Mr. E. Hunter Harrison reports

CP CHALLENGES AG TRANSPORT COALITION, ASKS FOR CLARITY ON MANDATE

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. is appalled that a government-funded group such as the Ag Transport Coalition can claim it is trying to enhance "the competitiveness of the agricultural supply chain," but not involve transportation partners in the discussion. The Ag Transport Coalition is a group of agricultural associations funded in part by Growing Forward 2, a five-year $3-billion investment program paid for by Canadian taxpayers and overseen by the Minister of Agriculture, Gerry Ritz.

"The use of public funds to drive a single, self-serving agenda under the guise of solving large, complex supply chain issues is unconscionable," said E. Hunter Harrison, CP chief executive officer. CP calls on the Ag Transport Coalition to look broadly at the supply chain and seek input from, and dialogue with, other links in the supply chain -- from ports to elevators to terminals.

"It is our belief that any discussions about commodity movement should include all pieces of the supply chain puzzle," said Mr. Harrison. "It is disingenuous for the Ag Transport Coalition to say it wants to improve the agricultural supply chain if they don't want to involve transportation stakeholders in the discussion."

A big part of CP's transformation over the past 2-1/2 years from industry laggard to railway leader is the result of collaboration and co-ordination with its customers. The innovative solutions CP has implemented to improve efficiency and velocity throughout its network -- including the dedicated train program -- is a direct result of consultation with, and input from, shippers and producers of agricultural products. The economic prosperity of the Canadian agricultural sector is central to the prosperity of the entire nation, and CP believes an efficient and fluid 24/7 supply chain is a key to the prosperity of all.