Earlier today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, introduced legislation which includes measures to advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, fair and efficient freight rail system. The bill addresses a number of priorities for the Western Canadian grain industry including reciprocal penalties, a definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service, maintaining and modernizing the Maximum Revenue Entitlement and a new Long-Haul Interswitching provision.
Building on these measures and in response to a request by the industry, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today announced the establishment of a fourth mandate for the Crop Logistics Working group, a forum of industry representatives who will exchange views and identify supply chain challenges and opportunities, including throughout the implementation of the Transportation 2030 freight rail initiatives. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will provide a government co-chair.
Minister MacAulay also announced that the Grain Monitoring Program will continue for an additional three years. The Grain Monitoring Program allows for independent monitoring and reporting on the performance of the Western grain handling and transportation system. Details on the program will be available soon.
Source: AAFC