Canada’s railways welcome Railway Safety Act review report
The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) welcomes the collaborative and comprehensive Railway Safety Act (RSA) review report tabled today in Parliament by Transport Minister Marc Garneau. RAC looks forward to working with the federal government to implement positive safety changes and ensure that the Act – a pillar of Canada’s rail safety regime – benefits Canadians.
In its submission to the RSA review panel, RAC highlighted initiatives that Canada’s railways have undertaken to prevent accidents, and presented 13 recommendations to materially improve rail safety in Canada.
“Like the two previous reviews of the Act, this review states that rail transportation in Canada is safe,” said RAC Acting President Gérald Gauthier. “By acting on the rail industry’s recommendations, the government can enhance safety even further. We thank the review panel and its supporting secretariat for the opportunity to participate throughout the consultation phase.”
“At first glance, we’re pleased to see the review panel address many of the recommendations proposed by RAC – including setbacks for new construction near railway operations and funding for shortlines – and recognize that rail safety is a shared responsibility.”
In its submission to the RSA review panel, RAC highlighted initiatives that Canada’s railways have undertaken to prevent accidents, and presented 13 recommendations to materially improve rail safety in Canada.
In addition, RAC asked the government to ensure that safeguards are in place to maintain workplace safety following the legalization of marijuana. In its report, the review panel encourages the rail industry and Transport Canada to consider measures that would help advance safety in the face of the pending legalization of cannabis. RAC has created a factsheet summarizing the rail industry’s position on this safety issue.
-30-
Contact:
Communications
613-564-8101
communications@railcan.ca
About the Railway Association of Canada
The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) represents more than 50 freight and passenger railway companies that move more than 84 million passengers and $280 billion worth of goods in Canada each year. The RAC advocates on behalf of its members and associate members to ensure that the rail sector remains globally competitive, sustainable and, most importantly, safe. Learn more at www.railcan.ca. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
