​​​​​​​​​​​Winnipeg, MB  --  Bill C-30 the Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act passed an important hurdle yesterday when the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food concluded its hearings on the Bill with one key amendment included.

​“This amendment is absolutely critical,” says Rick White, CEO of the Canadian Canola Growers Association. It will provide a mechanism for the Canadian Transportation Agency to direct the railways to pay compensation to shippers for expenses incurred as a direct result of railway failure to meet service obligations. This could open the door to have compensation flow back to farmers from the grain companies, when railway service failure has occurred.

“Shippers have been asking for more teeth in the legislation and we are very encouraged that all parties worked together to get this important amendment passed,” says White. “This is a major step forward in achieving balanced accountability in the Western Canadian grain handling and transportation system and modernizing the contractual relationship in this sector.” 

Farmers are encouraged that Parliament is moving this Bill forward quickly.  With the start to spring seeding only weeks away, and plenty of grain remaining in the country, time is of the essence. CCGA looks forward to working with the Government on the development of regulations so that they can be in place for the new crop year, if possible.

CCGA represents more than 43,000 canola farmers on national and international issues, policies and programs that impact farm profitability. 

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Contact:
Kelly Green
Director, Communications
Phone: 204.789.8821
E-mail: kellyg@ccga.ca