OTTAWA — Canada’s Transport Minister, Omar Alghabra, on Thursday announced a new program to fund efforts to involve Indigenous and local communities in rail safety initiatives.
The Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement will receive up to C$1.6 million in funding, and is now accepting proposals for the program through Feb. 16, 2023. It seeks to funding for communities, organizations, and other entities to develop processes to engage the target communities and support Indigenous and local participation in improving Canada’s rail safety problem by providing opportunities for involvement in processes, research, or studies.
“Our Government recognizes the importance of working with Indigenous and local communities to improve Canada’s rail transportation system,” Alghabra said in a press release. “Traditional Indigenous knowledge will help inform our future actions and initiatives so that Canada’s railway network continues to operate as safely and securely as possible.”
Applicants can receive funding up to C$150,000 per recipient. More information about the program is available here.