This release was issued under a previous government.
“We welcome the federal government’s commitment to specific actions to increase safety in the movement of dangerous goods by rail across Canada. Today’s announcement provides Albertans and all Canadians with assurance that dangerous goods are being moved safely through their communities.
“We will work with the federal government and industry to determine the best way to address these recommendations about rail car standards and speed, route planning and emergency response plans as they relate to short-haul lines under provincial jurisdiction.
“Alberta has already taken quick action and implemented previous Transportation Safety Board recommendations from the Lac Mégantic investigation for railways under provincial jurisdiction. Those recommendations addressed uncontrolled movements by unattended locomotives and tanker cars carrying dangerous goods.
“Alberta Transportation officials conduct compliance reviews of industrial railway facilities and inspect railway tracks, locomotives and automated railway crossings. They also provide training and information sessions for industry, municipalities and other key stakeholders.”
Most railways in Alberta operate under federal jurisdiction. Alberta Transportation regulates industrial spur lines used to load and unload railcars off of mainlines, rail lines operated by historical parks, and two short-haul public railways operated solely within Alberta to transport goods or passengers.