Railway Association of Canada Celebrates Leaders in Safety, Sustainability

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) has recognized exceptional contributions to rail safety and environmental innovation during its annual Safety and Environment Awards. These awards, presented on December 1, 2025, highlight the efforts of railways and their employees who are advancing safer and more sustainable operations across Canada.

The RAC’s Safety and Environment Awards serve as a testament to the industry’s commitment to enhancing safety culture and environmental performance. These accolades emphasize innovative programs and technologies that not only ensure the protection of communities but also pave the way for a greener future.

Eric Harvey, President and CEO of the RAC, praised the recipients for their pioneering initiatives. “Canada’s railways are built on a foundation of innovation, discipline, and pride,” he stated. “This year’s award recipients demonstrate what is possible when we challenge ourselves to think differently and lead with purpose.”

2025 Safety Award Winners

The 2025 RAC Safety Award recipients include notable programs aimed at improving safety practices within the rail industry.

Cando Rail & Terminals received recognition for its “Passing Knowledge” initiative, a virtual safety education program that utilizes employee surveys and field observations. This program delivers engaging content designed to strengthen safety culture among frontline workers, facilitating shared learning experiences.

Metrolinx was honored for its “Red Zone Green Zone (RZ/GZ) Program,” which enhances safety during construction and maintenance activities within rail corridors. This initiative improves communication and planning, significantly reducing risks associated with worker interactions with trains and equipment.

2025 Environment Award Winners

The Environment Awards acknowledged organizations making strides toward sustainability in railway operations.

CN was awarded for its “B.C. Spill Drill and Exercise Program,” which emphasizes collaboration with local stakeholders. The program, piloted in August 2023, engaged 75 participants, including representatives from local First Nations and various levels of government, to enhance community response during environmental incidents.

Cando Rail & Terminals was also recognized for its ambitious “Li-Ion 2025” project. This initiative aims to electrify industrial switching operations using lithium-ion battery technology, transforming a conventional diesel locomotive into a zero-emission unit. This project exemplifies a scalable approach to modernizing rail operations across Canada.

Metrolinx also made significant improvements to its Environmental Management System (EMS), aligning it with the ISO14001 Standard. This overhaul included the redevelopment of the EMS Manual and the establishment of Environmental Performance Standards.

In addition, the RAC introduced the new Associate Member Award, acknowledging Decision Works for its innovative TrackSense platform. This platform integrates data from various sources to enhance the lifecycle management of railway incidents, track inspections, and engineering crew management.

The RAC represents nearly 60 freight and passenger railway companies that collectively transport millions of passengers and approximately $380 billion worth of goods each year. The association continues to expand its membership, welcoming a growing number of industrial railways and supply companies.

As the rail industry moves forward, the inspiring achievements recognized at this year’s awards reflect a dedication to safety and sustainability, reinforcing the importance of innovation in shaping the future of rail transport in Canada.