Fellows, KentStewart, Faith2023-12-112023-12-112023-05-29Stewart, F. (2023). Navigating Canadian Rail Delays: A Path to Agricultural Prosperity and Global Trade Resilience (Unpublished master's project). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.https://hdl.handle.net/1880/117717https://doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/42560This Capstone delves into the repercussions of Canadian rail delays on both agricultural producers and Canada's global trade standing. It focuses on Western Canadian grain transportation by CN and CP railways, evaluating the challenges resulting from delays, exploring the viability of an interswitching policy, and presenting a policy solution. Addressing these rail issues is pivotal for future trade success, as uncertainty in transportation currently hinders economic prosperity for farmers and jeopardizes Canada's international reputation. A more diverse and competitive rail transportation landscape would enhance the efficiency of grain transportation and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural supply chain in Canada. The recommended policy, an expanded Extended Interswitching Policy (Flip the Switch Campaign) presents the opportunity for positive economic impacts. These gains would extend to shippers, railways, and regional economies, with shippers poised to gain enhanced flexibility and cost savings in transporting their products to market. The policy must also carefully consider the potential impacts on all stakeholders and ensure appropriate infrastructure development to provide the greatest success. This paper endeavors to provide context on the issue and offer a practical recommendation to amplify competitiveness in the agricultural market and streamline supply chain efficiency moving forward.enUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.CanadianRailwayCN RailCP RailRail TransportationRail DelaysRail IndustryStakeholder ConcernsAgricultural ProducersProducersAgricultural SectorShipping, GrainGrain StorageAgricultureAgricultural transportWestern provincesInterswitchingInterswitching PolicyExtended Interswitching PolicyPolicy SolutionFlip the Switch CampaignTransportation RegulationFlexibilityEconomic ImpactSupply ChainCompetitionCapacityInfrastructure DevelopmentTradeInternational Trade RelationsReputationreport