Train derailment disrupts Canadian air travel

Canadian Pacific Railway beaver logo

CALGARY — Wednesday’s derailment of a Canadian Pacific train in Bassano, Alberta, had an unexpected transportation impact— disruption of flight operations in Western Canada, particularly by Canadian airline WestJet. The CBC reports that flights from Calgary International Airport on Thursday were disrupted when a portion of the air navigation system was knocked out by loss […]

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Canadian government announces funding for Saskatchewan rail projects

Transport Canada logo

REGINA, Saskatchewan — The Canadian government will provide $18.3 million for four rail infrastructure projects in Regina and southern Saskatchewan, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced Thursday. Projects and funding planned include: — C$13.5 million for a grade stabilization project on the Canadian Pacific interchange near Eston, Sask.; Last Mountain Railway, an 85-mile short line between Regina […]

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Two Canadian Pacific trains derail in Canada

Canadian Pacific Railway beaver logo

BASSANO, Alberta — About a dozen cars of a Canadian Pacific grain train derailed Wednesday afternoon in Bassano, about 85 miles southeast of Calgary, the CBC reports. It was one of two derailments involving CP grain trains on Wednesday. The other occurred in Kamloops, British Columbia. An eyewitness told the CBC about a dozen cars […]

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Canadian government, short line combine on improvements at Port of Windsor

Logo of Essex Terminal Railway

WINDSOR, Ontario — The Canadian government and Essex Terminal Railway will combine on a project to expand warehouse capacity and improve transloading at the Port of Windsor, officials announced Tuesday. The government will provide C$5 million in funding for the project, which Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said in a press release is “critical to maintaining […]

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Fourth extension for VIA strike deadline (updated)

VIA Rail Canada logo

MONTREAL — The deadline for a strike against VIA Rail Canada by the Unifor union has received a fourth extension beyond the original time. Unifor says in a Twitter post that the deadline is now 11:59 p.m. tonight (Monday, July 11) as talks continue, and says it will remain at the bargaining table “as long […]

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Deadline pushed back for strike against VIA Rail Canada

Train with new VIA Siemens equipment

MONTREAL — With negotiations progressing, the deadline for a strike against VIA Rail Canada by the 2,400 members of the Unifor union has been pushed back to 4 p.m. EDT today (Monday, July 11), VIA said this morning. The strike was originally set to begin at 12:01 a.m. EDT today. “We remain hopeful that a […]

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Union issues 72-hour strike notice to VIA Rail Canada

VIA Rail Canada logo

MONTREAL — VIA Rail Canada has received a 72-hour strike notice from the union representing 2,400 of its workers, creating the possibility the passenger operator will suspend all services as of 12:01 a.m. EDT on Monday, July 11. The Unifor union represents VIA on-board, station, maintenance, administrative, and customer-center employees. Unifor said this week that […]

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Alberta government turns down Calgary-Banff rail proposal

Rendering of three-car passenger train at station in mountains

CALGARY, Alberta — The Alberta government is not willing to support a proposed Calgary-Banff passenger rail operation in its current form, saying it presents too great a financial risk. The Globe and Mail reports that Alberta Transportation Minister Prasad Panda says the plan underestimates the capital costs and the annual financial contribution from the province, […]

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VIA Rail Canada workers vote to authorize strike

Logo of Canadian union Unifor

MONTREAL — VIA Rail Canada workers have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, according to the Unifor union. In voting by workers across Canada from June 20 to July 1, members of Unifor Council 4000 were 99.3% in favor of a strike, while Unifor Local 100 members voted 99.4% in favor. “The strike vote result […]

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Canada announces fire-prevention rules, launches research program to address rail climate change issues

Transport Canada logo

OTTAWA — The Government of Canada has announced two actions to address the impact of climate change on railroads — one regarding fire prevention, and the other to address efforts to make infrastructure resilient to issues such as flooding and landslides. The fire-prevention rules, effective during the April 1-Oct. 31 fire season, require railroads: — […]

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Alstom opens Montreal facility to develop sustainable products

Alstom logo

MONTREAL — Rail equipment manufacturer Alstom will open an innovation center to develop sustainable products at its headquarters for the America in St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec, the company has announced. Alstom committed to creation of the center as part of its acquisition of Bombardier Transportation in January 2021. Its primary mission will be to develop hybrid, battery, […]

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