Saskatchewan and Alberta are calling for
tougher federal laws for the grain
transportation system after a bottleneck
that has left crops sitting in bins
across the Prairies.
An emergency order earlier this month
from the federal government set minimum
targets for railways of 11,000 cars a
week and fines of up to $100,000 per day
for failing to meet those targets.
But Saskatchewan says upcoming federal
legislation should set a minimum of
13,000 grain cars per week and bump up
the penalty to $250,000 per day.
Saskatchewan and Alberta both say money
collected should benefit the farmers
instead of landing in the federal
coffers.
Alberta also says there should be
increased rail track access so grain
shippers can receive competitive service
from more than one rail company.
The legislation is expected to be tabled
when Parliament returns next week.
tougher federal laws for the grain
transportation system after a bottleneck
that has left crops sitting in bins
across the Prairies.
An emergency order earlier this month
from the federal government set minimum
targets for railways of 11,000 cars a
week and fines of up to $100,000 per day
for failing to meet those targets.
But Saskatchewan says upcoming federal
legislation should set a minimum of
13,000 grain cars per week and bump up
the penalty to $250,000 per day.
Saskatchewan and Alberta both say money
collected should benefit the farmers
instead of landing in the federal
coffers.
Alberta also says there should be
increased rail track access so grain
shippers can receive competitive service
from more than one rail company.
The legislation is expected to be tabled
when Parliament returns next week.