On July 16, 2026, the railworkers' union issued a public demand that Canadian National Railway cease running trains through regions of Ontario currently experiencing active wildfires. The union stated that continued operations in those zones pose a direct danger to the safety of rail crew members.
The call follows a series of wildfires that have swept across the province in recent weeks, creating smoke, reduced visibility and unstable ground conditions along rail corridors. Labor representatives highlighted that crews working on the tracks are exposed to heat, fire‑related debris and the possibility of sudden flare‑ups, factors that increase the risk of injury or fatality.
In its statement, the union emphasized that the safety of its members must take precedence over schedule adherence or freight movement. It urged Canadian National Railway to reassess routing decisions and to implement a temporary suspension of service wherever fire activity is confirmed, until conditions are declared safe by local authorities.
The demand arrives as provincial emergency officials continue to monitor the wildfire situation and coordinate response efforts. While the rail company has not yet released a formal reply, the union’s request adds pressure on transportation operators to align their operational plans with evolving public safety concerns across the affected areas.