Changes to Canadian Grain Commission services and fees for 2013

WINNIPEG, June 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Changes to the Canadian Grain Commission's services and fees will begin on August 1, 2013 as the result of changes to the Canada Grain Act and the Canada Grain Regulations and a review of the fees charged for services and licences.

"Upcoming changes reflect the Canadian Grain Commission's commitment to meeting the needs of Canada's grain industry," said Elwin Hermanson, Chief Commissioner. "Change is necessary for us to continue fulfilling our mandate of working in the interests of Canadian grain producers and ensuring Canada's grain is a dependable, quality commodity for domestic and export markets."

Changes to services
Changes to the Canada Grain Act were part of the Jobs and Growth Act, 2012 and were aimed at streamlining the Canadian Grain Commission's operations. These changes also necessitate related amendments to the Canada Grain Regulations.

These changes include:

• Authorizing third-party companies inspecting inward shipments of grain at licensed terminal elevators
• Giving elevator operators and shippers (including producer car shippers), the right to request a reinspection from the Canadian Grain Commission for binding determination of grade and dockage if there is a disagreement
• Moving the responsibility for inspection and weighing of domestic laker shipments from the Canadian Grain Commission to the private sector
• Eliminating the Grain Appeal Tribunal, registration and cancellation of receipts at terminal elevators, and mandatory weigh-overs
• Canadian Grain Commission oversight of inward inspection and weighing data collection
• Combining terminal and transfer elevators licences into a single class (called terminal)
• Moving to an oversight role in outward weighing at licensed terminal elevators
  
  
  

Changes to producer protection
The producer payment protection model in the Licensing Program is unchanged at this time.

As part of the changes to the Canada Grain Act, the Canadian Grain Commission has proposed changes to the producer payment protection model in the Licensing Program. Under the proposed new model, producers will be protected against non-payment for their eligible grain deliveries.  Producers will continue to be covered under the current security program until the new program takes effect.

Fee changes
Fees for Canadian Grain Commission services and licences will change as of August 1, 2013. Upcoming changes to the Canadian Grain Commission's services and costs require changes to fees. Some fees will be eliminated, while others will be increased to reflect the cost of delivering the service.

A full schedule of updated fees has been published in the Canada Gazette, Part II  (http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2013/2013-06-19/html/sor-dors109-eng.php). It will also be available on our web site, www.grainscanada.gc.ca in mid July.

About the Canadian Grain Commission
The Canadian Grain Commission is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada's grain quality standards. Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The Canadian Grain Commission regulates the grain industry to protect producers' rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.

SOURCE: Government of Canada