Concern grows among farmers as railway bill stalls in Senate
SASKATOON A federal bill aimed at making railways more accountable and preventing grain backlogs is moving slowly through the Senate while the chance it will pass into law this year diminishes daily.
The president of the Agriculture Producers Association of Saskatchewan said the expiry at the end of July of temporary legislation governing rail transport means any delay risks a holdup like the one that is estimated to have cost Western Canada $6.5 billion in 2013 and 2014.
“It’s already too late for December, but let’s hope this doesn’t ruin January, February and the rest of the shipping season, because we need changes to happen — and happen fast,” said Todd Lewis, who farms near Gray, south of Regina.
The Transportation Modernization Act includes a host of provisions aimed at making grain transportation more reliable, including a mechanism to give small-scale “captive” shippers access to the major railways and reciprocal financial penalties in service deals.
The omnibus bill, known as C-49, also includes regulations related to air travel — including a requirement that a passengers’ bill of rights be established — and rail safety, notably the installation of cameras in locomotives.
It was introduced in May and passed to the Senate on Nov. 2, where it has been debated but not yet referred to committee. With the Senate scheduled to break for Christmas on Dec. 22, Transportation Minister Marc Garneau’s pledge to pass it by Christmas is in jeopardy.
“Whilst I respect the Senate and its duties, I am really hoping and encouraging the Senate to pass this before Christmas,” Garneau said Thursday.
“The implications (of the Senate not passing the bill before Parliament rises) are a two-month delay at a time when it’s a very busy shipping season. If we’re talking about grain farmers, Statistics Canada has told us just recently that the crops … were above expectations,” he added.
Senators have repeatedly adjourned debate on C-49. Liberal Senator Terry Mercer said Thursday that most people support some parts of the legislation but not others.