We strongly feel that an independent risk analysis of all relevant factors could properly assess the safest way to manage all of these risks together and that the results of this analysis should be shared with the public.
We support our friends in Lac-Mégantic in their call for a public inquiry on the disaster, which will have its second anniversary this July. While the people of Lac-Mégantic wait for answers, how many more rail communities will have to go through this horrific and traumatizing experience before meaningful change occurs? Just this year Gogama has had two close calls within three weeks. What would a high-consequence derailment look like in a densely populated city like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal? Small or large, all rail communities are at risk.
We trust the government to protect us and what we find here is a broken business model in which industry profit not only puts Canadians at risk, but also leaves us paying the cost of industry calamity.
Safe Rail Communities has spent countless hours researching and writing and more hours knocking on doors and speaking to Canadians. We see and hear that Canadians are deeply concerned about this issue. We are calling for meaningful action and meaningful change to prevent further tragedy.
Thank you. Merci.