Statement - Minister Raitt responds to Standing Committee report on railway safety - Strengthening Canada's transportation system

OTTAWA, Oct. 10, 2014  /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today issued this statement on the tabling in the House of Commons of the Government's response to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities interim report, Interim Report on Rail Safety Review.

"I am pleased that the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities has released its interim report on railway safety in Canada. The report raises important issues and observations that will contribute toward the Committee's final recommendations.

"In November 2013, I asked the Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the Canadian transportation of dangerous goods system and the role of safety management systems across all modes of transportation in Canada.

"The Committee hearings have provided an important opportunity for industry and stakeholders to provide their perspective and advice on what more should be done to strengthen Canada's transportation system.

"I thank the Standing Committee for its hard work on this interim report and its commitment to enhancing transportation safety for all Canadians. I would also like to thank the witnesses for taking the time to participate in this review and providing their invaluable knowledge and insight.

"Since the tragic accident in Lac-Mégantic, the Government of Canada has taken concrete measures to improve the safe transportation of dangerous goods by rail, and we remain committed to taking any and all measures to further improve the safety of our railway and transportation of dangerous goods systems. I look forward to receiving the final Standing Committee report and recommendations."

Related Links

• Interim Report on Rail Safety Review, Interim report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (June 2014)
• Measures to enhance railway safety and the safe transportation of dangerous goods

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SOURCE: Transport Canada

Jana Régimbal, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055