The Canadian Grain Commission would like to recover 100 percent of its costs, although not all at once.
It has launched a formal consultation with farmers, farm groups, grain companies and grain industry associations, with a goal of implementing changes in 2012-13.
The commission currently recovers 50 percent of its costs through fees.
“We want input from those who pay for or benefit directly or indirectly from our services,” said Remi Gosselin, manager of corporate information services for the CGC, “specifically we want feedback on cost recovery.”
In the early 1990s, cost recovery was around 90 percent. But the commission’s fees have remained essentially unchanged for 15 years.
“The costs of doing business continue to go up but the CGC has not changed its fees since 1995,” he said.
“We’re asking how much more farmers and industry are willing to pay.”
The grain commission plans to hold public consultations in Montreal, Guelph and Winnipeg on Jan. 17, Regina, Jan. 19, Saskatoon, Jan. 24, Edmonton, Jan. 25, and Calgary, Jan. 26.
Meetings may also be held in Moncton, Peace River and Vancouver, if requested.
For more information, visit www.grainscanada.gc.ca.
