CHEMISTRY INDUSTRY WELCOMES REVIEW OF THE CANADA TRANSPORTATION ACT

June 25, 2014

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) is pleased with today’s announcement by Transport Minister Lisa Raitt, to launch a comprehensive Review of the Canada Transportation Act (CTA).

The CTA Review comes at a critical time for the country’s transportation system, and will have  a direct impact on Canada’s chemistry industry. As the country’s third largest manufacturing sector exporter, the chemistry industry is highly dependent on the nation’s rail transportation network, with over two-thirds of its annual shipments moving by rail.

CIAC believes this Review represents an opportunity for much-needed analysis of Canada’s transportation legislation and regulations and we anticipate it will lead to sustainable solutions that will address issues concerning competitiveness and our ability to move goods in a safe, predictable and competitive manner to customers across Canada and around the world.

To successfully address the challenges facing Canada’s rail system, all stakeholders will need to work collaboratively to improve the safety and competitiveness of Canada’s rail transportation network.

“We look forward to working with the Honourable David L. Emerson — who will Chair the Review with the support of advisors — and to taking part in the consultative process,” says CIAC President and CEO Richard Paton. “By working together, CIAC is confident the Review will bring forward recommendations that will lead to substantive improvements to the CTA, and related legislation. CIAC hopes that this Review will serve to strengthen Canada’s overall productivity and prosperity and ensure that our country has the safest and most efficient transportation system so industries such as ours can seize new trade opportunities and successfully compete on the world stage.” says Paton.

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) is the voice of Canada’s Chemistry Industry, representing more than 50 members and partners across the country. The Chemistry sector is a $49 billion industry, which directly employs 87,000 Canadians, and supports another 435,000 jobs in the Canadian economy. Members of the CIAC are all signatories to Responsible Care – the industry’s U.N. recognized sustainability initiative. For more information about the CIAC, go to www.chemistryindustry.ca.