For Immediate Release
May 17, 2007

John Baird Announces a Cleaner, Greener Rail System

(OTTAWA) — John Baird, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean and Minister of the Environment was joined by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Cliff Mackay, President and Chief Executive officer of the Railway Association of Canada to announce a new agreement that will help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the rail sector.

“This is another good example of industry and government working together to address climate change and improve Canada’s air quality,” said Baird. “We will begin to regulate emissions from the rail industry in 2011, but while regulations are being put in place, this agreement provides a framework to achieve real reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”

The four large Canadian railway companies (Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, Via Rail and GO Transit) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government and took the first step towards a broader plan to reduce air pollution from railway operations. The agreement will help Canada turn the corner on climate change and build towards its goal of reducing greenhouse gases by 20 percent or 150 megatonnes by 2020. 

Photo: (L-R) Cliff Mackay, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Association of Canada, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and John Baird, MP (Ottawa West-Nepean), Minister of the Environment at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Canada.

Further information:
Office of John Baird, MP                                                          
Ottawa West-Nepean
613-996-0984