Resolution

Department: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada & Transport Canada

WHEREAS with the increasing demand on the rail system to handle grain, oil, containers , and potash, the railways cannot presently provide service efficiently or meet the future and expanding shipping needs on the Prairies;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal Government immediately undertake a study of the future rail transport needs for all industries and investigate the following solutions:

• The twinning of major rail lines from the central prairies, along east, west, and southern corridors.
• The use of circle type rail and spur lines to feed and connect to the main lines;
• Increased utilization of the Ports at Prince Rupert and Churchill;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the investigation into expansion of the Port of Churchill examine the potential for increased storage, the provision of coast services and large ice breakers needed for 12 month operation, and the development of Prairie grain gathering sites to feed the Port;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this study be completed by December 31, 2015.