News release

25^th anniversary of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada

Gatineau, Quebec, 27 March 2015 — This Sunday will mark the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). On March 29, 1990, the TSB was created by an Act of Parliament and given the mandate to investigate marine, pipeline, rail and aviation accidents. The TSB has evolved over the past quarter century establishing itself as a world-class independent, investigative body whose top priority is contributing to the safest possible Canadian transportation system.

"Throughout the years, we have conducted major investigations and have been at the forefront of important changes to the transportation industry,” said Kathy Fox, Chair of the TSB. “Our raison d’être hasn’t changed—we investigate transportation accidents to find out what happened and why, with a view to ensuring those accidents never happen again. And we don’t shy away from putting a spotlight on critical safety issues as we do with our Watchlist.”

In addition to investigating accidents involving Swiss Air 111, Queen of the North, Cougar 91, and the tragedy in Lac-Mégantic, we have been the instigator for several changes made as a result of our findings. These include the requirement for many of today’s aircraft to carry terrain awareness and warning systems; and for safe towing procedures that have significantly reduced safety risks associated with towing small vessels in ice-infested waters. Canadian railway companies have also put in place measures to reduce the dangerous in-train forces that can sometimes cause derailments; and the pipelines throughout our country are now being built to even tougher standards.

In recognition of this milestone, we are launching a TSB@25 Web portal that highlights our accomplishments and the dedication of our people in various ways. It includes:

• A video message from the Chair
• The history of the TSB
• A list of former Chairs
• Blog posts by long-term employees and others
• Employee video profiles
• Photos – 25 years of TSB at work
• Photos – Accident sites: 1990-2015

TSB employees are proud of the role they play and the work they do. Canadians can be assured that the TSB will continue to be diligent in its role of advancing transportation safety during the next 25 years and beyond.