Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement

• Completed project proposal using the required template
• Project budget and cash flow template
• Legal documents confirming the organization is a legal entity
• Project manager résumé or proof of relevant qualifications
• Conflict of interest questionnaire and signed declaration

Who is eligible?

• Indigenous governments, representative Indigenous organizations, and partnerships or aggregations of Indigenous groups
• Indigenous communities, bands, and settlements
• Indigenous councils, boards, associations, corporations, and co-operatives
• Local communities
• Not-for-profit organizations

Eligible expenses

• Staff salaries and benefits
• Professional and contracted services
• Room rentals, facility costs, outreach, and communications materials
• Honoraria and travel expenses, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and incidentals
• Administrative expenses up to 15% of total costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Costs incurred before approval or after the final claim date
• Refundable taxes such as PST, GST, or HST
• Land or building purchases and related real estate fees
• Loan financing charges and interest payments
• Travel and per diem amounts above National Joint Council rates

Eligible geographic areas

• Across Canada

• Relevance of the project to PERSE objectives
• Applicant experience, expertise, and funding history
• Clarity and realism of the objectives, work plan, deliverables, and budget
• Value for money
• Regional representation and balance across Canada may also be considered

• Step 1: Review program requirements
  • Read the Applicant's Guide and use the provided project proposal and budget templates.
  • Confirm the project aligns with the program objectives and eligible activities.
• Step 2: Prepare the application package
  • Complete the project proposal with applicant information, project description, work plan, and declarations.
  • Include the project budget and cash flow information.
  • Attach legal documents confirming the organization is a legal entity.
  • Include the project manager résumé and supporting letters if applicable.
• Step 3: Submit by email
  • Sign and review the package for completeness and accuracy.
  • Save the application in MS Word, MS Excel, or PDF format.
  • Email the application to ProgramEnhanceRSEngagement-ProgrammeAmeliorerMobilisationSF@tc.gc.ca.
• Step 4: Await review and decision
  • Transport Canada reviews eligibility and merit.
  • Applicants are informed whether the proposal is selected for funding.

• Transport Canada first reviews the application for eligibility.
• Eligible proposals are then assessed against merit criteria.
• Applicants are informed whether their proposal is selected for funding.
• A funding agreement must be signed before reimbursements are issued.
• Written confirmation of receipt is sent within 10 business days after the application deadline, and payments are issued within 20 business days after the agreement requirements are met.