Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component

Who is eligible?

• Provinces and territories
• Municipalities and local or regional governments
• Road and transit authorities
• Crown corporations (including VIA Rail)
• For-profit organizations (such as railway operators, railway owners)
• Not-for-profit organizations (including academia)
• Indigenous groups, communities, and organizations
• Individuals and private landowners

Eligible expenses

• Salaries and benefits for staff directly involved in the project.
• Costs for printing, publication, and distribution of informational materials.
• Room rentals and facility costs for project activities.
• Conference registration fees related to the project.
• Professional fees for contracted services, including translation, information development, data collection, analysis, and processing.
• Purchase or lease of capital assets required for the project.
• Administrative expenses such as rent, insurance, office equipment rental, and membership fees (up to 15% of total federal contribution for overhead).
• Travel expenses, including accommodation, vehicle rental, transportation (bus, train, airplane, taxi), and meal allowances, as per federal rates.
• Costs directly approved by the Minister as required for the project's success.
• Eligible in-kind contributions, provided they are essential for the project and have been approved, excluding donations from third parties.

Eligible geographic areas

• Provinces and territories across Canada.
• Municipalities and local and regional governments within Canada.
• Indigenous communities and organizations located in Canada.

• Alignment of the project with the Rail Safety Improvement Program objectives and demonstration of how it will enhance rail safety through knowledge, research, technology, education, or awareness.
• Impact and scope of the proposed project, including potential benefits, innovation, and strategies to maximize reach.
• Performance measurement strategy, including clear goals, expected outputs and outcomes, and methodology for measuring success.
• Relevant experience and capacity of the applicant, including a qualified team and a track record of successful project delivery.
• Quality and comprehensiveness of the project plan, including a realistic budget, timeline, risk management strategies, and identification of funding sources or partnerships.

• Step 1: Review the Project Proposal Template
  • Download and review the Project Proposal Template provided by the funding program to ensure your application aligns with the requirements.
• Step 2: Prepare Proposal
  • Draft your proposal following the guidelines in the Project Proposal Template, ensuring you address all required sections such as project objectives, activities, timelines, budget, and performance measurement.
  • Include all supporting documentation, such as financial information and letters from partner organizations confirming financial support.
• Step 3: Submit Application
  • Submit your completed proposal and all supporting materials by email to TC.RSIP-PASF.TC@TC.GC.CA.
  • Alternatively, send a signed hard copy or a digital copy saved on a USB key by mail to:
    ATTN: Director, Transportation and Infrastructure Programs (AHSE)
    c/o Program Officer
    Transport Canada
    Place de Ville, Tower C, 19th floor
    330 Sparks Street
    Ottawa, ON
    K1A 0N5
• Step 4: Confirmation of Submission
  • Applicants will receive an automated confirmation upon submission of their application.
• Step 5: Await Notification
  • Transport Canada will inform applicants whether their project has been selected for funding once the selection process is complete.

• RSIP is currently not accepting applications; the last deadline was January 24, 2024.
• Contribution payments are disbursed through reimbursement of eligible costs or upon achieving predetermined milestones.
• Funding agreements may be subject to audits by Transport Canada.
• Annual and final reporting, including data collection on performance indicators, is required as part of the contribution agreement.