Canadian Grain Commission

Definitions

Canada Grain Act

Canada Grain Regulations

Memorandum to the Trade

Orders of the Canadian Grain Commission

Canada Grain Act

Enacted in 1912, a statute respecting grain passed by the Parliament of Canada gave authority to the Canadian Grain Commission to regulate grain handling in Canada. It has been amended many times.

The Canada Grain Act mandates that the Canadian Grain Commission shall, in the interests of grain producers, provide the following:

• Establish and maintain standards of quality for Canadian grain

• Regulate grain handling in Canada

• Ensure a dependable commodity for domestic and export markets

Canada Grain Regulations

Several provisions of the Canada Grain Act authorize the Canadian Grain Commission to make regulations. Some regulations require Governor-in-Council approval. Regulations are subordinate legislation. They must not conflict with or contradict the statute.

Regulations are considered as general applications. They are in effect from their issue date until repealed or amended.

Memorandum to the Trade

A Memorandum to the Trade (memo) issued by the Canadian Grain Commission is a directive to the grain industry. Memos provide general information or instructions or both. They might include information such as the following:

• Grading instructions

• Requirements to obtain special permission, such as permission needed to store grain on the ground for example

Memos are issued under the general authority granted to the Canadian Grain Commission by p.118 (h) of the Canada Grain Act, as well as other specific provisions of the Act. They are effective from their issue date to the end of a given crop year. If necessary, a memo is reviewed and re-issued annually.

Orders of the Canadian Grain Commission

Several provisions of the Canada Grain Act authorize the Commission to make orders, often making exceptions to the general requirements of the statute. They are considered specific application. Orders of the Commission are often issued to a particular person or company, for a short term or special case. The Canadian Grain Commission may rescind them at any time.