Alberta Wheat & Barley Commissions call for immediate action

The Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions says a potential CP Rail strike would have a devastating impact on farmers.

The farm groups are calling on the Federal Government to intervene through any measures necessary and are strongly urging the Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan to find a resolution.

Alberta Barley chair Tara Sawyer says Canadian railways are lifelines for western Canadian farmers and this potential strike poses serious threats to the success of our upcoming growing season which is just weeks away.

"Railways are a critical link in the supply chain as farmers rely on their service to receive crop inputs including fertilizer and crop protection products."

According to the organizations any disruption in rail service will cause a massive system backlog and economic losses for farmers, rural economies and the Canadian economy at large.

Alberta Wheat Commission chair Greg Sears says past rail strikes have resulted in devastating effects on farmers as the economic losses are often passed down the value chain to primary producers.

"Additionally, a rail disruption will immediately result in backlogs that will hurt Canada’s reputation as a reliable grain supplier to our international buyers."

Click to view the commissions' letter to Minister O'Regan calling for immediate action.