MP Blair Wilson is calling on federal Transportation Minister
Lawrence Canon to take immediate action following Wednesday’s release of the
Transportation Safety Board’s report on the 2005 CN train derailment in the
Cheakamus Canyon.
“The Cheakamus spill devastated the aquatic life in the
Cheakamus, a fishing site renowned with locals and tourists alike, causing major
harm to the environment, the economy and our quality of life,” Wilson said in a
release.
“The Government of Canada must take regulatory action to ensure
the Cheakamus spill will not happen again.”
The August, 2005 derailment resulted in 40,000 litres of
caustic soda being spilled into the Cheakamus River. The accident is estimated
to have killed more than 500,000 fish.
The TSB report found that improper training, faulty technology
and incorrect assembly of the train were major factors that led to the accident.
“Now that the TSB has released its report, the Minister of
Transport must take immediate action to safeguard our community, the
environment and the employees of CN Rail,” Wilson said.
Last year Transport Canada ordered CN Rail to make changes to the length and loading of trains traveling the former BC Rail line between North Vancouver and Whistler.
