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Rail Safety Week has been launched across Canada.

The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the risks of unsafe behaviour around railway tracks and property.

The initiative kicked off on Monday and is running through Friday.

“Rail safety isn’t just about big moments; it’s about the small safe choices we make every day,” explained Canadian National Railway Company (CN) Chief of Police, Shawn Will. “Each time you respect the signs and signals around tracks and railway property, you’re helping to keep your community stronger and safer.”

“Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and together we all play a role in protecting lives.”

According to CN, there are over 2,000 crossing accidents and 1,000 trespassing incidents per year in North America.

In Canada in 2024, there were 68 deaths and 58 people were left with serious injuries following incidents involving a train.

Canada’s outgoing Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, Chrystia Freeland, issued a statement to recognize the safety initiative.

“Canada’s railways have helped to connect communities and families for generations,” said Freeland. “Railways are part of our history, and part of our present-day lives.”

“Every year, Operation Lifesaver Canada leads important awareness efforts around Rail Safety Week, to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries that continue to happen far too often along Canada’s rail system.

“Canada has one of the safest rail networks in the world, but it’s important to be vigilant around trains and tracks. Canadians can help advance rail safety in their own communities by paying careful attention at crossings or near railway tracks.”