CALGARY, June 22, 2015 /CNW/ - Pulse Canada and the Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA) welcomed guests from the ag industry and across all shipping sectors to the Pulse and Special Crops Annual Convention today in Calgary. Representatives from agriculture, mining, chemicals and forestry industries were in attendance to share their vision with David Emerson, Chair of the Canada Transportation Act Review, Murad Al-Katib an advisor on the Review Panel and members of the Review Secretariat.
"The consultation phase is drawing to a close, so it's fitting that Mr. Emerson and Mr. Al-Katib have this unique opportunity to understand the points on which shippers from all sectors have reached agreement," says Gordon Bacon, CEO of Pulse Canada and the CSCA. "Exporters share a vision; Canada will be seen by its customers as the most consistent and reliable supplier in the world. We look forward to seeing the vision for the Canadian economy held by the Review Panel as reflected in their recommendations," says Bacon.
The Coalition of Rail Shippers (CRS) has put forward a submission to the Review Panel that includes 5 key themes designed to ensure the recommendations to Government 1.) Reflect National Transportation Policy and focus on the needs of the users of the transportation system; 2.) Protect and strengthen the statutory service obligations within the Act; 3.) Improve data collection and availability to increase transparency and accountability in the rail freight market; 4.) Provide investigative powers to the Canadian Transportation Agency and; 5.) Ensure that railway capacity is established at levels that will meet growing demand. The CRS is a coalition of 18 associations representing the interests of agriculture, forestry, mining, steel, automotive, chemicals, fertilizer, recycling, renewable fuels and retail industries.
"The recommendations put forward by the CRS are well aligned with Canadian pulse and special crops industry interests," says Greg Northey, Pulse Canada's Director of Industry Relations. "Pulse Canada and the CSCA have worked hard to reach consensus amongst ag industry stakeholders. This Review of the Transportation Act is about more than agriculture and the combined voice of all shippers is important as the process transitions to the recommendation phase and ultimately Government action phase," says Northey.
"The level of interest and engagement in this process from all industry players has been very high. We believe this Panel has heard the message; it's time to create the policy framework that puts the needs of the economy and the competitiveness of Canadian businesses first," says Lee Moats, Chair of Pulse Canada. "The recommendations that have been put forward are bold; they're designed to transform not tinker around the edges. It's time for a new national dream and it starts with the recommendations made by the Panel," says Moats.
Pulse Canada is the national association of growers, traders and processors of Canadian pulse crops. Canada is the world's largest supplier pulses, with annual exports reaching more than 150 countries.
The Canadian Special Crops Association is the national industry association representing processors and exporters of special crops in Canada. Canadian special crops include pulses - beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas - as well as buckwheat, sunflowers, mustard and canaryseed.
SOURCE Pulse Canada
Image with caption: "Pulse Canada (CNW Group/Pulse Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150622_C9790_PHOTO_EN_43696.jpg
Image with caption: "Canadian Special Crops Association (CNW Group/Pulse Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150622_C9790_PHOTO_EN_43697.jpg
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