Who is responsible for railway safety?
Transport Canada is responsible for the oversight of “federally regulated railways”. It inspects and audits all aspects of railway operations including the Railway Safety Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Canada Labour Code. The rail safety unit liaises and consults with the railway industry, other government departments and provinces and municipalities to promote railway safety. Shortline railways in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are under provincial jurisdiction and follow the similar rules and regulations that apply to federal railways. Transport Canada is also contracted by the provinces to provide monitoring and enforcement services on their behalf.
