Statement in Response to Tentative Deal to End Port Strike
For Immediate Release
Thursday, July 13, 2023
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, has issued a statement in response to the tentative deal ending the port strike:
“The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes the news that a tentative deal has been reached, signaling the end of the recent port strike.
While we are pleased to see this positive development, it will take some time for normal cargo operations to restore and for the economy to recover fully. This is the longest strike we have had in nearly 40 years on the waterfront, and it follows a period of great instability for our supply chains. The 13-day strike has had a significant impact on Canada's west coast ports and Canadian economy, disrupting an estimated $9.7 billion in trade, as reported by the Board of Trade's Port Shutdown Calculator estimation tool as of this morning. The consequences of the strike have been felt across various industries nationwide and will continue for some time.
Looking forward, we need to rebuild our reputation as a stable trading partner and ensure the future resiliency and stability of our supply chain. The road to recovery will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved, and industry and government must work together to ensure such disruptions do not happen again in the future. We ask the federal government to explore adding additional tools in their toolkit that can better address labour disputes on the waterfront to avoid further damage to our supply chain.
We extend our appreciation to all parties involved for their efforts in reaching the tentative agreement. We encourage them to expedite the finalization of the deal to ensure a swift resumption of port operations.”
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About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:
Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Western Canada's leading business association, engaging our members to inform public policy at all levels of government and empowering them to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.'s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events platforms in the country, providing a stage for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.'s business leaders.
Media contact:
David van Hemmen or Rahul Ajwani
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com