On January 30th, CFA made a submission to the HUMA Committee as it studies the definition of “work” and the future of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. This section is an important tool the federal government can use to help prevent or resolve major labour disputes, especially in rail and port transportation, which farmers rely on heavily.
CFA stressed in the submission that when transportation workers strike or experience lockouts, farmers feel the impact immediately through:
- Higher interest costs due to relying on operating credit
- Demurrage fees and vessel delays
- Lost international market share
- Spoilage of perishable goods
CFA warned that removing Section 107, which has been proposed via Bill C-247, would greatly weaken Canada’s ability to prevent supply chain disruptions, potentially affecting both farm profitability and national food security.
CFA’s high-level recommendation included:
- Launch consultations with affected industries to address root causes of recurring labour disputes.
- Modernize dispute‑resolution processes, building on the 2025 Industrial Inquiry Commission’s recommendations—especially creating a Special Mediator with enhanced powers to ensure good‑faith bargaining.
- Amend Section 87.4(1) of the Labour Code by removing the word “immediate” so the CIRB can act when disruptions threaten essential goods like propane, diesel, or agricultural inputs.