RAC supports government response to Lac-Mégantic report

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) supports new rail safety measures announced today by Transport Minister Lisa Raitt in response to the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) report into the tragic accident in Lac-Mégantic, Que.

RAC worked collaboratively with Transport Canada in addressing the TSB recommendations and its members will comply fully with all new rules.

“We commend the federal government’s swift action specifically related to the Lac-Mégantic accident,” said RAC President and CEO, Michael Bourque. “Our industry took the TSB’s report very seriously and worked jointly with the agency to address the concerns it raised. We will continue to support the government in developing new requirements to further enhance the safety of Canada’s rail network.”

RAC is also pleased that the government has reaffirmed its confidence in Safety Management Systems as an additional line of defence on top of safety regulation.

Since the accident, Canada’s railways have launched new initiatives to improve safety, transparency and emergency preparedness, while redoubling their existing safety efforts. Prior to today’s announcement, RAC developed train securement rules, and established a committee to identify training priorities and opportunities for non-Class I railways.

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Resources

Factsheet: Railway industry safety measures since Lac-Mégantic.

Infographic: Rail safety in Canada.

Contact:

Alex Paterson
Railway Association of Canada
613-564-8111
alexp@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 75 million people and $250 billion worth of goods in Canada each year. As the voice of Canada’s railway industry, 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 railcandev.wpengine.com. Follow us on Twitter:@RailCanada or Facebook: www.facebook.com/RailCanada.