Rail Safety: Statement by Member of Parliament

OTTAWA, House of Commons - Mr. Brian Pallister (Portage—Lisgar, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that this week is Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Week. In the first three months of 2006, there were nine fatalities and nine serious injuries at crossings, down from 11 fatalities and 22 serious injuries last year. Incidents such as these remind us all of the need for greater awareness and safety around trains.

Operation Lifesaver is a national public safety program. It is co-sponsored by Transport Canada, the Railway Association of Canada and partners in police, communities and other organizations. Over the past 25 years this program has helped to reduce crossing collisions and trespasser incidents by some 60%.

I urge everyone to participate and visit the Operation Lifesaver website at www.operationlifesafer.ca for event details in their area. Preventing tragedy begins with learning about what can be done to stay safe.