Senate passes Bill C-49

The Senate has passed an amended Bill C-49, the Transportation Modernization Act.
 
This would see penalties put in place for railways if they fail to deliver grain. It also includes an air passenger bill of rights.

Grain Growers of Canada says the Bill’s passage means there will be better services, more competition, and it will provide ways to keep rail companies accountable.

“It’s clear the Senate heard farmers’ voices and did its job and provided sober second thought,” said GGC President Jeff Nielsen in a release. “With the proposed improvements, Bill C-49 will provide meaningful tools that the shippers need to hold railways to account, increase competition and bring better rail service to the grain industry.”

Amendments put forward by farm groups like allowing more long-haul interswitching are included in the newly approved bill.
 
The Alberta Wheat Commission and Alberta Barley also welcome the news.
 
“The passing of Bill C-49 in the Senate is a major step forward for Canadian grain farmers,” said Kevin Bender, AWC Chair. “The legislation likely won’t fix the current backlog that farmers have experienced in several areas this year, but we are extremely pleased to have mechanisms in place that will help avoid this issue in the future.”
 
There are a couple steps to be completed before Bill C-49 becomes law.