The Canadian Transportation Act Review Coalition - agricultural group representing the vast majority of shippers of bulk and processed grains and a broad cross-section of grower funded organizations - has come together to submit recommendations to the Canada Transportation Act review.
The coalition believes that a competitive rail system is vital to Canada's economy and that the current system is not meeting the needs of producers and exporters.
The Coalition identified problems in the current system with a lack of railway capacity, poor and non-responsive railway performance and weaknesses in the current regulatory measures meant to protect shippers from railway market dominance.
The coalition has made recommendations in specific areas meant to clarify railway service obligations, improve the effectiveness of the regulatory environment and encourage the development of a more competitive and efficient system.
One of the Coalition's recommendations is to improve transparency with regards to the capacity and operation of the rail freight system by improving the Canadian Transportation Agency's access to information.
The coalition is also asking that a permanent advisory board composed of stakeholders representing all primary rail user groups assist in the establishment of the new monitor's operating terms of reference and to guide its activities on an on-going basis.
