The provisions being considered for extension are:
- To prescribe different distances, by region or by goods, when making regulations on interswitching (one carrier picks up the cars and hands them off to another carrier).
- To make regulations specifying what constitutes “operational terms” that can be referred to in level-of-service arbitration.
- To order a railway company to pay compensation to a shipper or any person for any expenses they incurred as a result of the railway company’s failure to comply with its level-of service-obligations.
- To prescribe a minimum amount of grain to be moved by Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway during any period within a crop year, and authorize designated persons to impose administrative monetary penalties for failing to meet these requirements.
If the extension of the provisions are approved, they would be postponed for one year.
Kevin Auch, Chairman of the Alberta Wheat Commission, said the Government’s actions show an understanding of “the importance of a reliable and predictable transportation system.”
Federal Minister of Transportation Marc Garneau said the Government is committed to an efficient transportation system, and Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay said it’s committed to supporting the growth of the agricultural sector.