RAC Comments on Latest Ministerial Orders

OTTAWA – MARCH 12, 2021  – The RAC is reviewing two Ministerial Orders issued on March 10th respecting uncontrolled movement. While uncontrolled movements rarely occur, RAC and its members have been proactively working for over a year to propose regulatory changes for Rollaway Protection Systems on locomotives. In support of these proposed changes, the RAC and its members conducted detailed analysis and simulations, performed risk assessments, developed a safety case and submitted a proposal to Transport Canada. Additionally, in response to a railway occurrence in February 2021, the RAC and its members proactively evaluated the cause and proposed changes in the Canadian Rail Operating Rules designed to prevent similar events. These proposed changes were provided to Transport Canada for their consideration earlier this month.

The two Ministerial Orders are still under review. “There is nothing more important to Canada’s rail industry than safety” says Marc Brazeau, President and CEO of the RAC. “The RAC and its members remain committed to working collaboratively with Transport Canada to advance this priority.”

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About the Railway Association of Canada

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) represents close to 60 freight and passenger railway companies that over 100 million passengers and $320 billion worth of goods in Canada each year. RAC advocates on behalf of its members and associate members to ensure that the rail sector remains globally competitive, sustainable and, most importantly, safe. Learn more at railcandev.wpengine.com.

Media Contact:
Stéphanie Montreuil
613.564.8101
Senior Director, Communications and Media Relations, Railway Association of Canada
http://railcandev.wpengine.com