Table of Contents
I am pleased to present the Departmental Performance Report on Transport Canada’s progress with respect to the goals set out in our 2013–14 Report on Plans and Priorities.
Transport Canada’s major focus during the past year has been, and remains, the safety of our transportation systems. Following the tragic events that took place in Lac-Mégantic, the department took steps to strengthen rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods across Canada. For example, we introduced stronger requirements for labeling shipments and ordered that rail tank cars that fail to meet our most recent safety standards be refitted or phased out from dangerous goods service. We also directed rail shippers to ensure an Emergency Response Assistance Plan is in place if they have even a single tank car of designated flammable liquids, so that first responders are equipped to deal with dangerous goods incidents. These measures will improve safety for the rail industry and for communities affected by rail transportation.
Our actions to ensure the safety and security of Canada’s transportation system are built on three cornerstones: prevention, preparedness to respond, and liability and compensation. For example: we want to take every measure we can to prevent oil spills from happening in the first place, ensure we are prepared to respond quickly if they do happen, and have rules in place to ensure polluters pay for such incidents.
These principles are at the heart of Canada’s World-Class Tanker Safety System, being developed to enhance vessel safety and protect the marine environment in light of the growing international demand for Canadian natural resources that we expect will result in increased vessel traffic in Canadian waters. As part of this initiative, Transport Canada has increased the number of hours flown under the National Aerial Surveillance program that detects marine pollution from vessels in our waters. My Department is also inspecting all foreign tankers on their first visit to Canada. In addition, we have put forward amendments to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to improve safety in our waters, enhance government oversight of industry and increase our enforcement powers.
As well as strengthening safety oversight, we continue to focus on ensuring our transportation system is effective, efficient and reliable. In July 2013, Transport Canada supported the successful passage of the Fair Rail Freight Service Act. This new legislation encourages railways and shippers to negotiate service agreements, making the rail system more efficient and Canada more competitive in global trade.
We have moved ahead on major infrastructure projects that support the Government of Canada’s focus on economic growth, such as the Detroit River International Crossing. This has been achieved while supporting the government’s wider goals of responsible resource development, which streamlines the review process for major resource projects, while strengthening environmental protection and enhancing consultations with Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples.
Transport Canada will continue to serve Canadians by promoting a safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation system and strengthen our country’s future.
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Transport