OTTAWA (Staff) — Problems in moving grain to port this year have prompted the eight largest Prairie grain companies to work together in search of a better way.
Senior managers from the companies, along with the railways, Canadian Wheat Board and the Grain Transportation Agency, have formed a group to recommend changes to make the grain movement system more efficient.
Consultant study funded
The companies are funding a consultant’s study on the issue.
The members of the group are looking at issues like how to reduce car turn-around cycles, get more grain through the ports on weekends, ensure the correct grains arrive on time to fill ships, improve labor relations and productivity and end any confusion, overlap or inefficiency in car allocation and spotting.
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Charlie Swanson, president of Manitoba Pool Elevators, said last week the industry-financed committee will be looking more at operational concerns than political issues.
“We ask that the government respect this industry-driven process,” he said during an appearance to talk about the problems in grain movement.
“If, in the end, the study recommends government action, government must be prepared to co-operate fully with the industry to ensure that solutions for the industry are made by the industry.”
Several MPs encouraged the companies to continue the work.
Less government intervention
Reform MP Leon Benoit (Vegreville) said it is a better solution than asking government to intervene. His preferred solution was that government all but disappear from the grain handling system so that market forces would allocate cars and set freight rates.
“I’m very encouraged by what I hear,” he told Swanson. “I think it is the way to go.”
But Liberal Wayne Easter wondered why farmer money should be spent on the study when they are not represented at the meetings.
He questioned whether the solutions would be in the interests of farmers or the companies.
Swanson noted that the pools are owned by farmers and through a democratic structure, represent their views.
“There are a lot of farmers who feel the pools have taken on a corporate mentality and do not reflect the grass roots,” Easter retorted.
