Public Consultations in BC - Review of the Railway Safety Act

Public consultations will be held in three communities in BC - starting with Vancouver on May 14, 2007 - as a part of an independent review of the Railway Safety Act. Consultations will also be held in Kamloops and Prince George.

Following a number of train derailments and rail accidents in recent years, Minister of Transport Lawrence Cannon initiated a full review of the Railway Safety Act (RSA) in December 2006. The review will involve examination of the existing rules and regulations, and an advisory panel will provide a report making recommendations and observations regarding rail safety to the Minister of Transport. Public consultations are being held with stakeholders through similar meetings held throughout the country.

In the consultation guidance document for the review of the Railway Safety Act, “Defining Engineering Requirements” is listed as a “Key Item to be Explored.” According to the RSA, The involvement of licensed professional engineers is required in the design, construction, evaluation and alteration of all engineering work relating to railway works. The RSA prescribes that all the engineering work relating to railway works shall be done in accordance with sound engineering principles, however, consultation guidance document notes that the phrase “sound engineering principles is not defined in the act.

The document also says that among the key questions the Railway Safety Act Review will be asking are:

  • Have issues arisen in determining what “sound engineering principles” are required?
  • Is there a need to define “sound engineering principles” in the RSA?
  • Is it possible to define “sound engineering principles”?
  • Are there other factors which should be taken into consideration when establishing engineering requirements?

APEGBC will be present at the Vancouver region public consultation as an observer.  More information about the Railway Safety Act Review is available at www.tc.gc.ca/tcss/RSA_Review-Examen_LSF/toc_e.htm.

Rail Safety Act Review Public Consultations to be Held in BC:

Vancouver
May 14, 2007
Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Downtown
1128 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

Kamloops
May 16, 2007
The Coast Canadian Inn
339 St. Paul Street, Kamloops, BC

Prince George
May 18, 2007
Coast Inn of the North
770 Brunswick Street, Prince George, BC