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Action on Rail Freight Service Has Strong Support from Canada’s Pulse and Special Crops Industries

Action on Rail Freight Service Has Strong Support from Canada’s Pulse and Special Crops Industries

(Winnipeg) June 1, 2012 – Pulse Canada and the Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA) strongly support the Government of Canada’s swift action which restored service to customers of CP Rail.

“This was the right move” said Gordon Bacon, CEO of Pulse Canada and the CSCA.  “We have to maintain our focus on becoming the world’s most consistent and reliable supplier.”

Since 2005, shippers of pulses and special crops have had service severely impacted during a container trucker strike, three CN work stoppages, a work stoppage at the Port of Montreal and two CP labour disputes.

“With Royal Assent given to Bill C-39, it’s time to focus on how Canadian exporters are going to strengthen their overall reputation as a reliable supplier” said Greg Cherewyk, Executive Director of Pulse Canada.  “The pulse and special crops industry is working with partners from across the shipping community to ensure that Government maintains a sharp focus on executing its rail freight service action plan” said Cherewyk.

“Shippers from all sectors are united on the path forward and we are prepared to work with the Government to ensure the action plan delivers the results rail customers expect” said Cherewyk.  In March 2011, the Government announced its action plan to improve rail freight service which consisted of a range of commitments including tabling a bill that gives shippers a right to a service level agreement and a dispute resolution process as well as enhancing public performance reporting.

“Pulse Canada and the CSCA will continue to stress the importance of the commitments the Government has made and that Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Gerry Ritz, has said are needed in order to provide predictable and reliable transportation for farmers and the trade that markets their products around the world” said Bacon.  “The Canadian agriculture landscape is changing and the measures that this Government will introduce will help provide predictability as the industry continues to evolve."

June 5, 2012  By Pulse Canada