Hon. Omar Alghabra, P.C., M.P., Minister of Transport: Senator, the work that our farmers and agricultural producers do is incredibly important. You are right — this year they are having a terrific year, and we need to ensure, as a government and as a country, that the transport sector is ready to provide services that are necessary, not only for them, but for Canadians and the entire world who are depending on this product.

I have written and been engaged with CN and CP to ensure that they have plans to be able to service farmers and agricultural producers.

We have recently announced several measures, including $130 million to digitize the transportation and supply chain sector to ensure greater fluidity and ensure that CN and CP have the plans that they need. We are engaged on this, senator. It’s important to us, and I know it’s important for Canadians.

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Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Minister, earlier this month, a CN bridge south of Grande Prairie, Alberta, burned down, causing backlogs for grain shippers who rely on rail to get their products to port. This also means farmers aren’t being paid for their crops because their products aren’t moving. Sadly, this example is just one of many that demonstrate the fragility of Canada’s national supply chain.

Greg Sears, who serves as board chair of the Alberta Wheat Commission, recently said in a Financial Post article, “One bridge washout or fire or any type of event can cause some major impacts.”

He added, “An entire economy is relying on these little ribbons of steel through Canada.”

Minister, farmers must deal with droughts, floods and many more variables that are out of their control. Access to rail transportation should not be an additional barrier. What is your government doing about this matter?