Transport Canada on Oct. 11 reported that it will provide more than C$45 million for railway safety projects across the country.
This includes C$44 million-plus for 231 projects through the Rail Safety Improvement Program, which the government agency said will improve “safety at grade crossings and along rail lines by supporting infrastructure upgrades and educating Canadians on the importance of safe behavior around trains and tracks.” Of that, more than C$41 million will go toward 226 Infrastructure, Technology and Research projects and more than C$2 million will go toward five Research and Education projects, including Operation Lifesaver, which received C$1.2 million to 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.
Transport Canada said it will also provide nearly C$1.2 million through the Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement, which helps Indigenous and local communities to develop rail safety awareness campaigns, data collection practices, educational resources, and engage with Transport Canada to improve safety practices.
“Canada’s railways play a crucial role in connecting our communities and driving our economy,” said Anita Anand, who last month added Canadian Minister of Transport to her role as President of the country’s Treasury Board. “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.”
Earlier this year, Transport Canada announced investments of more than C$13.5 million to support 112 projects in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas and other regions in Ontario, and of C$9.8 million to support more than 70 projects across Québec through the Rail Safety Improvement Program.
