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: March 2024
Suggested Responses
- Bill C-33 would optimize traffic management at Canada Port Authorities, including anchorages. It would enable the development of inland terminals which would enhance gateway throughput and alleviate congestion as well as 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 of the bill was completed in Fall 2023.
- The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities completed its clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-33 on January 30, 2024, and submitted its report to the House of Commons on February 7, 2024, for the Report Stage.
- The Bill stems from the Port Modernization Review and would enable the Government of Canada to implement the Review by positioning 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 of consultation with Indigenous communities and organizations is needed, and has already taken concrete actions to build more meaningful relationships with these entities, as part of its rail safety and security programs. Going forward, Transport Canada will develop an Engagement Plan with relevant parties and Indigenous organizations to facilitate ongoing engagement throughout the implementation of the amendments.
- Changes proposed to the Railway Safety Act will allow Transport Canada to engage with any relevant party/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 even when the three elements that trigger a Crown duty to consult are not present.