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Latest CN Rail fatalities highlight risks to rail tourists on privatized BC Rail right-of-way, warns labour
June 30, 2006
Provincial
Yesterday’s double fatality in a derailment near Lillooet underlines CN Rail’s continued failure to ensure safety on the privatized BC Rail line, says the B.C. Federation of Labour, and casts a cloud over the new Rocky Mountain Railtour service set to begin on the line this summer.
"Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon should stop the Rocky Mountain service until he has examined CN Rail’s safety procedures, and can satisfy rail workers and the public, that safety is paramount," said Federation Secretary-Treasurer Angela Schira.
"CN Rail was fined $75,000 for its role in the death of two workers in a bridge collapse near McBride in 2003," Schira said. "There were 11 main-track derailments in 2005, including the disastrous chemical spill on the Cheakamus that wiped out fish stocks.
"The corridor from Squamish to 100 Mile House is one of the steepest and most dangerous stretches on the entire line," Schira said. "Before we ramp up passenger traffic we must be sure safe practices are the rule."
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