OTTAWA—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 is aimed at increases awareness of safety around railway property and trains.
Minister Alghabra’s statement indicated that no one should lose their life on our railways and referred to the tragedy that happened in Lac-Mégantic in 2013, saying that this type of tragedy should never happen again.
Alghabra highlighted his priorities to continue to keep Canadians working along railway tracks safe and establish the needed measures to reduce the risk of serious accidents.
"Railway safety is one of my top priorities. Our government is committed to protecting all Canadians who live and work along railway tracks and is putting in place the necessary measures to reduce the risk of serious accidents. This week serves as a reminder to be aware of the hazards surrounding railway property and trains, and of the dangers related to trespassing on railway tracks,” stated Alghabra.
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.
In addition, Transport Canada’s media release reminded Canadians that rail safety is a shared responsibility and requires that all Canadians work together to avoid accidents. Transport Canada offered examples of how they are working to continue to make our railways safe, including:
- 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 also stated that it 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.
Their media release concluded by saying that, “This Rail Safety Week we want to thank all Canadian rail workers who work tirelessly to promote rail safety across North America.”