Government of Canada invests in keeping Canadians safe near railway crossings

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada relies heavily on rail to move freight and passengers across the country. Strong rail safety measures help prevent accidents, protects communities along rail corridors and ensures the continued operation of critical networks. Investing in rail safety reduces risks while supporting the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

Today, the Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, announced over $4.5 million in funding for 12 new projects under the Rail Safety Improvement Program's (RSIP) Education and Awareness stream to enhance rail safety in Canada.

The selected projects will promote safer behaviour around trains, tracks, and grade crossings through innovative outreach and education initiatives. By addressing persistent risks related to trespassing and unsafe crossing practices, these projects will strengthen community safety, contribute to a more secure rail transportation system, and help prevent fatalities and injuries.

Funded projects will support rail safety education and awareness across Canada. Initiatives include youth ambassador programs that encourage peer-to-peer learning, rail safety workshops for newcomers to Canada, and efforts to make rail and transit signage more consistent and accessible. Together, these projects will help Canadians better understand rail safety risks and how to stay safe around railways.

Through the RSIP, the Government of Canada is investing in infrastructure enhancements, innovative technologies, research initiatives, climate resilience measures, and public education activities across the country.

Canada maintains one of the safest rail transportation systems in the world thanks to ongoing investment and collaboration between governments, rail operators, communities, and the public. While no transportation system in the world is entirely risk-free, we must continue working together to prevent rail-related incidents and protect Canadians who work and live near railways.

Quote

"Investing in rail safety is one way we are helping keep Canada's communities safe. By supporting these projects, we are advancing practical initiatives that raise awareness, encourage safe behaviour, and help reduce the risks of fatalities and injuries while keeping our supply chains moving."

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Quick facts

• Since the creation of the Rail Safety Improvement Program in 2016, it has supported more than 1,200 projects across Canada, for a total investment of more than $230 million.
• The Rail Safety Improvement Program provides financial support to provinces, territories, municipalities and local governments, road and transit authorities, Crown corporations, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, academia, Indigenous groups, communities and organizations, and individuals/private landowners, to help improve rail safety and reduce injuries and fatalities related to rail transportation.
• The Education and Awareness stream supports projects that raise public awareness and understanding, through education and outreach activities, of potential hazards at railway grade crossings and dangers associated with trespassing on railway property. The priority for this intake is trespassing prevention, targeting known trespassing locations, at-risk population groups, and common contributing factors. 
• The Infrastructure, Technology and Research stream supports projects that enhance public safety at rail crossings and along rail lines where safety risks are highest. These can include proposals to close crossings, infrastructure improvements, technology, and research projects.

Associated links

• Rail Safety Improvement Program
• 2026-2029 Education and Awareness Projects

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SOURCE Transport Canada - Ottawa

Contacts: Marie-Justine Torres, Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor, Office of the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Ottawa, 613-327-5918, [email protected]; Media relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [email protected]