Transport Canada (TC) is currently consulting on proposed amendments titled Regulations amending the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Canadian Update) to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR). For these proposed amendments, TC is requesting feedback on updated proposed regulatory changes being developed under the Canadian Update. We are also collecting data to inform the cost-benefit analysis for these upcoming proposed changes.

Highlights of proposed amendments

  • Aligning buffer car requirements with those from the United States:
  • require unit trains (trains carrying loaded tank cars that all contain the same type of dangerous goods) to add buffer cars;
  • clarify the rules around train dynamics (how a train moves along the tracks); and
  • clarify that containers hauling dangerous goods attached to flatbed rail cars like intermediate bulk containers (IBC) can’t be placed next to an occupied rail vehicle or next to railway vehicles that have a constant source of ignition.
  • Proposing a different approach to transporting anhydrous ammonia fertilizer to ensure public safety:
  • require an emergency response assistance plan (ERAP) for anhydrous ammonia fertilizer; and
  • repeal the 100 km distance on public roads.
  • Aligning the TDGR with the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations, 2015 for the transport of radioactive materials by:
  • adding two (2) new exemptions for the transport of radioactive materials for medical use and for the transport of unclassified radioactive material or radioactive waste materials; and
  • clarifying the existing rules under the radioactive materials exemption.
  • Introducing existing equivalency certificates into the regulations by introducing the following exemptions for:
  • cylinders containing medical oxygen for personal use; and
  • dangerous goods that are necessary for an enforcement officer to carry out their duties.
  • Repealing the current requirement to inform local police before moving dangerous goods between two (2) properties.
  • Allowing pre-printed safety marks on empty packages if the packages are in a broken-down state or if they accompanied by a document that states the following:
  • “Empty packaging – does not contain dangerous”
  • Clarifying when the terms “Residue – Last Contained” or “résidu-dernier contenu” should be used on a shipping document.
  • Adding training requirements for certain exempt dangerous goods.

Transport Canada also wants to know how these changes could impact your work with dangerous goods and requests answers to the questions below.

  • Do you agree with these changes? If not, why?
  • Would these changes add to your costs? How?
  • Could these changes benefit your business? How would you measure this?

We welcome / request comments from COSTHA members on the proposed amendments. Please note that COSTHA is gathering answers to the three questions above online (click here to access online poll) until January 15, 2022.

IHMM is a member of COSTHA and is pleased to share this information with our certificants.