I was honoured to recently attend the open house event in Ottawa, marking the launch of the new “Ship and Rail Compensation Canada” brand. This new brand identity brings under a single label the Rail Fund (officially the Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods) and the Ship Fund (officially the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund).
For those who may not know, the Rail and Ship Funds provide compensation to victims of oil pollution. Both funds were established in response to major oil spills: the Irving Whale and Arrow oil spills led to the creation of the Ship Fund’s predecessor (the MPFC) in the early 1970s, and the 2013 Lac Mégantic railway disaster brought about the Rail Fund.
Despite extensive outreach efforts, there is limited knowledge and awareness of either fund. Rebranding the funds under a single label along with the launch of a new website, is anticipated to increase awareness.
I had a great time reconnecting with past and current Administrators and staff, industry leaders, and government officials and I’m honoured to have been part of this milestone event.