August 23rd, 2024, Ottawa – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), who represent over 190,000 farm families across Canada, is pleased that the Minister of Labour has acted in the best interests of Canadians, including farmers, by invoking Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code and directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to impose binding arbitration.
While there will be residual impacts on farmers from the gradual shutdown of service in the lead up to the lockout and the complete shutdown on Thursday, there is no doubt that a prolonged nationwide disruption of rail service would have severely impacted Canadian farmers and the Canadian economy for weeks and months to come. Our hope is that rail service will be fully restored as soon as possible, and that the CPKC work stoppage is also resolved quickly to avoid the severe consequences that a prolonged disruption will cause.
The CFA was also encouraged by the Minister’s commitment to examine the conditions leading to repeated labour disruptions in the rail sector. The agriculture sector has faced several labour disruptions in the past few years, including eight work stoppages over the past six years alone. The CFA and Canadian farmers agree. This cannot continue if Canada is to maintain its long-held reputation as a reliable source of quality agri-food products.
“The reputation of Canada’s farmers and ranchers as a trusted food supplier, both domestically and internationally was at risk with this lockout,” said Keith Currie, CFA President. “The Minister’s decision to step in and force a resolution to the disruption was the right thing to do.”