The CWB welcomes the Government of Canada’s announcement to remove tariffs on imported vessels as good news for western Canadian farmers.
“The St. Lawrence Seaway is a strategic gateway for Prairie farmers sending their grain to markets in Europe, Africa and South America,” said Ian White, President and CEO of the CWB. “By removing the 25-per-cent tariff on imported vessels, the Government of Canada has made the purchase of new lakers more economically feasible, helping to ensure farmers have access to an economic and efficient means of shipping their grain.”
Prairie farmers rely on lakers. Seventy-five per cent of CWB grain exports through the St. Lawrence port region arrive at transfer elevators via laker. A typical laker can haul 26 000 tonnes of wheat, roughly equivalent to the capacity of 300 rail cars. New lakers in Canada’s fleet will help to ensure that farmers continue to have access to this important transportation corridor.
Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. One of Canada’s biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based organization sells grain to over 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to farmers.
