News Release

RAC applauds Federal funding announcement for the Rail Safety Improvement Program

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Guelph, Lloyd Longfield, and Member of Parliament for Milton, Adam Van Koeverden, announced more than $21 million in funding for new projects under the Rail Safety Improvement Program – Infrastructure, Technology and Research to enhance rail safety in Canada.

“This is a welcome announcement for railway operators across Canada as rail safety is their number one priority. Railways, unlike some other modes of transportation, bear the infrastructure costs of continually investing in the research, implementation and maintenance of all safety infrastructure projects,” explains Marc Brazeau, President & CEO of the Railway Association of Canada (RAC). “RAC’s mission is to work with governments and communities across the country to ensure that Canada’s rail sector remains globally competitive, sustainable, and most importantly, safe. Today’s funding announcement demonstrates that the federal government also recognizes the importance of ensuring a safe and sustainable railway network.”

Today’s investment contributes to 135 initiatives across Canada that will support a wide range of eligible grade crossing safety improvements, small infrastructure projects such as fencing, pedestrian crossings and overpasses, as well as implementation and research into new safety technologies.

According to Min. Alghabra, “Investing in rail safety is one of our commitments to keeping Canada’s communities safe. Since its inception, the Rail Safety Improvement Program has provided more than $85 million in funding to enhance rail safety. We will continue to invest in projects that keep Canadians safe, and that also contribute to the economic recovery during this challenging time.”

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About the Railway Association of Canada

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) represents close to 60 freight and passenger railway companies that over 100 million passengers and $320 billion worth of goods in Canada each year. 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.

Government Relations Contact:
Greg Kolz
gkolz@railcan.ca
Director, Government Relations
http://www.railcan.ca

Media Contact:
Stéphanie Montreuil
smontreuil@railcan.ca
Senior Director, Communications and Media Relations, Railway Association of Canada
http://www.railcan.ca

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