December 9, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Grain Commission and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Government of Canada introduced in the House of Commons today the Modernization of Canada's Grain Industry Act. The Bill will build on major reforms made in 2012 by enhancing producer protections and improving grain quality and grain safety assurance.
The amendments would allow the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) to establish a producer compensation fund to protect producers in the event that a licensee fails to pay for grain deliveries. Producer access to binding determination of grade and dockage for their deliveries of grain will be extended to include process elevators, grain dealers, and container loading facilities. A new class of license will be created for container loading facilities, which will also be brought under producer payment protection programs.
Changes aim to make the monitoring of grain safety more consistent across the country, establish a non-binding decision review mechanism to evaluate certain Commission decisions, and allow for more effective enforcement of violations under the Canada Grain Act, Canada Grain Regulations, and orders issued by the Canadian Grain Commission. The Government will undertake consultations with stakeholders, including provinces, in advance of implementation.
The Bill also updates the CGC's mandate clarifying that it acts in the public interest.
Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
613-773-1059
Rémi Gosselin
Manager, Corporate Information Services
Canadian Grain Commission
204-983-2749
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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