Mr. Speaker, I know the hon. member has a working knowledge of the Canada Transportation Act. He knows that it is the intention of the CTA to modernize and streamline rail regulation, promote the formation of shortline railways, ensure that shippers continue to have access to competitive transportation services. Unfortunately, and the hon. member hit on it, the act cannot predict or prevent bad weather.
On the subject of the movement of grain, the government is concerned about the current situation. However, we want to focus on solutions, not finger pointing, to improve the efficiency of the entire system from the farm gate to the ship clearing the port.
There have been dramatic improvements in the shipment of grain to the west coast in recent weeks. Rail car unloads during March averaged 4,400 cars per week as compared to under 4,000 for the last week of February.
Grain terminals are now operating seven days a week and the number of ships waiting on the west coast has been reduced to 13 from 43 in mid-February.
The situation is improving on the prairies and on the west coast. The backlog is being dealt with. It is not our intention to forget the problems encountered this winter, nor should we look backward to start assigning blame, as the hon. member would like us to do.
Instead I suggest to the hon. member that we need to take the opportunity to look ahead to find ways to make long term improvements to the system. Finding solutions will require the co-operation of all parties concerned. Ministers responsible for transport or agriculture from the four western provinces have called an inquiry which is just one of the several options now being considered. Whatever the option ultimately chosen by the government, our main objective must be to ensure that we have the most efficient, effective and reliable grain transportation and handling system possible for our producers, shippers and customers.