safer for Canadians. Our renewed commitment to the Rail Safety Improvement Program demonstrates our dedication to modernizing the railway system so that Canada continues to have one of the safest rail systems in the world."
The Honourable Marc Garneau,
Minister of Transport
"We've always been focused on protecting the citizens of our community from the hazards of railway crossings and through the Rail Safety Improvement Program our government is working with railway companies and other governments to enhance safety at all crossings in our communities. As the Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, a region that owns such a rich and proud rail tradition, I'm very happy to be part of such important initiatives."
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor,
Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe
Quick facts
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Grade crossing and trespassing accidents still cause the most rail-related deaths and serious injuries in Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to reducing the number of these accidents by taking appropriate action as required.
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Transport Canada is taking action to implement recommendations from the 2018 Railway Safety Act Review report, including improving grade crossing safety and safer interactions of people and trains. Today's investment complements our efforts to bring together a broader range of partners to work with us to find ways to reduce largely preventable deaths and injuries at grade crossings due to trespassing.
