It's likely that federal government's new rail legislation, which was expected to be introduced this spring, will not be passed until the fall.

That from the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC), which has learned that the legislation would be unlikely to pass before the House rises this June.

The group is calling for interim measures in Bill C-30 (Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act) to be extended beyond the current August 1, 2017 expiration date, to ensure the railways offer the level of service required to ship this year’s harvest.

“We appreciate the government’s commitment to introduce legislation that will ensure a more responsive, competitive and accountable rail system in Canada,” said Kevin Auch, AWC Chair. “But the current railway accountability measures must stay place in the meantime. This will ensure we avoid a repeat of the transportation backlog that cost farmers billions of dollars in lost revenue during the fall and winter of 2013.”

Announced by federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau in November 2016, the forthcoming legislation promises to introduce reciprocal penalties and other measures to improve railway accountability.

Current interim solutions under Bill C-30 include extended interswitching distances and minimum volume requirements for grain movement.