29 April 2004 CP Rail Puts the Lives of the Canadian Public at Risk! Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) would like to inform all Canadians that CP Rail is putting their lives in danger.   Indeed, there were several train derailments over the past few weeks in Canada. Toxic chemicals were spilled in rural areas and a recent derailment has even caused the evacuation of a regional community, just south of Red Deer, Alberta.   Every year, dozens of train derailments are reported in Canada. And yet CP Rail continues to decrease the number of its maintenance of way employees. This vital workforce is half the size that it was a mere 15 years ago and continues to decline. The duties of maintenance of way employees include, among other things, the safety of the public, as well as the inspection, maintenance and repair of thousands of kilometres of railway tracks.   "CP Rail was found guilty by the American Government following a train derailment a few weeks ago", said Gilles Halle, President of Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. "The company is also considering laying off dozens of employees who are essential to the safety of the population and of the people working in the industry. This is totally irresponsible on their part. Can you imagine if a train was to derail in a large city like Toronto? It would be a disaster!"   The employer's decision is as controversial as there are train derailments.   The Rail Conference is organizing two rallies simultaneously on April 23 - one in front of Union Station in Toronto and the other one, in front of the Gulf Canada Square in Calgary.   The public is invited to participate. Information leaflets will be distributed.   Information: Teamsters Canada Rail Conference - (613) 235-1828