GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

INVESTS IN RAIL CROSSING IMPROVEMENTS

Brandon - May 13, 2009 - Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris today announced that the Government of Canada will work to improve safety at two railway crossing(s) in the constituency.

“Upgrades at rail crossings are an important part in ensuring the safety of both road and rail users,” said Tweed. “These improvements will make rail intersections safer for Manitobans.”

This announcement will provide $234,080.00 in funding for two railway crossings in the north-east area of the constituency. Upgrades of gates and lighting will be installed at the CN Rail crossings at Highway 5 north of Carberry and Provincial Road 270 east of Rivers.

“Our government takes rail safety very seriously and it remains a priority,” commented Tweed. “We are committed to further reducing injuries and fatalities at crossings across the country.”

Rail safety in Canada will additionally benefit from the Government of Canada’s 2009 Economic Action Plan, which is accelerating and expanding recent historic federal investment in infrastructure with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years. This includes $28 million over five years to enhance safety at public grade crossings across Canada.

Transport Canada also supports other initiatives to improve safety at railway crossings, such as Operation Lifesaver — a national public education program sponsored by the Railway Association of Canada and Transport Canada. Its goal is to reduce the needless loss of life, injuries and damages caused by highway/railway crossing collisions and train/pedestrian incidents.