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: December 1, 2022
Suggested Responses
- The Government of Canada recognizes that action is needed to support efficient and resilient supply chains to ensure Canada’s ongoing prosperity.
- Bill C-33 would optimize traffic management at Canada Port Authorities, including anchorages, and would ease congestion by facilitating investment into inland ports.
- It would ensure structured relationships between ports and Indigenous and local communities to foster ongoing dialogue and inform decision making.
- It would also provide clarity and predictability to attract critical port investment.
- Furthermore, Bill C-33 would improve customs activities by reducing delays, lowering costs, while enhancing security.
- Bill C-33 would also strengthen the rail safety and support the efficiency of the railway system.
- Canadians need efficient and resilient supply chains, and I strongly encourage the members of this house to pass this important legislation.
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, with a date for second reading to be scheduled.
- 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.
- During the 2018 process, roundtable discussions focused on the broader suite of recommendations being examined by the panel, as opposed to specifically the legislative amendments.
- 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.