Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau released his Transportation 2030 plan in Montreal on Thursday.

The plan calls for a more transparent, balanced, and efficient rail system that reliably moves our goods to global markets.

He notes the plan will establish the ability to apply reciprocal penalties between railway companies and their customers in their service level agreements.

It will also better define "adequate and suitable service", improve access and timelines for Canadian Transportation Agency decisions; and address the future for the Maximum Revenue Entitlement and extended inter switching.

“A more efficient rail freight system to reliably move our goods to global markets will help farmers, shippers and railways to generate growth for the Canadian economy, strengthening the middle class,” said federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay.

The Transportation 2030 plan covers more than just rail and includes plans for Canada’s air and waterways as well.

Legislation will be introduced early in 2017.