Saskatchewan leaders advise preparation for large grain crop

Government representatives in Saskatchewan, Canada, have been meeting with grain producers and customers to discuss transportation service plans for what is anticipated to be a large grain crop this season.

Projected yields are expected to be above average for cereal and oilseed crops, stated a press release issued by Saskatchewan government leaders.

"We are encouraged to see crops across Saskatchewan doing particularly well," said Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart. "Getting products to market is critical to our success and, in 2013, we saw the challenges a large crop presented shippers, railways and ports. We don't want to see a repeat situation this year."

The need for enhanced transparency and accountability within the grain handling and transportation system has remained a priority since 2013.

"We continue to urge Transport Canada to ensure contingencies are in place should issues arise this season," said Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner. "In the long term, we want to see changes to The Canada Transportation Act that ensure Saskatchewan businesses are able to move goods reliably and at a competitive price to our international customers, while still ensuring public safety."

Transportation continues to be a priority for members of the New West Partnership (NWP), with the New West Transportation Infrastructure Summit in 2014 focusing on strengthening collaboration between the supply chain players and building capacity for long-term growth in western Canada, the Saskatchewan officials said.

NWP is an agreement between the governments of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan aimed at strengthening the economy in the three provinces.