Grain Farmers Applaud Passage of Bill C-49
Bill will help prevent another grain backlog in Western Canada
OTTAWA (May 22, 2018) – Canadian grain farmers are applauding today’s passage of Bill C-49, the Transportation Modernization Act. The House of Commons and Senate voted in favour of the Bill, paving the way for it to receive Royal Assent and become law as early as tomorrow.
“Grain farmers have been waiting years for a legislative fix to Canada’s rail transportation system,” said Jeff Nielsen, President of Grain Growers of Canada (GGC). “Bill C-49 will improve the long-term competitiveness of the grain supply chain and it is welcome news that these measures will become law.”
Hard working middle class grain farmers will benefit from measures in the Bill that increase competition and accountability in rail transportation. These measures include the ability to apply reciprocal penalties, use an alternative railway through Long Haul Interswitching, as well as increased data transparency, and protection for soybean farmers through inclusion in the Maximum Revenue Entitlement.
“Grain farmers are pleased to thank Minister Marc Garneau for introducing a strong Bill and all Parliamentarians for supporting the amendments recommended by grain farmers,” said Art Enns, GGC Vice-President. “We look forward to using these new tools during the next crop year and in the future to help prevent another grain backlog across the Prairies.”
GGC will continue to work with the Government and the Canadian Transportation Agency to ensure that the new measures are implemented in a way that delivers meaningful change for grain shippers.
Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 50,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through it’s 13 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.
Media Contact:
Lindsey Ehman
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(o): 613-233-9954 ext. 202
(c): 613-222-2726
(e): lehman@ggc-pgc.ca