A safe, resilient rail transportation system is critical to strong supply chains and keeping those who live and work along rail lines safe. In 2021, extreme weather events like floods and fires impacted our rail industry. We must continue to adapt and prepare for these impacts. This is why the Government of Canada is taking action to increase the resilience of Canada's rail infrastructure while strengthening its supply chains and building an economy that works for everyone.
Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced up to $5.4 million for 20 projects across Canada under the Rail Climate Change Adaptation Program, an initiative of the Rail Safety Improvement Program.
The Rail Climate Change Adaptation Program supports research, development, and implementation of innovative technologies, tools, and approaches to better identify and reduce the increasing risks and impacts of climate change on Canada's rail sector.
The various recipients selected to receive funding will evaluate new designs and technologies, implement innovative technologies, and develop a better understanding of the risks and impacts of climate change on railways to address adaptation challenges such as:
- flooding;
- fires;
- permafrost degradation; and
- more extreme operational temperatures.
Canada maintains one of the safest rail transportation systems in the world through shared efforts by partners, including governments, railway companies and communities. This funding will help address the impacts of climate change on our rail sector while creating good jobs for middle-class Canadians.
