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Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen rail security.

The MOU replaces one signed by the parties in July 1997. The updated agreement focuses on freight-rail security and complements passenger-rail security measures being implemented through the Transit-Secure program.

Each RAC-member railroad will be required to prepare a security plan based on risk assessment. Plans will be submitted to Canada's minister of transport, infrastructure and communities, and be reviewed no less than once a year. The MOU also calls for railroads to maintain records, perform security exercises and drills, provide appropriate training for new employees and report incidents to Transport Canada as soon as possible.

"Security is part of the industry's work every day, at every level of our freight and passenger operations, throughout the whole network," said RAC President and Chief Executive Officer Cliff Mackay in a prepared statement.