CP challenges transport coalition's claims about enhancing ag supply chain

Canadian Pacific officials are "appalled" that government-funded group Ag Transport Coalition claims it's trying to enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural supply chain, but isn't involving transportation partners in the discussion, they said in a press release issued last week.

Coalition members include the Canadian Canola Growers Association, Alberta Wheat Commission, Pulse Canada, Manitoba Pulse Growers Association, Western Grain Elevator Association, Canadian Oilseed Processors Association, Inland Terminal Association of Canada and Canadian Special Crops Association. The group recently criticized grain-by-rail service, stating that railroads have failed to provide as many rail cars as ordered in the first five months of the crop year.

The coalition of agricultural associations is funded in part by Growing Forward 2, a five-year, $3 billion government investment program, CP officials said.

"The use of public funds to drive a single, self-serving agenda under the guise of solving large, complex supply chain issues is unconscionable," said CP Chief Executive Officer E. Hunter Harrison.

The coalition should look broadly at the supply chain and seek input from, and dialogue with, other links in the supply chain, such as ports, elevators and terminals, CP officials believe.

"It is our belief that any discussions about commodity movement should include all pieces of the supply chain puzzle," said Harrison.

A big part of the Class I's operational transformation over the past two-and-a-half years is the result of collaboration and coordination with its customers, CP officials said. The economic prosperity of the Canadian agricultural sector is central to the prosperity of the entire nation, and an efficient, fluid and 24/7 supply chain is a key to the prosperity of all, they said.