NDP statement on the 11^th anniversary of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy

NDP critic for Transport Taylor Bachrach issued the following statement:

“Eleven years ago on this day, the Lac-Mégantic rail disaster shook our nation. Forty-seven people were killed. We honour their memory today.

On July 6, 2013, a runway train with 72 tank cars full of oil derailed and exploded in the centre of the small town of Lac-Mégantic, Québec. This tragedy is known as the worst rail disaster in Canadian history.

In the memory of the precious lives lost, New Democrats continue to push for stronger rail safety laws that hold rail corporations accountable.

Unfortunately, the current Liberal government, and the Conservatives before them, have failed to undertake necessary reforms to federal law and regulations to ensure stronger safety measures in Canada’s rail system.

It is the government’s ultimate responsibility to do everything in their power to prevent railway disasters from ever happening. We cannot allow rail corporations to self-regulate—there must be accountability. Canadians deserve nothing less.

We owe it to the families that lost their loved ones to do what is right. New Democrats will continue to fight for substantive reforms to Canada’s railway safety laws to protect Canadians.”