If a release of dangerous goods from a means of containment being used to handle or transport dangerous goods has resulted in death or injury to any person or damage to any property or the environment, the Minister may direct a public inquiry to be made, subject to the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act, and may authorize any person or persons that the Minister considers qualified to conduct the inquiry.

For the purposes of the inquiry, any person authorized by the Minister has all the powers of a person appointed as a commissioner under Part I of the Inquiries Act.

The person or persons authorized to conduct the inquiry shall ensure that, as far as practicable, the procedures and practices for the inquiry are compatible with any investigation procedures and practices followed by any appropriate provincial authorities, and may consult with those authorities concerning compatible procedures and practices.

As soon as possible after the inquiry is concluded, the person or persons authorized to conduct the inquiry shall submit a report with recommendations to the Minister, together with all the evidence and other material that was before the inquiry.

The Minister shall publish the report within thirty days after receiving it.

The Minister may supply copies of the report in any manner and on any terms that the Minister considers proper.