Transport Canada says that the CN Rail must retain a number of special safety requirements while operating on the British Columbia territory.

CN has also received permission to increase the length of their distributed power operated northbound trains from 99 cars to a maximum of 114 cars in the area.

This action follows completion of CN's 60-day trial period on the rail line on February 11, 2006.

During the 60-day trial period, CN had to abide by a strict set of safety requirements to demonstrate they could operate safely on the Squamish route. Transport Canada inspectors, who monitored their operations, reported no incidents.

A new Notice and Order, based on Transport Canada's review of CN's safety actions during the 60-day trial period, was issued, and stipulates that CN must retain the following safety requirements: restrictions on how empty cars are handled, tests throughout the route to verify distributed power is working properly, a CN supervisor to augment and train any new crew member on the route, reduction of the number of stops on route, and special stall and emergency stop procedures.

Transport Canada says it is allowing CN to increase the length of their distributed power operating northbound trains by 15 cars, in the Squamish area (the recent derailments have all occurred while trains have been travelling north). However, the length of CN's conventional trains operating northbound in the Squamish area will still be restricted to 80 cars.

Transport Canada says its inspectors will continue to monitor trains on the Squamish route to ensure full compliance with the Railway Safety Act. The new Notice and Order will also be in effect for a 60-day trial. Any further changes to CN's operations in the Squamish area will depend on Transport Canada's assessment of those trial results, says the government agency.