Bill S-4

SUMMARY

The amendments amend the Railway Safety Act to, among other things,

(a) improve the oversight capacity of the Department of Transport by, for example, requiring companies to obtain a safety-based railway operating certificate indicating compliance with regulatory requirements;

(b) strengthen that Department’s enforcement powers by introducing administrative monetary penalties and increasing fines;

(c) enhance the role of safety management systems by including a provision for a railway executive who is accountable for safety and a non-punitive reporting system for employees of railway companies;

(d) clarify the authority and responsibilities of the Minister of Transport with respect to railway matters; and

(e) expand regulation-making powers, including in respect of environmental management, and clarify the process for rule making by railway companies.