The Government of Canada is significantly increasing its investment, and expanding eligibility criteria to reduce injuries and fatalities, and increase public safety around the railway system.
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, recently announced the new Rail Safety Improvement Program with over $55 million in funding. This new program increases overall funding, expands the list of eligible recipients and broadens the scope of projects that could be funded to enhance rail safety.
Funding will support safety improvements on rail property, along rail lines and at road-rail grade crossings such as flashing lights, bells and/or gates; the use of innovative technologies; outreach, promotional awareness, educational activities and public service announcements, research and studies; as well as the closures of grade crossings that present safety concerns.
The new program builds on three previous rail safety programs: the Grade Crossing Improvement Program (GCIP); the Grade Crossing Closure Program (GCCP); and Operation Lifesaver.
Minister Garneau also launched a call for proposals for 2017-18 under the infrastructure, technology, and research program and the public education and awareness program.
"Canadians rely on our rail system to be safe. As I've said many times, rail safety is my top priority, and I remain committed to reducing the number of accidents and incidents on Canada's rail lines and over 20,000 federally regulated crossings. There are new technologies to improve railway safety that have proven effective, and through this new program, we can invest in them and expand their use nationwide.''
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
