RAC Honours Leaders in Rail Safety
Ottawa, November 3, 2026 – The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) is proud to celebrate the recipients of its 2026 Safety Awards, recognizing railways and railroaders who are driving meaningful progress in the way Canada moves people and goods.
The RAC Safety Awards recognize the innovative programs, emerging technologies and proactive practices that are strengthening safety across Canada’s railway industry. Safety is, and always will be, the industry’s highest priority. These awards reflect a longstanding commitment to continuous improvement, building on decades of progress while recognizing that there is always more work to be done. They also highlight the importance of sharing knowledge and best practices across the industry to advance safety performance.
“Canada’s railways have made significant progress on safety over the years, but we know that our work is never finished,” said Eric Harvey, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada. “What makes these awards important is that they recognize the people who are finding new and better ways to do things. Whether through technology, innovation or improvements to everyday operations, this year’s recipients are helping move the entire industry forward.”
2026 RAC Safety Award Recipients:
QNS&L Railway: Responding with Confidence: A Model for Emergency Preparedness in Remote Areas
Operating across more than 400 kilometres of remote territory, QNS&L has developed a comprehensive emergency response program designed to ensure employees are prepared to act when immediate access to external emergency services may be limited. With more than 160 employees trained as First Responders, standardized emergency procedures, strategically located medical equipment and coordinated medical and evacuation support, this initiative has strengthened employee confidence and enhanced emergency response capabilities across the railway’s network.
Metrolinx: Grade Crossing Safety Education Campaign
By combining a data-driven risk assessment model with targeted public education and community outreach, Metrolinx is taking a proactive approach to identifying higher-risk crossings and preventing incidents. Through bilingual safety messaging, community engagement, school outreach and public awareness campaigns, the initiative encourages safer behaviour among drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the importance of combining technology, education and community partnerships to advance railway safety.
CPKC: Minimizing Train Accident Risks Through Integration of Low-Cost Switch Circuit Monitors in Dark Territory
CPKC has developed and deployed switch position monitors that provide greater visibility of switch positions, helping to reduce the risk of train accidents. By integrating this technology with existing broken rail detection systems, CPKC has created a practical solution that costs approximately 90% less than traditional Centralized Traffic Control systems. It’s an important step forward for railway safety, with the potential to be used across CPKC’s network and throughout the industry.
PNR RailWorks Inc.: Signals and Fibre Labs
The program helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world railway operations. Through specialized training facilities, employees can develop hands-on experience with railway signalling and fibre optic communications in a safe environment. They learn how to install, maintain and troubleshoot the systems that are essential to safe railway operations. It’s a practical approach to training that helps build a skilled workforce and improve safety across our industry. The program has also earned recognition beyond today’s awards, receiving the Best Rail Innovation Award at TRACCS.
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The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) represents close to 60 freight and passenger railway companies—railways that transport millions of passengers and approximately $400 billion worth of goods across our country each year. RAC also counts a growing number of industrial railways and railway supply companies in its associate membership. As part of the fifth largest rail network in the world, RAC members are the backbone of Canada’s transportation system.