Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau has announced $16.5 million in federal funding for a new railway safety improvement program.
Garneau says although Canada has the safest railways in the world, there are still far too many fatalities.
One case in particular had a great influence on the new program.
In July of 2016, a Moncton man was struck and killed by a train when his wheelchair got stuck at a crossing.
Garneau says crossings will be made as closely to 90 degrees as possible.
This will make it safer and easier for those crossing with assistant devices such as wheelchairs.
In addition to improving the safety of existing crossings, some will be closed.
Other initiatives include the research and development of safety technology and raising public awareness.
Garneau made the announcement at the Moncton VIA Rail station.
