CP train conductor killed in workplace accident in downtown Calgary

A Canadian Pacific Railway conductor was killed Monday in downtown Calgary after possibly being struck by moving equipment, according to an internal bulletin to employees.

The CP bulletin, obtained by CBC News, says preliminary details indicate the conductor was walking to the front of his train, No. 201-18, when he was fatally injured by equipment on the adjacent track.

The accident occurred on the CP tracks adjacent to 9th Avenue S.W. in downtown Calgary, the union says.

Transport Canada is leading an investigation, which also involves federal labour officials, into what the union calls "a workplace accident."

CP Rail confirmed the death in a press release Thursday afternoon. 

"The company's deepest sympathies go out to the employee's family and friends. CP is offering counselling to the family and our employees," it read in part.

News of the man's death first came to light publicly when Teamsters Canada issued a press release.

"As we prepare to enter the holiday season, I am sad to report that one of our Teamster families will be in mourning," François Laporte, president of Teamsters Canada, said in the news release.

"On behalf of our over 125,000 members, I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the victim's loved ones and co-workers.

"Once the facts have been determined, the union will sit down with CP and Transport Canada to address the issue more broadly," reads the news release.

'Remain vigilant,' CP warns

In the short internal notice, CP offered condolences before warning employees of safety.

"It is imperative that all employees working on or about tracks must always expect movement at any time from any direction," the internal note said. "This incident serves as a reminder to remain vigilant when it comes to your safety and the safety of your colleagues."

CP Rail has not responded to interview requests from CBC News.

The Calgary Police Service says it was called just before noon Monday but the matter is now in the hands of the Canadian Pacific Police Service, a private force that services rails and CP facilities.

The final investigation report will be shared only with the affected workplace parties, including management and union representatives, according to Employment and Social Development Canada, which is responsible for the Canada Labour Code.

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