Rail strike uncertainty threatens national commerce

For Immediate Release
June 3, 2024

VANCOUVER, B.C — In response to the looming threat of a potential work stoppage across the Canadian rail system, Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, has issued the following statement:

“Businesses across sectors thrive on certainty for operations and to control costs for consumers. Already the possibility of a work stoppage in our rail system has resulted in companies diverting cargo from Canada due to the uncertainty of our supply chains.

“We are calling for the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB)  to provide clear and definitive timelines for their decision-making regarding any potential work stoppage related to Canada’s rail system and supply chain.

“We appreciate and trust that the CIRB will complete its work in the utmost professional manner. However, this uncertainty is unsustainable and, as our letter notes, is already having a damaging effect on business operations.

“From coast to coast, Canada’s railways serve as the lifeblood of our economy, facilitating the movement of goods essential to both domestic and international commerce.

“We are facing an unprecedented potential for work stoppage with both CN and CPKC. In addition, the Local 514 are threatening to shut down critical terminals on Canada’s west coast, which could lead to a replay of last year’s work stoppage which saw $10.7 billion of trade disrupted. 

“It is estimated goods valued at $1.04 billion move by rail every day in Canada, a total of $380 billion per year, delivering $200 billion worth of Canadian exports to markets across North America and around the globe.

“We are calling for clear communication on a timeline from the CIRB to ensure businesses can plan accordingly. We also call on the Government of Canada to use the tools in their toolkit and potentially explore new methods to ensure we have certainty and stability in our economy.”

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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 Pacific Canada’s leading business association, engaging members to positively impact public policy at all levels of government and 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 businesses in the country, providing a platform for national and international business and thought leaders to further enlighten B.C.’s business leaders.

Media contact:

Federico Cerani
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com