Quebec accident highlights need to strengthen rail safety, Canadian transport minister says

Canadian Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt on Monday met with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) leaders as part of an ongoing dialogue about rail safety.

The meeting was one of many held with representatives of FCM — which represents 2,000 communities across Canada — to engage in a dialogue and exchange information on rail transportation in Canada, Raitt said in a press release.

"The unfortunate tragedy in Lac-Mégantic highlights the need to further strengthen cooperation and redouble our efforts to enhance safety to ensure such incidents never happen again," she said.

Although the cause of the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway accident that occurred July 6 in Lac-Mégantic remains unknown, Transport Canada continues to collaborate in ongoing investigations, said Raitt. Rail and hazardous materials transportation regulations ensure the safety and protection of the public, she said, adding that Transport Canada won't hesitate to take immediate enforcement action if anyone is found to have contravened any federal transportation regulation.

"The safety of Canadians is Transport Canada's top priority. My department and I recognize the responsibilities of all parties involved in maintaining safe railway transportation in Canada, including provinces, territories, municipalities and industry," said Raitt. "My department and I continue to work closely with municipalities, provincial governments and industry stakeholders to examine how we can improve railway transportation in Canada."