1. C-49 - The connection to trade and competitiveness
…Competitive freight rates and effective rail services are critical to ensuring that Canadian exports remain competitive in world markets (Competition Bureau, 2014)
Managing unpredictability in supply chains requires exporters to hedge for induced costs – such as switching to more expensive modes of transport to meet delivery schedules or build more storage, demurrage – in addition to freight costs and port/handling charges (Arvis, 2007).
A transportation system that results in high shipping costs and low levels of service and poor timeliness limits economic growth potential by reducing the competitiveness of exporters who must operate in an unpredictable and unreliable logistics environment.

2. India – The need for competitiveness in new markets
November 8, 2017: Immediate imposition of bound tariff maximum (50%)
Greatest week over week price drop in the history of Canadian pea crop

4. Bill C-49: Transportation Modernization Act – Proposed Amendments
Positive steps
The introduction of reciprocal penalties in Service Level Agreement arbitration.
A proposed new data service and performance data regulation.
New railway grain movement operational planning reporting to the Minister.
New informal dispute resolution process at the Canadian Transportation Agency.
To be determined
The removal of containerized grain from the Maximum Revenue Entitlement.
A change to the definition of adequate and suitable service.
Long Haul Interswitching
Not included
Agency own-motion powers.
Inclusion of Soybeans as a Schedule II grain within the Maximum Revenue entitlement.