By Dori Modney with files from The Canadian Press and Canadian Grain Commission

Canadian Grain Commission puts forward proposed fee reductions

Apr 26, 2017 | 2:30 PM

OTTAWA –  Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay is supporting the Canadian Grain Commission’s proposal to reduce fees for grain inspection and weighing services effective August 1st.

Supplementary fees for overtime related to official grain inspection services would also be eliminated.

The reduced fees would result in a 24 per cent decrease in fees, or estimated savings of about $10 million for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. 
 
According to MacAulay, the proposed changes would also limit further accumulation of surplus revenue in the Canadian Grain Commission revolving fund. 
 
“One of the results of the tremendous production we’ve seen in Western Canada over the past few years has been higher revenues at the Canadian Grain Commission. As a result, I committed to our stakeholders to look at ways to lower its user fees. Today’s announcement is an important step to putting more money in the pockets of our farmers, helping to grow the economy and strengthen the middle class.”
 
Stakeholders have until May 22, 2017 to comment on the proposed changes. 
 
 More information can be found on the Proposed user fee updates in the Canada Gazette, Part I and  on the Canadian Grain Commission websitE.