OTTAWA, Ontario — The Canadian government has launched new registration requirements for the transportation of dangerous goods, along with a new database for those who import, transport, or otherwise handle such goods. The regulations cover goods being moved by rail, road, or other means.
The new regulations, which went into effect on Friday, Nov. 3, require those handling such goods to provide information about the material, as well as where the dangerous goods are being imported, offered for transported, handled, or transported via the new Client Identification Database. The information must be updated annually. Companies have up to one year to register, after which penalties can be assessed
“In order to protect Canadians, it is necessary to know where dangerous goods are located and how they are being transported,” Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez said in a press release. “With the new Client Identification Database, Transport Canada will be able to do its work more efficiently to protect Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”
Regulations regarding registration are available here. The database can be accessed here.
What is the benefit of knowing trucks and railroads carry petroleum and other dangerous products in Canada. Surprise, surprise!
It simply means that when there is a toxic rail event, the govt. can simply say “yes, it was a registered material”. It doesn’t do anything to actually stop toxic rail events.
In fact one of the exceptions is:
(d) a person operating one or more oil wells.
WOW, The Government of Canada being Proactive.