Minister Raitt announces new regulations for identifying dangerous goods in transport

TORONTO, Ont.– The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced that regulations for identifying the dangerous goods transported on Canadian roads and rails are being harmonized across Canada and with the United States and United Nations rules.

The new regulations will aim to bring cross border consistency to the way dangerous goods are identified, eliminating the need for interpretation and providing emergency personnel with a clearer understanding of the risks posed by goods being transported, so they can take appropriate response measures, the Minister said. 

The amendments also clarify how the danger placard is to be used to identify shipments of certain classes of dangerous goods, such as pool chemicals, propane and acetone, contained in small packages. They also introduce new safety marks to identify organic peroxides, marine pollutants and other dangerous goods transported in limited quantities.

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on July 2, 2014, and will come into effect on July 14th, 2014.

Prior to her announcement, Minister Raitt met with representatives of the trucking industry. She addressed the issue of driver fatigue and the need for safe practices, highlighting Transport Canada’s collaboration with partners in government, academia and industry to develop the North American Fatigue Management Program. 

“Our government is committed to a transportation system that is safe, efficient and facilitates trade. The changes I’m announcing today will create a safer environment for the movement of goods that are necessary in a strong, developed economy,” said Minister Raitt.