November 29, 2014 – Ottawa – Transport Canada & Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Transport Minister Lisa Raitt and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today announced that minimum grain volume requirements will be extended until March 28, 2015. This measure, initially introduced in March 2014, will help to maintain Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier to world markets.
The government has put in place volume requirements that are designed to move the remainder of last year’s crop along with this year’s crop and ensure that the grain supply chain will return to normal operations. Ministers expect railways to provide reliable and predictable service to all shippers, all destinations, and throughout all corridors, as is their obligation as common carriers.
Under the new Order in Council, which takes effect on November 30, 2014, Canadian National Railway Company and Canadian Pacific Railway Company must each move the following amounts of grain:
The Order maintains direct legal obligations on railway to move grain and could result in penalties for non-compliance of up to $100,000 per violation. The requirement for railways to report on demand and volume remains in effect.
To further support the efficiency of the grain supply chain, the government expects both Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific (CP) railways to submit formal winter contingency plans to the Government of Canada. This is to include service plans for producer car loaders and short line railways for the remaining crop year.
In order to expand transparency in the logistics system, railways are also expected to provide information on car order fulfillment by corridor, including the placement of rail cars at producer car loading sites and along short line railways to the Grain Monitor.
The government continues to call on all parties in the grain supply chain to work together to develop solutions to ensure the timely movement of grain.
Ashley Kelahear
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport,
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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