OTTAWA, Ont. — The Railway Association of Canada’s 40 short line and regional railway members are tasking the federal government to develop a national transportation policy, not more regulations.

In a message sounding the same as those trumpeted by Canada’s truck fleets, the rail group says the government’s deregulation agenda has been a success and there is no need for regulatory intervention, especially during an economic downturn.

Instead the group want to see support given to the Minister of Transport, David Collenette, and efforts to developing a new blueprint for the future of transportation in Canada.

“The focus of transportation policy in future, however, should be on increased modal balance,” says the group’s president and chief executive officer Bill Rowat. “Canada’s current tax system is unfair to its railways, and should be changed. Our railways pay twice as much tax as U.S. railroads.”