On Tuesday, Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau introduced the long-awaited Transportation Modernization Act.
The bill includes measures to advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, fair and efficient freight rail system.
It 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.
Also, Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay has announced the establishment of a fourth mandate for the Crop Logistics Working Group, which is a forum of industry representatives who will exchange views and identify supply chain challenges and opportunities. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will provide a government co-chair.
"Today, the Government of Canada has introduced legislation that would strengthen Canada’s rail transportation system, establishing a strong rail freight system for the future," said MacAulay. "Together with the renewal of the Crop Logistics Working Group and on-going monitoring of the transportation system, these measures would ensure Canadian farmers can continue to get their products to markets around the world quickly and efficiently, generating growth for the Canadian economy, putting more money in the pockets of farmers, and strengthening the middle class."
Source : Portageonline