A much-anticipated report from the Canadian Transportation Act (CTA) review panel is in the hands of federal transportation minister Marc Garneau.
Natasha Gauthier, senior media relations adviser with Transport Canada, said the CTA panel’s final report was submitted to Garneau’s office earlier today, Dec. 21.
The review examined various aspects of the national transportation system to ensure that it continues to support Canada’s international competitiveness, trade and prosperity.
“The Government of Canada will carefully consider the recommendations contained in the report and any actions required to further strengthen the safety, efficiency, and competitiveness of Canada’s transportation system,” Gauthier wrote in an email to the Western Producer.
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“The report will become public after it is tabled in Parliament,” she added.
Canada’s grain industry has been watching the CTA review process, especially in the wake of a rail transportation backlog that slowed grain movements to a trickle during much of the 2013-14 shipping season.
Some grain industry stakeholders say significant regulatory changes are needed to ensure that grain shippers have access to reliable and predictable rail service.
Some grain shippers have argued that they have little or no influence over how and when rail cars are allocated.
Railway companies, meanwhile, have argued that less government regulation, not more, will result in a more efficient system.
The CTA review panel was headed by former MP David Emerson.
