Image description: Rail Transportation Network
The map of Canada shows the layout and extent of the Canadian rail system. This system currently has over 44,917 route-kilometres of track broken down into Canadian National track (48.8 per cent of the system, represented by blue lines), Canadian Pacific track (29.1 per cent, represented by red lines) and other railways track (22.2 per cent, represented by green lines).
Competitiveness and efficiency
In 2021, the freight rail sector saw many challenges due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. The freight rail sector was also severely impacted by major floods and wildfires in British Columbia that also affected rail-based supply chains.
Industry working together is critical to having an efficient transportation system. To that end, the Commodity Supply Chain Table brings together over 150 participants from the freight rail-based supply chain to identify and address transportation system issues. The table is an inclusive, national discussion forum that focuses on the resiliency, efficiency, and effectiveness of Canada’s freight rail system.
In response to pandemic, B.C. wildfires and floods, Transport Canada organized 2 virtual meetings of the Commodity Supply Chain Table in 2021.
During the year, Transport Canada continued work to develop amendments to the Transportation Information Regulations. These regulations will significantly improve the data reported by class 1 rail carriers, increase transparency, and ultimately, improve supply chain resiliency and overall fluidity within the freight rail network.
The High Frequency Rail Project in the Toronto-Québec City Corridor continues to be a high priority for the Government of Canada. This project, the largest passenger rail investment in decades, will create concrete benefits for Canadians, like quicker trips, cleaner transportation, more departures, and a more reliable system.
In 2021, Transport Canada along with project partners finished preparing for the procurement process. The process launched in March 2022 with the launch of the Request for Expressions of Interest. This is the first step towards choosing a private partner that will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the high frequency system.
This partner will co-develop the Project with VIA Rail and the new VIA Rail subsidiary that the Government will create. The Government of Canada is eager to work with the private sector, Indigenous peoples, municipalities, provinces, stakeholders, and Canadians to make progress on this project which will benefit Canada for generations.
Safety and security
Passenger Rail Transportation Security Regulations
To improve the security of Canada’s passenger rail, the Passenger Rail Transportation Security Regulations were registered on October 6, 2020. Over the course of 2021, most of the regulatory requirements came into force.
The Intermodal Surface Security Oversight team implemented the security program, which included developing and issuing industry guidance documents, inspection checklists, and standard operating procedures. Oversight of the regulations began in 2021, mostly through outreach and reviewing security plans.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail Security Regulations
Transport Canada wants to reduce the security risks of transporting dangerous goods by rail through regulations. In 2021, the Intermodal Surface Security Oversight team continued to oversee the Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail Security Regulations.
Implementing the security program continued throughout the year, and the team developed and issued program documentation like guidance documents and standard operating procedures.
Changes to the Contraventions Regulations, Schedule X
In 2021, the Government of Canada increased the fines for trespassing on rail company land and blocking the flow of trains. The goal of this change is to use fines to discourage people from interfering with rail lines and property. In turn, it will also enhance the safety and security of the rail system, rail employees, rail passengers, and the communities where rail lines exist.
As shown by the recent increase in trespassing and other interference on Canada’s rail infrastructure, the previous fines were not high enough to deter people from committing these acts.
Transport Canada increased these fines to $500 for violating Section 26.1 of the Railway Safety Act, and $750 for violating Section 26.2 of the Act. These changes also aligned fines for interfering with rail lines in line with similar fines for other modes of transportation.
Green transportation
Rail transportation makes Canada’s transportation network more efficient by reducing congestion and wear-and-tear on roads and highways. A 100-car freight train carrying 10,000 tonnes of goods can replace 300 trucks. Railways can also play an important role in supporting the Government’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Under a series of agreements with the Railway Association of Canada, Transport Canada has been working with the rail industry to address greenhouse gas emissions. Most recently, a renewed agreement was signed with the Railway Association of Canada to cover 2018-2022. This agreement means that emissions intensity levels will continue to be tracked through annual reporting.
The agreement also sets new greenhouse gas emissions intensity reduction targets for 2022, including a 6% reduction for Class 1 freight and intercity passenger, and a 3% drop for regional and shortlines. It also calls for developing a pathway document to align government and industry work to reduce emissions produced by the railway sector.