INDUSTRY ISSUES >> TRANSPORTATION POLICY
Transportation Policy
What is transportation policy and why do we need it?
Transportation policy is the framework provided by the federal and provincial governments within which all carriers in all modes of transport must operate. In addition, municipal governments take actions that have an impact on the viability of short line and regional railways (SL/RRs), for example, the assessment of property taxes on rights-of-way and zoning by-laws. There has never been an integrated approach taken to transport policy by the various levels of government.
The railway industry in general, and SL/RRs in particular, have lost market share over the past half century. This was the result of major public investment in roads and highways throughout the settled part of Canada and the consequential growth in the trucking industry. The continuing support for the trucking industry by all levels of government continues to be of concern. Canada needs a healthy trucking industry and an adequate road and highway system. It also needs a healthy railway industry.
The national and local economies will be better served with a more equitable balance in transportation policies between the various modes.
The Canadian railway industry, including the SL/RRs, operates in an integrated North American economy and Canadian railways are in competition with railroads in the United States as well as with North American truckers. It is necessary for the sustainability of SL/RRs that the legislative and regulatory framework governing the commercial aspects of railways strengthens the SL/RR competitive position within this continental market place.
The national interest requires that various levels of government enter into a dialogue with a view of developing an integrated transportation policy that would be reflected in both federal and provincial legislation. The federal government should also continue to discuss compatible commercial transportation policies with the United States to promote Canada's international competitiveness.
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NOVEMBER 7, 2005
Transport Minister Issues Call for Proposals for Transportation Planning and Modal Integration Projects
MARCH 24, 2005
Amendments to the Canada Transportation Act Tabled in Parliament
DECEMBER 22, 2004
Transport Minister announces appointment to Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada
OCTOBER 6, 2004
New Reduced Railway Interswitching Rates Published in Canada Gazette Part II
MAY 21, 2004
Regional and Remote Railways to get Funding
MAY 20, 2004
Freight Sustainability Projects Announced
MAY 18, 2004
Federal Government Commits to Solving Railway Noise Problems
MAY 18, 2004
Call for Proposals for Intelligent Transportation Systems Deployment Projects
MAY 12, 2004
Transport Canada Releases 2003 Annual Report
MAY 3, 2004
Canadian Transportation Agency Appointment
MAY 21, 2003
CPR suggests access for shippers on privatized BC Rail
MAY 12, 2003
Martin Supports Running Rights to Enhance Rail Competition
APRIL 8, 2003
Trainscan comments on ARRC's effectiveness in raising the prominence of short line railways
FEBRUARY 27, 2003
Transport Canada's Vision for Transportation Supports Passenger and Commuter Rail
FEBRUARY 27, 2003
Short Lines Need Further Consideration in Transport Canada's Vision for Transportation
FEBRUARY 25, 2003
New Minister of Transport Appointed by Ontario Premier Ernie Eves
FEBRUARY 24, 2003
Minister Announces Release of Transportation Blueprint
FEBRUARY 12, 2003
BC Premier Comments on the Future of BC Rail
FEBRUARY 4, 2003
BC Rail and OmniTRAX withdraw from ARRC
JANUARY 20, 2003
ARRC's Report Card on First Year Achievements
OCTOBER 1, 2002
ARRC's Position on Running Rights
SEPTEMBER 10, 2002
ARRC establishes new confidential membership category
SEPTEMBER 10, 2002
Presentation to the Canadian Industrial Transportation Association Conference, Toronto, ON, September 10, 2002
JUNE 1, 2002
ARRC Promotes Careers in the Transportation Industry
MAY 31, 2002
ARRC & Short Line/Regional Railways Profiled in Canadian Sailings during National Transportation Week 2002
MAY 13, 2002
Canada, U.S. Sign Memorandum of Cooperation on Railway Grade Crossing Research
APRIL 30, 2002
Presentation to Transport sur rail au Quebec, Sixth Annual Symposium on Railway Safety, Sainte-Foy, QC, April 30, 2002
APRIL 25, 2002
ARRC Launches New Website
FEBRUARY 3, 2002
ARRC's Submission to Transport Canada for the Blueprint Initiative
OCTOBER 25, 2001
Ferroequus Application to the Canadian Transportation Agency for Running Rights under Sections 93 and 138 of the Canada Transportation Act, 1996
SEPTEMBER 20, 2001
The formation of ARRC announced
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