A legislative and policy framework that balances the interests of rail users with the national carriers

Many shippers across Canada are heavily dependent upon the rail mode to move products to important markets. In many instances the long distance to market, high volume or products shipped and low value of these products makes shippers of these products essentially "captive" to the rail mode. Such products cannot be moved economically by any other mode of transport.

In addition, the geographic location of the two major national railways, CN and Canadian Pacific Railway, is such that there is limited direct intra-modal competition between railways for freight traffic in some parts of the country. Overall, the existing Canada Transportation Act and the proposed amendments to the rail provisions of the Act through Bill C-26, do not provide for effective shipper recourse to the Canadian Transportation Agency in situations where competition is weak or absent and shippers have issues with carriers concerning rates and service. Federal policies must do more to ensure that the interests of rail users are balanced with those of the national rail carriers.

Continue to work with the industry on initiatives to increase capacity

Provincial and territorial governments work diligently with industry stakeholders to identify opportunities to increase rail business and capacity in their jurisdictions and are committed to continuing this work in the future.

Address competitive inequities between the US and Canada

American and Canadian railways are often fierce competitors for rail business. Rail policies and regulations in Canada must be designed in such a way that does not put Canadian railways at a competitive disadvantage to their American counterparts.

Promote additional joint-track usage and co-production agreements to improve traffic flows in the regions Pursue initiatives which will promote increased rail competition