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Last week, Transport Canada announced it will continue to provide funding to Operation Lifesaver Inc. The government will grant $1.25 million during the next five years to the organization, which conducts public education programs to promote safety at grade crossings and prevent trespassing.

Created in 1981, Operation Lifesaver works in conjunction with the Canada Safety Council, provincial and territorial safety agencies, railroads, unions, police, and public and community groups to reduce fatalities and accidents. The organization is jointly funded by Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada (RAC), which so far have provided Operation Lifesaver $8 million.

"[The funds] will help Operation Lifesaver and its stakeholders deliver new safety initiatives to reduce risk along freight and passenger railways in urban and rural communities across Canada,” said acting RAC President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Burrows in a prepared statement.

Last year, Canadian railroads recorded 237 crossing collisions resulting in 25 fatalities and 50 serious injuries, and 99 trespasser incidents resulting in 67 fatalities and 34 serious injuries. Under a “Direction 2006” public information and education campaign, Transport Canada aims to reduce crossing collisions and trespassing incidents 50 percent by next year.