Feds give $20M to improve rail safety, but N.B. won't see any of it

The federal government is putting $20 million intorail safety improvements but New Brunswick won't be seeing any of it.

The announcement comes after the death of Steven Harel, aMoncton man who was struck by a CN train in July of 2016 while crossing the railway tracks in downtown Moncton,in hiselectric wheelchair.

As a result, the Transportation Safety Board made several recommendations to Transport Canada following the death of the 29-year-old.

On Wednesday, Transport Canada announced 103infrastructure improvement projectsacross Canada this year, whichwill include improved lighting, upgraded rail crossing signals, pedestrian overpasses, public educationand research into new safety technologies.

About $400,000 willgo to the Canadian Owner-Operators' Cooperative to reduce thenumber of deaths from collisions between commercial vehicles and trains.

Another $200,000 will go to VIA Rail Canada Inc., for a suicide prevention program on the VIA Rail networkwith a focus on high-risk and high-incident areas.

"Transport Canada shares the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's commitment to advancing the safety of Canada's transportation system and is committed to working with stakeholders to further enhance the safety of Canada's railway system," the government agency said in an email.

When CBC News asked for an interview with Transport Canada, the government agency declined.

The lawsuit

Harel's parents, Diane and YvonHarel, filed a lawsuit against CN Rail, the City of Moncton, Invacare Canada and Embracor Medical.

The lawsuit claims Harel's wheelchair became stuck atthe railway crossing andthat he waited an "excruciatingly long time" before the train struck andkilled him.

It goes on to say that CN and the City of Moncton were negligent by failing to properly inspect, maintain and repair the railway crossing and street for safe use of wheelchairs.

Despite Wednesday's announcement,the Harels are still suing.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim who died in this tragic accident," Transport Canada said in anemail.