Canada: Alberta Barley, Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SBDC) pleased with government's move to ensure accountability on the railways

Alberta Barley and the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SBDC) are pleased with the federal government's move to ensure accountability on the railways, Ein News reported on September 18.

On September 17 it was reported that the government is fining Canadian National Railway Co. (CN) as a result of their failure to meet minimum grain shipping requirements.

"This fine is the type of accountability we've been looking for," said Alberta Barley Chairman Matt Sawyer. "Without these enforceable regulations, we run the risk of another grain transportation crisis like we had last winter."

As evidenced by CN's failure to adhere to the federal government's requirements under Bill C-30, Alberta and Saskatchewan's barley farmers will continue to advocate for the increased rail capacity needed to effectively move Canadian grain. Both groups also look forward to participating in the ongoing Canada Transportation Act review.

"Farmers need a transportation system that can deliver their production to customers in a timely and reliable manner," said SBDC chair Cam Goff. "The railways are a critical player in this, and the fines are a signal to them that they will be held responsible now and into the future."

Approximately nine out of every 10 farms in the country are dependent on exports, making transportation a priority for the Canadian economy.

19 September, 2014