A former Liberal agriculture minister says Canada's grain transportation problems need to be solved.

Ralph Goodale, the recently re-elected m-p for Regina-Wascana in Saskatchewan, says it's the top ag issue needing to be addressed when parliament resumes.

He says Canada's rail system needs to be transparent, accountable, and geared for growth, and also talks about the canada transportation act review panel report, which is due at the end of the year.

"The government need to be in a position to respond quickly to that report. This is a major opportunity to fix what's wrong and we dare not let that opportunity pass by," Goodale said.

Goodale says the rail system needs to be service-oriented for Canadian shippers.