CALGARY, June 23, 2015 /CNW/ - Canadian Pacific (CP)
is profoundly disappointed with the Minister of Transport's
comments regarding an ongoing investigation into an alleged breach
in safety rules. Such comments undermine the reputations of
hardworking employees who take pride in their commitment to the
safe movement of goods through communities across North America.
CP is cooperating fully with Transport Canada in this
investigation and will continue to do so. No charges have been laid
against CP nor have any allegations been proven.
"We are concerned about accusations and threats made in the
media by the Minister of Transport during an ongoing investigation
where the facts have not yet been established," said E. Hunter Harrison, Chief Executive Officer.
"Furthermore, to suggest that there is any parallel between these
allegations and the tragedy of Lac-Megantic is, at best, unfortunate."
CP has cultivated a strong safety culture among its employees, a
commitment that has made CP the North American leader in train
accident prevention for nine straight years. In 2014, CP reported
the best accident prevention rate ever achieved by a North American
Class I railroad, something all Canadians can take pride
in.
CP has also been among the earliest and most vocal advocates for
tougher tank-car standards and has considered the Minister an ally
in lobbying for speedier implementation and harmonization of
standards between Canada and the
U.S. CP is also working hard to employ inward-facing locomotive
video recorders as a proactive measure to prevent accidents. The
government has allowed political sympathies to hobble this effort,
but we encourage the Minister to join CP in supporting this
important safety initiative.
"Any insinuation that CP doesn't take safety seriously or would
tolerate a culture that allows employees to cut corners or break
rules is deeply disturbing and inappropriate," Harrison said. "If
we make a mistake, we take responsibility and take action to ensure
it never happens again."
About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway
in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight
major ports, including Vancouver
and Montreal, providing North
American customers a competitive rail service with access to key
markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its
customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services,
logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see
the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.
SOURCE Canadian Pacific