Forward Regulatory Plan: 2020 to 2022 - Amendments to the Railway Interswitching Regulations

Enabling act(s)

Canada Transportation Act

Description

The objective of these proposed amendments is to improve the transparency of interswitching rates through modernizing the rail interswitching regulations – including specifically updating how interswitching rates are calculated and implemented.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

The proposed regulations relate solely to how rates are set as part of a CTA-regulated activity (interswitching) for Canadian rail service providers within Canada. The proposed regulations are not part of a regulatory cooperation effort.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

These proposed amendments will have positive impacts on Canadians as they will streamline and update the rules around interswitching rate calculations and provide greater transparency and consistency in rates.

The impact on businesses has not yet been assessed, but it is expected that small business impacts are nil. The “One-for-One” rule may apply.

Consultations

Consultations on a broad array of issues relating to the CTA’s interswitching rate-setting methodology were held in summer 2019. A follow-up consultation on specific issues related to regulatory change was completed in fall 2020. Feedback from stakeholders is being reviewed and analyzed.

Publication in Part II of the Canada Gazette is expected by 2022.

Departmental contact

Allan Burnside
Senior Director
Analysis and Outreach Branch
Canadian Transportation Agency
Telephone: 819-962-3310
Email: Allan.Burnside@otc-cta.gc.ca

Date that the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

September 2020

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