Transport Canada proposes fines for rail safety act violators

On Friday, Transport Canada proposed monetary penalties to further enforce the Railway Safety Act.

The Railway Safety Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations would fine individuals up to $50,000 and railroads, up to $250,000 if an inspection reveals that a company is not following the safety act rules. Fines will be based on the severity of the safety issue and violation, and can "involve one or more of several compliance and enforcement tools," according to a press release.

The proposed penalties have been published in the Canada Gazette, Part I. Stakeholders and the public have 30 days to provide comments, which will be considered before the regulations are finalized and published in Canada Gazette, Part II.