No. H 197/08
For release - August 29, 2008
OTTAWA - The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities today announced the selection of QGI to conduct the first two projects for the rail freight service review, following a request for proposals (RFP) issued July 24, 2008.
QGI is a consulting company from Edmonton, Alberta, that offers a range of consulting and technology services to private sector and government clients. It is a sister company of Quorum Corporation, which is under contract to the federal government as the Grain Monitor.
"QGI's understanding of the government's requirements for the project, their approach and methodology, and their capacity to manage the project will greatly benefit the review," said Minister Cannon.
The rail freight review will be conducted in two stages and may take up to 18 months to complete. The first stage, which is now underway, will consist of research related to the rail-based logistics system. The second stage will be led by a panel of three eminent persons who will develop recommendations and consult with interested parties before submitting a report to the Minister.
The objectives of the first project under this contract are to develop a better understanding of the rail transportation logistics chain and to identify problems and issues in order to assist the review panel in developing recommendations. This will include descriptions of key elements of the logistics chain and a quantitative analysis of the railways' ability to fulfill shipping orders and to provide consistent transit times in moving traffic from origin to destination.
The second project will provide a narrative description of the rail-based logistics system and identify operating practices of the railways, shippers/receivers, terminal operators, and shipping lines that adversely impact service, system efficiencies, and capacity. The project will also identify best operating practices of all parties for possible extension to other parts of the system. The analysis will help the review panel to understand how the system works and identify problems as well as potential solutions. It will focus on operating practices related to rail freight movements in the major corridors to and from Canada's main ports and border crossings, including operating practices at rail terminals and ports.
An efficient rail freight service is one of the backbones of a strong economy and a crucial component for domestic and international trade. Through the rail freight service review, the government is committed to ensuring that Canada's rail system is world-class.
Following the contract award, QGI will have a kick-off meeting with officials and begin its work in the upcoming weeks. It will likely take six to eight months to complete the two projects.
Transport Canada invites interested parties to submit written comments related to rail service issues and the review at RFSR-ESMF@tc.gc.ca.
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