Our readiness plan
In the event of a major rail accident involving crude oil, we first monitor the accident.
When all criteria are met for the Rail Fund to be activated, we start deploying resources to receive, assess, and pay claims, and be represented in court as needed.
We have developed and implemented an action plan that covers the many dimensions of our preparedness.
Claims management and assessment support
We selected an external company to provide us with claims management and assessment services on a standby basis. This is a significant step forward in our readiness to handle a high volume of claims efficiently, in response to a major rail accident.
Our activation management protocols
We have developed and tested our activation management protocols for:
- internal use
- use with railway companies that could be involved in an accident
- coordination with other public authorities.
We facilitate tabletop exercises to test our readiness.
We are committed to continuing to run these practice exercises on an ongoing basis.
Transition of claims
We are negotiating with railway companies to formalize the transition process and have signed several agreements.
We also plan and facilitate tabletop exercises to practise the management and processing that will be required for a seamless transition of claims from the railway companies to the Rail Fund.
Legal preparedness
Legal preparedness is a key part of our readiness plan. This includes:
- developing and maintaining a legal library
- researching past accidents to identify the legal issues that would be relevant in an accident covered by the Rail Fund (such as monitoring a civil class lawsuit for the Lac-Mégantic accident)
- fostering ties with the legal community.
