Bill C-52 Supported by Canadian Farmers
CFA News Release
OTTAWA, DECEMBER 12 - The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) supports and looks forward to a quick passage of Bill C-52, Fair Rail Freight Service Act, tabled in the House of Commons yesterday.
Bill C-52 follows a five-year Rail Freight Service Review that was initiated after complaints from various sectors of poor service from Canadian railway companies.
"Given the critical role railways play in many industries across Canada, it cannot be stressed enough how important an efficient and dependable system is," said CFA President Ron Bonnett.
"The CFA looks forward to continued action by the government to address the cost and quality of rail freight service for Canadian industries, including full implementation of the Rail Freight Service Review panel recommendations on a better commercial contract dispute resolution system and improved information reporting, as well as a full Railway Grain Transportation Costing Review."
Rail service issues continue to be a real issue for the agricultural industry. Transportation remains one of the largest costs for farmers when marketing their grain.
"Passage of Bill C-52 will provide a legislative tool needed to make railways more accountable to its customers", continued Bonnett. "It is a good first step in improving rail service and costs to industry."
In its submission to the Rail Freight Service Review Panel, the CFA recommended service level agreements with the railways and access to recourse when necessary.
"The CFA appreciates Agriculture Minister Ritz's leadership on this file and the input the government has taken thus far from industry. We look forward to continued collaboration in identifying measures to increase the competitiveness of our sector," Bonnett concluded.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest farmers' organization, representing provincial general farm organizations as well as national and interprovincial commodity organizations from every province - over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.
CFA News Release
OTTAWA, DECEMBER 12 - The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) supports and looks forward to a quick passage of Bill C-52, Fair Rail Freight Service Act, tabled in the House of Commons yesterday.
Bill C-52 follows a five-year Rail Freight Service Review that was initiated after complaints from various sectors of poor service from Canadian railway companies.
"Given the critical role railways play in many industries across Canada, it cannot be stressed enough how important an efficient and dependable system is," said CFA President Ron Bonnett.
"The CFA looks forward to continued action by the government to address the cost and quality of rail freight service for Canadian industries, including full implementation of the Rail Freight Service Review panel recommendations on a better commercial contract dispute resolution system and improved information reporting, as well as a full Railway Grain Transportation Costing Review."
Rail service issues continue to be a real issue for the agricultural industry. Transportation remains one of the largest costs for farmers when marketing their grain.
"Passage of Bill C-52 will provide a legislative tool needed to make railways more accountable to its customers", continued Bonnett. "It is a good first step in improving rail service and costs to industry."
In its submission to the Rail Freight Service Review Panel, the CFA recommended service level agreements with the railways and access to recourse when necessary.
"The CFA appreciates Agriculture Minister Ritz's leadership on this file and the input the government has taken thus far from industry. We look forward to continued collaboration in identifying measures to increase the competitiveness of our sector," Bonnett concluded.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest farmers' organization, representing provincial general farm organizations as well as national and interprovincial commodity organizations from every province - over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.
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