OTTAWA, April 30 – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) welcomes news that Transport Minister Marc Garneau has supported several key Senate amendments to Bill C-49 and that the House of Commons will soon be ready to vote on the revised legislation.
With spring seeding already underway, farmers are now making plans for marketing and delivering their 2018-2019 crop. The new legislation must be in place by August 1; otherwise farmers risk another uncertain shipping season. The amended Bill C-49 will strengthen the capacity of the rail system and help to prevent the disastrous and costly grain backlogs seen this past year and in 2013-2014.
“CFA commends Transport Minister Marc Garneau and Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay for recognizing that amendments made in the Senate will address the concerns voiced by farmers and shippers. CFA wishes to thank parliamentarians in both Chambers for their hard work and attention to this issue,” said Ron Bonnett, CFA President.
“We are pleased to see that C-49 has reached another critical milestone, and request continued collaboration to pass the bill before summer recess,” he added.
CFA and its provincial members representing prairie farmers sent an open letter to parliamentarians last week to stress the time-sensitivity of their needs.
CFA and its members in western Canada continue to monitor grain transportation challenges and work in partnership with government to propose viable solutions.
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Media Contact:
Janice Hall
CFA Director of Communications
Phone: 613-236-3633 ext. 2322
communications@canadian-farmers.ca