MAC: Transportation 2030 is a first step in the right direction

OTTAWA, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) is encouraged by the Minister of Transport's commitments today to improve Canada's transportation network to facilitate economic growth and address long-standing issues in the rail freight market.

The mining industry consistently accounts for approximately 20% of the total value of Canadian exports, amounting to $91.2 billion in 2015. As a consequence of this international reach, the mining industry is the single largest customer group of Canada's railways, accounting for 51.4% of total rail freight revenue generated in 2015. 

"We appreciate the Minister of Transport's recognition that trade begins at home. Mining companies require an effective and reliable transportation network to get their goods to market and to grow their businesses. The reliability of the transportation network is also a key consideration when companies determine whether or not to invest in Canada," stated Pierre Gratton, President and CEO, MAC. "We are hopeful that the government delivers on its commitment to create a more transparent and balanced transportation system."

MAC was pleased to see a commitment in the government's Strategic Plan, Transportation 2030, to establish a new data regime to support evidence-based decision making, and a commitment to making that data available to those who use the transportation system. MAC encourages the government to be bold in this pursuit, and ensure that both railway performance and capacity data are included for disclosure in any regime to be established.

MAC was also encouraged by the Minister's commitment to address long-standing issues in the rail freight market by introducing legislation in the spring of 2017 that better defines adequate and suitable service, improves access and timelines for Canadian transportation agency decisions, and addresses the future of the maximum revenue entitlement and extended interswitching.

"We view today's announcement as a positive step forward in improving Canada's transportation network, but we recognize that important steps remain to get there. MAC will remain a constructive partner as government seeks to implement these measures," stated Gratton.

About MAC
The Mining Association of Canada is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry.  Its members account for most of Canada's production of base and precious metals, uranium, diamonds, metallurgical coal and mined oil sands, and are actively engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi-fabrication. Please visit www.mining.ca. 

SOURCE Mining Association of Canada (MAC)

For further information: Jessica Draker, [phone] x225 or [email protected]; Johanne Senécal, [phone] x325 or [email protected]