It appears the the Transportation Modernization Act (Bill C-49), which was tabled in the House of Commons this week, addresses many of the ag industry's concerns when it comes to rail transportation.

Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) CEO Rick White says the proposed transportation bill goes further than many previous attempts at addressing many long standing complaints with the railways.

He notes having an efficient rail system is extremely important, especially for canola.

"We export about 90 per cent of what we grow here in Canada," said White. "Export markets are key to ensuring that we continue to have a home for all the canola that we grow here. Farmers want to grow it and markets need it and to get it to long distance markets it has to go by rail."

He notes, however, there are concerns over the timing of the new bill and the expiry of the current legislation, Bill C-30, which happens on August 1, 2017.

"We would like to see C-30 extended, especially the interswitching provisions...that's been an important piece of legislation that we would like to see extended until such time that Bill C-49 has actually passed."

White added he was glad to see that federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay has re-established the Crop Logistics Working Group for a fourth mandate.