ABOVE: Premier Brad Wall says Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry is province’s “door opener” to the world
SASKATOON – Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall addressed delegates at an agriculture trade summit taking place in Saskatoon.
Wall touched on a number of subjects, including grain transportation issues, and announced the province will support the federal government’s recent initiatives to increase grain movement.
“The success and growth of our agriculture industry and province depends on getting our products to port to be shipped throughout the world,” Wall said.
“We know the sheer volume of this year’s record crop is straining the transportation system and we fully support the federal government in any measures they can take to address this situation.”
The federal government recently announced changes that will require railway companies to report information about grain handling and the transportation system.
READ MORE: Are railways to blame for drop in grain deliveries?
Wall also urged railways to improve services and increase shipments to move last year’s record crop to ports.
“Further action is necessary to clear up the immediate backlog as soon as possible. We will continue to work to find a solution with stakeholders, including the federal government, grain companies, railways and port authorities,” Wall said.
Afterwards, Wall sent a letter to Canada’s Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt urging the federal government to introduce legislation to prevent CN workers from taking strike action.
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Teamster union members at CN, including conductors and yard workers, voted in favour of strike action. The earliest they could walk out is Saturday morning.
Wall expressed his concern any action would further disrupt grain transportation.
“Such a strike would be unacceptable, given the harm it would cause to Saskatchewan agricultural producers and many others in western Canada,” wrote Wall.
“Our agricultural sector has produced a record crop and is already having serious difficulty getting that crop to customers in a timely fashion.
“A strike at this time would further exacerbate an already intolerable situation.”
CN has said the two sides are planning on resuming talks on Wednesday with the help of federal mediators.
READ MORE: CN gets strike notice; Premier Wall wants legislation to stop walkout
Agriculture accounts for more than one-third of all the Saskatchewan exports, totalling $11.2 billion in 2012.
WATCH: Premier Wall stresses importance of resolving railway grain backlog
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