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APAS
News Release AD HOC APPROACH TO RAIL ISSUES FLAWED: APAS REGINA, SK - The strike by CP track and bridge maintenance workers is further evidence of the need for a comprehensive federal policy on agriculture infrastructure, APAS President Ken McBride said today. "These rail labour disruptions seem to pop up over and over again. Every time they do, it damages the ability of farmers in Saskatchewan and across Canada to sell their crops. We cannot keep dealing with these issues on an ad hoc basis. The federal government should start to think about developing a consistent approach to rail labour issues that considers the needs of producers and other shippers who are important to the Canadian economy." McBride reminded the federal government that this dispute, combined with previous ones, run the risk of causing long term damage to the nation's agriculture industry. "Reliability is part of the value equation for our commodities. Our customers depend on reliable supply, so the lack of it has been and continues to be a cost to producers. Our customers require a dependable supply. When they can't get it from us, they will seek out other sources on the world market. Premium markets are the easiest ones to lose. Transportation delays or spikes in transportation costs at this crucial time could affect the customer base of Saskatchewan farmers for years to come." McBride emphasized that the issue is crucial for producers and urged the federal government to act quickly to preserve momentum in the agricultural economy. "Finally, after so many years of negative income, we are starting to see commodity prices rebound. But Saskatchewan producers will not be able to get the benefit of those prices if they can't get their product to market." APAS serves as the voice for agriculture in Saskatchewan. APAS envisions a future where agriculture is profitable, rural communities are viable and the role of agriculture in society is recognized and appreciated. - 30 - |