FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CUTA welcomes Royal Assent of Bill C-14 and stronger protections for transit workers

OTTAWA, June 16, 2026 — The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) welcomes the Royal Assent of Bill C-14, including Criminal Code amendments that extend legal protections to all transit workers.

“The Royal Assent of Bill C-14 is an important step forward for the safety of Canada’s transit workers who keep our communities moving. CUTA welcomes the amendment to Section 269 of the Criminal Code which extends protections to all transit workers and thanks the Government of Canada for recognizing the essential role they play in serving Canadians every day,” said Marco D’Angelo, President and CEO of CUTA.

The amendment addresses a longstanding gap in the Criminal Code by extending protections beyond transit operators to include the broader transit workforce, such as maintenance workers, fare inspectors, station staff, customer service employees and others who may face safety risks while serving the public.

CUTA has advocated for this change alongside its members across the country as violence and harassment on public transit systems have increased in recent years.

-30-

About CUTA

The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) is the voice of public transit in Canada, representing transit systems, municipalities, public agencies, suppliers, and industry partners from coast to coast. 

Media contact:

Brett Hartley

[email protected]

(416) 903-7797