Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, highlighted the launch of Rail Safety Week 2022, which runs until September 25. This national annual event increases awareness of safety around railway property and trains.
No one should lose their life on our railways and no tragedy like what happened in Lac-Mégantic in 2013 should happen again. Transport Canada continues to take steps to strengthen rail safety in Canada.
The Government of Canada is reminding Canadians about some tips to keep everyone safe around tracks:
- Always expect a train at a crossing; stop, look both ways and listen.
- Obey all warning signs and signals. Look for traffic signals that indicate a roadway/railway crossing.
- Respect private property. Trespassing on the railway's private property is unlawful and unsafe.
- If you are struggling, please reach out to seek assistance. Call 9-1-1- or 1 (888) 353-2273.
Rail safety is a shared responsibility and together we can work to avoid incidents. Over the last year, the department has continued to make our railways safer. Some examples include:
- Investing almost $24 million to support 147 new projects across Canada under the Rail Safety Improvement Program to increase safety at grade crossings and along rail lines;
- Introducing a new rail safety component under the Community Participation Funding Program to support local and Indigenous community-based rail safety engagement;
- Amending the Grade Crossings Regulations to focus efforts on reducing the risks of preventable accidents at grade crossings while being mindful of economic realities;
- Approving new rules to help prevent fires on railway property and in nearby communities, and launching the Rail Climate Change Adaptation Program to enhance the resiliency of Canada's rail infrastructure against the impacts of climate change, such as flooding or fire risks.
Transport Canada is working on a new call for proposals related to climate adaptation under the Rail Safety Improvement Program, which will be announced in the near future.
This Rail Safety Week we want to thank all Canadian rail workers who work tirelessly to promote rail safety across North America.
