Minister Garneau orders handbrake safety measures after fatal CP derailment
Posted Feb 8, 2019 4:30 pm.
Last Updated Feb 8, 2019 7:01 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA (660 NEWS) — The Federal Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau has ordered that all railway companies must use handbrakes when trains are stopped on a mountain grade after an emergency use of their air brakes.
The ministerial order takes effect immediately and comes after the fatal Canadian Pacific derailment in Field, B.C. on Monday.
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The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation into the incident, Garneau said in his statement that he has appointed a Minister’s Observer who is keeping tabs on the investigation.
Transport Canada is conducting its own investigation for the purpose of compliance with the Canada Labour Code and the Railway Safety Act.
The order will remain in effect for as long as necessary.
Teamsters, which represents thousand of rail workers, is applauding the move, saying its a demonstration of Transport Canada’s commitment to rail safety.
