Minister Garneau orders precautionary safety measures following Canadian Pacific derailment near Field, British Columbia

February 8, 2019           Ottawa, Ontario             Transport Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, issued the following statement today:

“Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by the derailment near Field, British Columbia.

“Transport Canada is conducting an investigation for the purpose of determining compliance with both the Canada Labour Code and the Railway Safety Act related to the February 4, 2019 railway accident that resulted in the deaths of the three Canadian Pacific employees. 

“The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is the lead federal agency responsible for investigating rail accidents for cause and contributing factors. I have appointed a Minister’s Observer who is keeping me apprised of their investigation.

“As a precaution until such time that the exact cause of the accident is determined, my department has issued a Ministerial Order under the Railway Safety Act to all railway companies mandating the use of handbrakes should a train be stopped on a mountain grade after an emergency use of the air brakes. This order takes effect immediately and will remain in effect as long as necessary.

“As I have said many times before, rail safety is my top priority and I will never hesitate to take appropriate actions when necessary.”