Government of Canada announces support to keep Canadians safe near railway crossings

From: Transport Canada

News release

October 11, 2024                 London, Ontario                   Transport Canada

Investing in railway safety is crucial for reducing risks, preventing accidents, keeping Canada’s rail corridors running, and connecting Canadians. The Government is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety and security, across the country.

Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, announced over $45 million for projects to improve railway safety across Canada.

This includes over $44 million for 231 rail safety projects under the Rail Safety Improvement Program. This funding improves safety at grade crossings and along rail lines by supporting infrastructure upgrades and educating Canadians on the importance of safe behaviour around trains and tracks.

Today’s announcement also includes nearly $1.2 million under the Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement. This program supports Indigenous and local communities develop rail safety awareness campaigns, data collection practices, educational resources, and engage with Transport Canada to improve safety practices.  

With both the Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement and the Rail Safety Improvement Program, the Government is helping to empower communities across the country, address ongoing safety concerns, and keep Canadians safe.

Quotes

“Canada’s railways play a crucial role in connecting our communities and driving our economy. That’s why we’re investing in enhanced safety measures around rail corridors and improving education to prevent tragic accidents. When we work together and stay vigilant, we can prevent rail incidents and keep Canadians safe.”

The Honourable Anita Anand
President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport

Quick facts

  • Operation Lifesaver is one of the recipients of the Rail Safety Improvement Program support announced today. With $1.2 million, they will be able to enhance their current tools and initiatives. This funding will support the development of new content, website optimization, expanded outreach to Indigenous communities, and collaboration with partners to advance research on suicide and mental health.

  • The Rail Safety Improvement Program provides financial support to provinces, territories, municipalities and local governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, road and transit authorities, crown corporations, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, academia, and individuals/private landowners. It aims to help improve rail safety and reduce injuries and fatalities related to rail transportation.

  • Since the inception of the Rail Safety Improvement Program in 2016, it has supported more than 1,000 projects across Canada, for a total investment of more than $230 million.

  • The call for proposals for the Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement was launched on December 15, 2022.

  • With contribution funding of up to $150,000 per project, the Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement aimed to support larger-scale activities and projects.

Associated links

Contacts

Laurent de Casanove
Press secretary
Office of the Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
laurent.decasanove@tc.gc.ca

Media relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca

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