Canada's Alghabra proposes bill to improve ports, railway safety

Canadian Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra introduced a new bill to strengthen the nation’s port system and railway safety.

The act would:

• amend current legislation and modernize the way Canada's marine and railway transportation systems operate;
• remove systemic barriers to create a more fluid, secure and resilient supply chain;
• expand Canada port authorities' mandate over traffic management;
• position Canada's ports as strategic hubs that support national supply chain performance and effectively manage investment decisions for sustainable growth;
• improve the government's insight into ports and their operations; and
• modernize provisions on rail safety and security and the transportation of dangerous goods.

Introduced in the House of Commons, the proposed Strengthening the Port System and Railway Safety Act would improve the flow of goods through the nation's supply chain, Transport Canada officials said in a press release. 

The proposed legislative amendments follow years of reviews and consultations considering the factors that affect supply-chain issues, Alghabra said.

"The work to date will greatly contribute to a long-term strategy that will benefit Canadians and our economy for years to come," he said.