While farm leaders are pleased with Transport Minister Marc Garneau's new overarching transportation strategy, they still don't know what the government's intentions are for the Maximum Revenue Entitlement (MRE) regulation.

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and its members say that an updated MRE regulation is an essential component of modernizing the Canadian Transportation Act.

The MRE, introduced by the federal government in 2000, limits the fees that could be charged by Canada's two western railways, which operate in a near-monopoly.

CFA President Ron Bonnett explains they are also asking for a complete costing review.

"Transportation costs represent a significant portion of western grain farmers' expenses. That's why farm groups have been advocating for a full costing review, which would lead to an accurate and up-to-date MRE," he said. "We are still waiting for the government to fulfill their promise to launch the costing review, as they had stated they would, prior to the 2015 election."

The CFA and its members will continue to work with industry and government stakeholders for improvement and will make sure that farmers' views remain a part of the national discussion.

"Manitoba grain farmers are grateful for recent opportunities to contribute to consultations on transportation systems, and we strongly urge the government to engage farmers as they add more detail to plans announced," said Dan Mazier, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers.