With approximately 49,422 route-kilometers of track, Canada has the fifth-largest rail network in the world. Railways played a key role in shaping our country. They continue to be important for our economy as a primary mode of freight transportation.
The Canadian rail system has both federal and provincial railways. Railways that cross provincial or international boundaries are governed federally. Railways that only operate within a province are governed provincially.
Transport Canada’s Rail Safety and Security Programs
Transport Canada develops and implements policies and regulations, and administers the Railway Safety Act. The department developed two rail security programs to enhance the security of rail transportation in Canada: The Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail Security Regulations were introduced in 2019 and The Passenger Rail Transportation Security Regulations were introduced in 2020.
The department conducts approximately 40,000 combined railway safety and security inspections every year.
We inspect companies and road authorities to ensure they comply with the Act, and with regulations, rules, and engineering standards made under the Act. Rail safety inspectors conduct inspections (including audits) to determine whether a railway’s operations, equipment, signals and infrastructure support safety. Rail Security inspectors conduct inspections to secure transportation by rail of passengers and dangerous goods. While the focus is on rail, the current mandate extends to certain urban transit systems and some international bridges and tunnels (IBTs) crossings into the United States (US), located exclusively in the Ontario region.
We also review and update the legislation on rail safety. The Act has been reviewed 4 times since coming into force in 1989. The most recent review was done in 2017 to 2018 by an independent panel.
Rail Security - Keeping Canada’s surface transportation secure
Transport Canada works with the transportation industry to help make sure that Canada’s surface transportation system is secure. We do this by overseeing passenger and freight rail, and international bridges and tunnels. We also provide outreach and education to enhance security in the surface sector.
Improvements to Rail Safety and Security and Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail
Since July 2013, Transport Canada has taken a number of concrete steps to strengthen rail safety and security and the safety of transporting dangerous goods.
The Railway Safety Act
The main legislation that gives Transport Canada responsibility for overseeing rail safety is the Railway Safety Act.
Fund for railway accidents involving designated goods
This Fund compensates people, businesses, and communities for costs beyond the insurance coverage held and paid out by railways in the event of a severe railway accident involving crude oil.
Grade crossings map
Safety Management Systems:
an additional layer of safety
The Railway Safety Management System Regulations, 2015, which came into effect on April 1, 2015, provide a framework for companies to integrate safety into their day-to-day railway operations. They build on 12 years of lessons learned in providing regulatory oversight of safety management systems in the rail industry.
Rail safety overview - Safety in action
Compliance and enforcement
Rail safety inspectors determine whether a railway’s operations, equipment, signals and infrastructure support safety. Rail safety inspectors carry out around 40,000 inspections across the country every year.
In July 2024, the Rail Security Program introduced administrative monetary penalties (AMPs). The designation of the majority of the Passenger Rail Transportation Security Regulations were introduced to ensure consistent and effective enforcement of the passenger rail security regulations and aim to deter trespassing and unlawful interference with railway operations. Rail security inspectors conduct over 800 oversight activities at railway sites, stations, yards, etc., across Canada each year.
Services and information
- Apply for CPFP funding – Rail Safety Component (canada.ca)
- Apply for funding: Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement (canada.ca)
- Apply for rail safety improvement funding (infrastructure, technology)
- Grade Crossings
- Operating a federal railway
- Operation Lifesaver
- Rail accident rates 2015 to 2019
- Rail safety actions and enforcement
- Railway lines
- Railway accidents and investigations
- Requirements for locomotives and railway cars
- Shipping grain by rail