The Government of Canada continues to take measures to ensure Canada's rail transportation system is safe and secure. Over the past 10 years, Transport Canada has significantly strengthened its oversight program and continues to take steps to strengthen rail safety in Canada.
Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, highlighted the launch of the 20th annual Rail Safety Week. This national event is vital in raising public awareness of safety around railway property and trains. Together, we can work to avoid rail-related incidents and protect Canadians who work and live near railways.
The Government of Canada wants to share some tips to help keep everyone safe around railway tracks:
- Always expect a train at a railway crossing; stop, look both ways and listen.
- Obey all railway warning signs and signals. Look for traffic signals that indicate a railway crossing.
- Respect private railway property. Trespassing is unsafe and unlawful.
- If you need support, please reach out to seek assistance. Call 9-1-1 or 1 (888) 353-2273.
Over the last year, Transport Canada has continued to make Canada's railways safer. Some examples include:
- Approving new rules to help prevent fires on railway property and in nearby communities;
- Improving capacity for local and Indigenous communities, organizations, and other orders of governments to engage on rail safety through the Community Participation Funding Program - Rail Safety component and the Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement; and
- Advancing regulatory initiatives, including: proposing amendments to the Railway Safety Act, initiating the review of the Railway Safety Management System Regulations, 2015, and implementing Duty and Rest Period Rules for Railway Operating Employees.
This Rail Safety Week, we thank all Canadian rail workers who work tirelessly to promote rail safety across North America.
