The celebration is designed to provide the opportunity to highlight the importance of the agriculture and agri-food sector, its remarkable contributions to Canada throughout history, and its potential to provide jobs and stimulate economic growth. As well there will be provincial and territorial participation in the celebration. Activities and events will take place across Canada and will highlight the importance of the sector. To make this celebration a success, AAFC is looking for partners to become involved. CGC Calls for Reforms to Quality Assurance System Canada's grain quality assurance system is not sustainable without fundamental changes.
Grain quality is Canada's marketing edge.
A major factor in the CGC's deficit is the dramatic reduction in the amount grain exported though terminal elevators since the 1995 repeal of the Western Grain Transportation Act. On average, the volume of grain exported through terminals has declined 20 per cent. CGC revenues, which depend largely on the inspection and weighing services it provides at these locations, have declined sharply as a result. Mr. Senft said the CGC faces a financial crisis in 1999 that will only continue if key issues remain unresolved. He said that the CGC had started to streamline operations in 1998 and reduced staff by 50.