OTTAWA, November 9, 2011 - Railway Association of Canada President Cliff Mackay today congratulated the announcement by Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Transportation Denis Lebel to invest $13.7 Million dollars in new funding for the Grade Crossing Improvement Program (GCIP) this year.

"While Canada's rail safety record is the envy of the world, this is a clear signal that the Minister recognizes the value of working with industry to improve our record further still," said Mackay. "Canada's rail sector welcomes the Canadian Government's strong backing of grade crossing initiatives to enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians."

Public safety at railway crossings has been a key focus for Rail over the past thirty years. Rail companies have been working with governments on reducing fatalities and injuries, particularly at grade crossings or when trespassing occurs. Through the RAC, rail operating companies in Canada are engaged in Operation Lifesaver, a highly successful public information and education campaign run in partnership with Transport Canada to reduce the number of crossing and trespassing incidents. Initiatives, such as the educational efforts undertaken by Operation Lifesaver, have had a strong effect on improving safety.

"The number of crossing collisions in Canada has fallen dramatically from over 800 annually 30 years ago to approximately 200 in 2010," Mackay concluded. "Working with our partners in government, the rail sector will continue to focus on grade crossing upgrades to reduce the potential for fatality and injury incidents."

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