"The shipment of dangerous goods by rail has dramatically increased over recent years," Duncan said. “Despite successive governments declaring that oil-by-rail poses significant risks, the rail sector remains massively under-regulated."
Duncan’s bill makes two significant changes to the regulation of rail. It requires a mandatory federal environmental assessment (with a public engagement component) of all rail activities that pose significant risk to the environment, human life or public health. Additionally, it creates a level of certification that will be required for rail companies who wish to transport specified volumes of dangerous cargo.