Bill C-33, Strengthening the Port System and Railway Safety in Canada Act
Location: National/TRAN
Issue/Source: Bill C-33 tabled on November 17, 2022
Date: August 28, 2023
Suggested Responses
- Bill C-33 would optimize traffic management at Canada Port Authorities, including anchorages, would ease congestion by facilitating investment into inland ports and would promote the resilience of the marine transportation system.
- It would ensure structured relationships between ports and Indigenous and local communities to foster ongoing dialogue, inform decision making and provide clarity and predictability to attract critical port investment.
- Furthermore, Bill C-33 would improve customs activities by reducing delays and lowering costs, while enhancing the safety, security and efficiency of the railway system.
Background Information
- Bill C-33, An Act to amend the Customs Act, the Railway Safety Act, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, the Marine Transportation Security Act, the Canada Transportation Act and the Canada Marine Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act, was introduced in the House of Commons on November 17, 2022. Second Reading was initiated in March 2023. Debate is anticipated to resume in the fall, with the Bill being referred to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities for study.
- The bill stems from and would enable the Government of Canada to implement the Ports Modernization Review by enabling Canada’s ports to better respond to an increasingly complex economic, social, and environmental operating environment.
- Proposed changes to the Railway Safety Act stem directly from the 2018 Railway Safety Act Review and the recommendations that were put forward. This review was conducted over the course of a year by an independent panel, which held a series of roundtables and sought input from railway companies, municipalities, provinces, employees, and labour organizations.
- Transport Canada recognizes that a more robust process to consultation is needed going forward, and has already taken concrete actions to build more meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations, as part of its rail safety and security programs. Going forward, Transport Canada will develop an Engagement Plan in order to facilitate ongoing engagement throughout the implementation of the amendments.
- Changes proposed to the Railway Safety Act will allow Transport Canada to engage with Indigenous organizations with respect to rules that may intersect with their interests or where they are likely to be affected by the implementation of a rule.