Real reform to the grain handling and transportation system, as recommended by the late Justice Estey, Aurthur Kroeger, and the review of the Canadian Transportation Act, would deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in savings each year. These reforms have been recommended for years and need to be put in place today.
The lack of commercial relationships in western grain transportation has prevented the development of an efficient and effective system. Attempts to modernize and consolidate the grain handling system have been frustrated, resulting in higher costs for farmers. Because of the lack of commercial accountability, the system is unresponsive to changing needs in demand and is prone to breakdown and delays. Lack of responsiveness to the needs of our customers has caused lost marketing opportunities and lost income for farmers.
Furthermore, the inability of the transportation system to adapt to a demand driven system is hampering the development of the identity preservation and segregation systems that are going to be required to meet the future needs of Canada 's grain industry.
The Government of Canada, as well as the grain industry, has spent millions of dollars and countless hours researching and consulting on these issues. We do not want policies that move the western grain handling and transportation system backward, away from a more competitive, commercially driven system.
Reform to the grain handling and transportation system will improve the competitiveness, efficiency, and reduce the costs faced by Canadian industry.
