OTTAWA (Reuters) — Canada will propose fines of up to $250,000 on railway companies that violate safety requirements, the government announced in the latest reaction to last year's deadly oil-by-rail crash in Lac-Mégantic, Que.
"The proposed regulations introduce penalties as an additional enforcement tool to improve railway safety," Transport Minister Lisa Raitt said. "These monetary penalties will help crack down on rule-breakers and improve the safety of the Canadian railway system.
The administrative penalties, already in use in the marine and aviation sectors, provide a faster alternative to prosecution, Raitt said.
Maximum fines will be $50,000 for an individual and $250,000 for a corporation.
Rail safety came to the fore after last July's fiery oil-train crash which levelled the heart of Lac-Mégantic and killed 47 people.
"The proposed regulations introduce penalties as an additional enforcement tool to improve railway safety," Transport Minister Lisa Raitt said. "These monetary penalties will help crack down on rule-breakers and improve the safety of the Canadian railway system.
The administrative penalties, already in use in the marine and aviation sectors, provide a faster alternative to prosecution, Raitt said.
Maximum fines will be $50,000 for an individual and $250,000 for a corporation.
Rail safety came to the fore after last July's fiery oil-train crash which levelled the heart of Lac-Mégantic and killed 47 people.
