This Summary synthesizes the discussion from a Workshop held May 27, 2016 in Regina which brought together thirty-five stakeholders in the grain handling and transportation system in Western Canada. The Workshop provided an opportunity for senior decision-makers to discuss improvements to grain supply chain visibility and performance for bulk grain exports to West Coast ports.



Transportation industry leaders gathered in Winnipeg to discuss freight forecasts that impact Western Canada’s transportation network: potash, coal, agricultural products, energy products and containerized goods. Shippers and transportation providers then responded and outlined the challenges and opportunities of each commodity.


At WESTAC’s Semi-Annual Meeting October 18 & 19 in Calgary, supply chain leaders from all sectors came together to discuss whether the system is Up to the Challenge – Building Capacity to Meet Demand.


The Annual Meeting held April 5 and 6 in Winnipeg brought together industry experts to discuss commodity outlooks for Western Canada.


Drawing from shippers and importers that rely upon the freight transportation system, this 80 page report details findings in containerized freight and in six export commodity groups (coal, forest products, grains, fertilizer and potash, sulphur and chemicals) providing ten-year forecast information about surface freight volumes in Western Canada.


This report draws largely on existing research the describe a very complex grain handling and transportation system in a simple, easy-to-understand way. It is intended as a primer for the workshops where more detailed information may be used.