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On Tuesday, Canada enacted an amendment to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act of 1992 that requires railroads and other modes to develop and maintain pre-approved Emergency Response Assistance Plans to prevent accidents involving hazardous materials.

The amendment also mandates security plans and training, and requires that “dangerous goods” be tracked during transport and reported if stolen or lost.

“Raising standards for the secure transport of dangerous goods is yet another great success in this government's commitment to making our communities safer," said Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan in a prepared statement. "We are … building a dangerous goods response program that improves our capacity to prevent accidents that can threaten the safety of the public."

Transport Canada will consult with the transportation industry, first responders, public, and provincial and territorial governments while the agency develops regulations to support its new authorities under the amendment.