Ship and Rail Compensation Canada becomes new hub for compensation
October 08 2024 - 9:30AM
In a forward-thinking move to increase awareness and strengthen
access to justice, the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund and the Fund
for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods have merged into a
single federal office.
Ship and Rail Compensation Canada
is now Canada’s central hub for anyone affected by oil spills from
ships or boats or major railway accidents involving crude oil.
For years, a lack of awareness of available compensation has
prevented many from accessing the support they need. Recent
outreach efforts, however, were made to address this issue
resulting in increased diversity among claimants and a broader
geographic reach.
Building on this progress, Ship and Rail Compensation Canada
will aim to ensure that Canadians know where to turn to for help.
This includes collaborating with our partners on how to integrate
cost-recovery measures into emergency protocols. With greater
access to compensation, those responsible for damages will bear
more of the financial burden, not the victims.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the launch of the new
website, designed to be the central point of contact and
information for claimants and key stakeholders:
www.ship-rail.gc.ca.
Quotes
“With millions of litres of oil used or transported across
Canada by ship, boat, and rail, it's crucial that Canadians are
financially protected from the risks of spills and
accidents. We are here to help victims, responders, and anyone
else affected receive the financial compensation they need.
“Our new brand will reach more people than ever before and
mitigate the impacts of oil pollution on our cities, towns, oceans,
lakes, rivers, and livelihoods. It will significantly boost our
outreach and awareness efforts, which are essential to fulfilling
our mission of providing compensation and improving emergency
preparedness.”
Mark A.M. Gauthier, Administrator of Ship and Rail Compensation
Canada
About Ship and Rail Compensation Canada
Ship and Rail Compensation Canada is Canada’s compensation hub
for anyone affected by oil spills from ships or boats and by major
rail accidents involving crude oil. Its mission is to help victims,
responders, and anyone else affected get financial compensation and
to hold polluters responsible for damages, losses, and response
costs. Ship and Rail Compensation Canada is an independent federal
office managing two funds: the Ship Fund and the
Rail Fund. It is managed by an Administrator, with each Fund
also having a Deputy Administrator.
For more information or to file a claim, visit
ship-rail.gc.ca.
Contact
Jannie Bédard Guillemette
Communications Manager
343-644-5865
jannie.guillemette@sopf-cidphn.gc.ca
Benedikt Henninger
Communications Officer
343-644-5962
benedikt.henninger@sopf-cidphn.gc.ca