WHEREAS CN has become involved in many conflicts with local communities and individuals; AND WHEREAS there have been many derailments along the CN line in the past few years: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM lobby the Government to demand that CN and CP Rail enter into frank and open dialogue with communities regarding such issues as safety, car supply, fencing along private property and railway crossings and invasive plant control.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION While regulating railways in Canada remains the responsibility of the federal government, its British Columbians whose jobs, homes and environment are at stake whenever theres a derailment or other conflict with Canadian National Railway. Thats why the Minister of Transportation has been very clear and forceful in telling both the former and current federal Transport ministers that something has to be done to make this railway company a better neighbour and corporate citizen. Public confidence in railway safety and reliability must be restored. There is a mechanism in place for communities and individuals that find themselves in conflict with railway companies. The Canadian Transportation Agency deals with such conflicts on a case-by-case basis, hearing arguments from both sides and rendering decisions. There is no charge for this service. Please visit the agencys web site at www.cta-otc.gc.ca or call 1-888-222 2592 for more information. Transport Canada deals with fencing and rail safety issues at 604 666 0011. You can also write to them at 625 Agnes Street, Suite 225, New Westminster, British Columbia, V3M 5Y4.
CN CN is participating in frank, open and widespread dialogue with the communities along its network. While there sometimes is not complete agreement between CN and affected parties, we are making every effort to ensure communities are aware of our policies and protocols, and the reasons behind these decisions. In 2007, CN established a comprehensive Community Networking program in British Columbia and elsewhere across Canada. Our Senior Executive have met and spoken to communities and their leaders across BC. In addition, our main community contact in your province, CN Regional Manager of Public Government Affairs, Kelli Svendsen, has met or spoken with nearly 100 community leaders on the subjects of safety, crossings, car supply, fencing, noxious weeds and community sponsorships. CN has also responded to community concerns about a perceived lack of CN assistance to municipal emergency responders. CNs System Director, Dangerous Goods, Danny Simpson has personally met with Fire Chiefs and other First Responders across BC, outlining CNs Dangerous Goods emergency response procedures, ensuring they have current information on CNs 247 emergency response contacts. He has also established the Responder Education Assistance and Certification training program REACT, in an attempt to help first responders in BC and elsewhere upgrade their technical training. Approximately 120 municipal responders from 36 northwestern BC communities participated in CNs initial REACT pilot program. We understand there are localized concerns with the 1996 Railway Safety Act fencing provision where federal railways are not responsible for fencing private or crown land. However, CN believes our protocol of offering fencing material to ranchers who own their land is both fair and equitable. This policy was communicated clearly with the assistance of the BC Cattlemans Association through their October 2006 newsletter.