Federal government moves to end Montreal, B.C. port strikes by ordering binding arbitration
Business groups had urged the government to intervene to restore the movement of goods.
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon announced he is stepping in to halt the work stoppages at ports in both British Columbia and Montreal.
MacKinnon stated that negotiations have reached a deadlock, prompting him to instruct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to mandate the resumption of all port activities and shift the discussions to binding arbitration.
He emphasized that the disruptions at the British Columbia ports and the Port of Montreal are causing significant damage to supply chains, endangering thousands of jobs, and tarnishing Canada’s reputation as a dependable trade partner.
Business groups had urged the government to intervene to restore the movement of goods.
This decision follows the government's earlier intervention in August to resolve work stoppages at Canada’s two major railways. MacKinnon expressed optimism that port operations could resume within a few days.
