The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association and the Canadian Canola Growers Association are welcoming new transportation legislation introduced by the federal government earlier this week.

Executive Director of the Wheat Grower's Robin Speer says western farmers would benefit from Bill C-49, also known as the Transportation Modernization Act.

Speer says there are signals that the government is going to move towards more increased competition and capacity, which is essential for growers.

Rick White, CEO of the Canadian Canola Growers says with over 90% of canola destined for export markets, and rail transportation the only reasonable means to get the product to port, canola farmers have been seeking real change that makes our transportation system more efficient and more reliable.

“It’s been several years of intense work to achieve some of these milestones,” says White. “At first glance, C-49 appears to address many of the reforms that farmers have been asking for, while striking a balance between the needs of shippers and the railways.”

White says the introduction of reciprocal penalties into service level agreements, something farmers and shippers have repeatedly asked for, has the potential to elevate railway accountability in the supply chain and make our pipeline more responsive to customer needs.”

Key measures in the bill include the continuation of the Maximum Revenue Entitlement for the railways and new long-haul interswitching provisions.