The Alberta Wheat Commission wants the federal government to take fast action in legislating improvements to rail service, and encourages interim accountability measures to remain in place for now.

The government previously announced legislation that will offer long-term solutions to Canada’s grain transportation issues which have plagued the industry for decades.

But that legislation isn't expected to be introduced until the fall, so the commission is calling for interim measures under the fair rail for grain farmers act to be extended beyond the current August 30, 2017 expiration date to ensure the railways offer the level of service required to ship this year’s harvest.

Commission chair Kevin Auch, says the current railway accountability measures must stay place TO Avoid a repeat of the transportation backlog that cost farmers billions of dollars in lost revenue during the fall and winter of 2013.

Announced by federal transport minister Marc Garneau in November 2016, but during a recent meeting with representatives from Transport Canada, the Wheat Commission learned the legislation likely won't pass before the House rises this June.