The NDP is raising concern about grain movement by rail in Saskatchewan.
Opposition critic Carla Beck is calling for a moratorium on CP Rail’s proposed closure of ten producer car loading sites in Saskatchewan, saying it would bring the total down to just 26.
“According to the agricultural groups such as APAS and the wheat and barley commissions,” Beck said Tuesday in the Saskatchewan Legislature. “And according to common sense, these closures will hurt the agricultural industry. And neither industries, nor municipalities nor affected producers have been consulted.”
Agriculture minister Lyle Stewart says he has taken steps to oppose the planned closure. The minister says he met with CP Rail to voice strong opposition to the proposal.
Stewart says he sent a joint request with the minister of Highways to the federal minister of Transport, asking for a moratorium.
“Which was followed later with a response. Which we considered to be a non-response,” Stewart replied. “We discussed sending a second letter to the federal Minister of Transport to demand a better answer than we received.”
Stewart says he was not satisfied with the response and is considering repeating the request.
Source : CKRM