May 30, 2014 – Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Transport Canada
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz welcomed the Royal Assent of the Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act (Bill C-30) at an event held today to mark the coming into force of legislation that identifies clear and achievable measures to get Canada's agricultural products, and other commodities, to market in a predictable and timely way.
Specifically, the Act:
- Requires rail companies to move 1 million tonnes of grain every week through to August 3, 2014, extending the volume requirements under the Order in Council that was announced on March 7.
- Gives shippers in the three Prairie provinces more rail options by extending interswitching rights through regulations to 160 kilometres for all commodities.
- Strengthens accountability between shippers and the railways and strengthens farmers' contracts with grain companies.
- Allows shippers to be directly compensated for any expenses they incur as a result of the railways' failure to meet their level of service obligations under the Canada Transportation Act.
The Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act will bring stability to the sector while discussions with stakeholders continue on building a transportation system that has greater capacity, predictability and accountability for the industry.
The Government is also accelerating the review of the Canada Transportation Act, to begin this summer. Furthermore, the railways will be required to provide more detailed information on grain movements, to allow for better oversight and monitoring.
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
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Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
