Today, Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau unveiled the government’s strategic plan for the future of transportation in Canada. Fertilizer Canada applauds the federal government’s plan to introduce legislation for a more transparent, balanced and efficient rail system.
The measures announced today align with recommendations by Fertilizer Canada to the Canada Transportation Act Review Panel and Transport Canada. The establishment of reciprocal penalties for non-performance and a revised definition of “adequate and suitable” were core recommendations of the association.
“We thank Minister Garneau, for his commitment to a balanced and efficient rail system. When enacted, these positive measures will help bring products such as fertilizer to domestic and global markets,” said Garth Whyte, President and CEO of Fertilizer Canada. “We would also like to recognize the Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, for working with Minister Garneau to ensure the transportation needs of the agriculture industry were included in the policy.”
The fertilizer industry’s relationship with Canada’s rail system is critically important to the economic benefits our members generate in communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast. A modern, proactive and engaged government can best propel export-driven and value-added manufacturing industries such as fertilizer.