Transport Canada is not refusing to appear before the House of Commons agriculture committee to discuss rail freight costs, it’s just not “the best time,” said Pierre Lemieux, parliamentary secretary to agriculture minister Gerry Ritz.
The department was asked to appear before the committee to respond to farm groups’ demands for a rail costing review because of alleged railway overcharging.
“It would be premature for Transport Canada officials to appear before the committee while the panel is still completing its work,” said a letter from the department to agriculture committee chair Larry Miller.
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The letter stated department officials would attend after the ongoing rail service review is completed.
Conservative MPs on the committee appeared fine with the department’s message, but opposition MPs were outraged.
Lemieux said Transport Canada is not refusing to appear.
“They didn’t say they were never going to come. They said they will come but it’s better that they come after the review is done. To me, that makes sense.”
Liberal Wayne Easter said it is not for the government to decide when witnesses should appear. If the committee calls them, they must come or be summoned.
Liberals insisted the Transport Canada letter be dismissed as “unacceptable” and they be ordered to appear.
