NDP Transport Critic Linda Duncan (Edmonton – Strathcona) is calling for improved safety regulations regarding the transport of dangerous cargo. To that end, Duncan has announced her intention to introduce, in September, a bill to require strengthened measures to assess and regulate rail shipping of dangerous cargo.

“My bill is intended to address the absurdity that while transport of dangerous cargo by pipeline requires an environmental assessment and public notice and engagement, for the most part rail shipping is exempt from these requirements despite the widely accepted view that rail transport poses greater risks,” said Duncan.

Communities that have experienced rail disasters like Lac Mégantic and Lake Wabamum, have been demanding a greater voice in regulatory action to prevent future rail disasters. So far, the government has not introduced legislation to address these concerns.

“Given the recent monumental increase in the shipping of petroleum products by rail the federal government should be expediting action to address these regulatory gaps,” added Duncan. “My bill does just that and I hope that the government will support it.”