Point of Privilege Resolution No. 7-06M

WHEREAS, transportation costs represent the single largest expense for Canadian farmers; and 

WHEREAS, inefficient and deteriorating railway service for grains shipments is inhibiting farmers ability to access and capture timely opportunities in both domestic and international markets; and 

WHEREAS, the current Canada Transportation Act fails to hold railway financially accountable for inadequate service; 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities lobby the Government of Canada to bring forward immediate legislative changes to the Canada Transportation Act that fulfill the agreements reached between Transport Canada and shippers on May 5^th, 2006, including the initiation of a review of the level of service being provided by railways; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities work with the Government of Saskatchewan, farm groups, and industry to push the necessary legislative amendments forward and to ensure that the required level of service review is initiated.