CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA – Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway is appealing the Ministerial Order issued by Transport Canada on Feb. 8, addressing the securement of trains on mountain grades after a train is stopped by an emergency brake application.

The order comes after a grain train derailed on Feb. 4 killing three CP crew members during the accident.

"CP remains steadfast in our commitment to safety, across our entire operation," said Keith Creel, CP's president and chief executive officer (CEO). "Safety is one of our foundational principles and we remain laser-focused on continued improvement in this area. The application of handbrakes in accordance with the Ministerial Order introduces additional risks and will have unintended consequences. We are seeking a review of the Ministerial Order because we firmly believe safer options are available and we must get this right."

CP said it remains committed to continuing to have further dialogue with Transport Canada and other stakeholders to explore safer alternatives and it will fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the derailment by the Transportation Safety Board, and Employment and Social Development Canada.

On Feb. 12, in close collaboration with Transport Canada (TC), and upon completion of all necessary safety checks, CP re-opened its mainline through Field, British Colombia, Canada.

CP has and will comply with the Ministerial Order throughout the process. The review of the Ministerial Order will be heard by the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada.

According to CP, the Railway Association of Canada and CN are also appealing the Ministerial Order.