New regs require rail companies to identify, report safety risks

OTTAWA, Ont.–The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, announced regulations today that aim to help prevent accidents and improve railway safety. The new Grade Crossings Regulations establish new safety standards for federally-regulated grade crossings. Amendments to the Transportation Information Regulations will help identify and address safety risks proactively, the government said in a release.

A grade crossing, also known as a road or level crossing, is where a railway line crosses a road at the same level. Railway companies and road authorities (provinces, municipalities, band councils, and private crossing owners) are all responsible for managing railway crossing safety in Canada. After extensive consultation with stakeholders across the country, the Government of Canada is introducing new Grade Crossings Regulations.

Under the authority of the Railway Safety Act, these Regulations improve safety by helping to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents, preventing derailments and injuries and saving lives. In particular, the Regulations improve safety by:

• Providing consistent grade crossing safety standards acrossCanada;
• Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of railway companies and road authorities; and
• Improving safety features and promoting collaboration betweenall parties.

These Regulations are results-based, meaning they contain options for bringing a consistent level of safety to each railway crossing in Canada. They will take full effect over the next seven years.

The Government of Canada is also introducing amendments to the Transportation Information Regulations. Under the changes, rail carriers will be required to report leading indicator data to Transport Canada. Leading indicators are measurable factors that can be used to proactively identify and address safety risks. This new requirement will support better planning and performance measurement, more focused audits and inspections, and targeted programs that address specific safety issues.