This is a serious problem, and I'm glad to be here, because we have a backlog. We have a problem and we need to fix it.
I agree with Madame Brosseau, Monsieur Barlow, and Monsieur Berthold that we all need to work together in a non-partisan way among all levels of government and agencies. I was heartened to receive a letter this morning that was directed to the rail companies, CN and CP, by both Minister Garneau and Minister MacAulay, saying, hey, there's a problem here and we need to do two very important things: one, we need to get rid of this backlog; and two, we need to figure out how to have an efficient way of transporting grain so that grain farmers can continue to contribute to our economy. The ministers have requested that they come up, by the 15th, as Monsieur Drouin said, with a plan and put it on their website. So I think we all are engaged here.
Mr. Barlow, perhaps a couple of hours isn't enough to hear from grain growers. We can always have more meetings on it, but I think it's important that everyone get involved here—and I think everyone is.
I also saw in my inbox a note from CN saying that, yes, they may have dropped the ball on this one and that they're willing to work with everyone involved. This is a problem and we need to fix it. I'm heartened that we are all working together.
I fully support the amendment that Monsieur Breton has put forth. I'm not sure whether we need a further amendment, but if we need more time at committee, we'll have it. In fact, as a government, as stakeholders, we're not waiting until the 21st. This meeting is a good meeting, because it's pushed people to act quickly. The government is moving quickly, and it seems as if the rail companies are moving quickly as well.
My suggestion, Mr. Chair, is that we support Monsieur Breton's amendment.
If we do need some more time, Mr. Barlow, I'm sure that as a committee we can provide that time.