Railway Safety Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. 32 (4th Supp.))

Act current to 2013-05-20 and last amended on 2013-05-01. Previous Versions

Railway Safety Act

R.S.C., 1985, c. 32 (4th Supp.)

An Act to ensure the safe operation of railways and to amend certain other Acts in consequence thereof

[1988, c. 40, assented to 28th July, 1988]

SHORT TITLE

Marginal note:Short title

1. This Act may be cited as the Railway Safety Act.

APPLICATION OF ACT

Marginal note:Binding on Her Majesty

  • 2. (1) This Act is binding on Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province.

  • Marginal note:Application generally

    (2) This Act applies in respect of railways that are within the legislative authority of Parliament.

  • Marginal note:Exceptions

    (3) Despite subsection (2), this Act does not apply in respect of

    • (a) railways referred to in section 16 of the Harbour Commissions Act; or

    • (b) railways referred to in section 29 of the Canada Marine Act, except to the extent provided by regulations made under subsection 29(2) of that Act.

  • R.S., 1985, c. 32 (4th Supp.), s. 2;
  • 1996, c. 10, s. 261;
  • 2012, c. 7, s. 2.
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OBJECTIVES

Marginal note:Objectives

3. The objectives of this Act are to

  • (a) promote and provide for the safety and security of the public and personnel, and the protection of property and the environment, in railway operations;

  • (b) encourage the collaboration and participation of interested parties in improving railway safety and security;

  • (c) recognize the responsibility of companies to demonstrate, by using safety management systems and other means at their disposal, that they continuously manage risks related to safety matters; and

  • (d) facilitate a modern, flexible and efficient regulatory scheme that will ensure the continuing enhancement of railway safety and security.

  • R.S., 1985, c. 32 (4th Supp.), s. 3;
  • 1996, c. 10, s. 262;
  • 1999, c. 9, s. 1;
  • 2012, c. 7, s. 3.
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Marginal note:Minister’s responsibilities respecting railway safety

3.1 The Minister is responsible for the development and regulation of matters to which this Act applies, including safety and security, and for the supervision of all matters connected with railways and, in the discharge of those responsibilities, the Minister may, among other things,

  • (a) promote railway safety and security by means that the Minister considers appropriate;

  • (b) provide facilities and services for the collection, publication or dissemination of information;

  • (c) undertake, and cooperate with persons undertaking, projects, technical research, study or investigation;

  • (d) inspect, examine and report on activities related to railway matters; and

  • (e) undertake other activities that the Minister considers appropriate or that the Governor in Council may direct.

  • 2012, c. 7, s. 3.