CP Rail strike: RCC calls on federal government intervention

Facing a potential strike with Canadian Pacific Rail, Retail Council of Canada joined over 30 other business organizations in an open letter to the federal government to avoid crisis-level impacts to the supply chain.

Canada’s rail network is a key driver of economic growth for many of the country’s major industries. Any disruption of this magnitude would create a freight capacity crisis that would have a profound impact on rail shippers throughout the broader Canadian economy.

“We have urged the federal government to do what is best for Canada’s economy and facilitate a negotiation between CP and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference,” the open letter read. “While we support the right to collective bargaining, this issue requires the government’s full attention to preserve jobs and protect Canada’s economy.”

March 11, 2022
Dear Ministers:

Canadian businesses have suffered under the strain of constant disruptions over the last two years. The challenges they have had to overcome have included COVID-19, extreme weather events, increasing inflationary pressures, labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. Now achieving a successful recovery is threatened by the possibility of a work stoppage on the Canadian Pacific (CP) railway network.

Canada’s rail network is a key driver of economic growth for many of the country’s major industries. It is also crucial for exporting Canadian goods. Any disruption of this magnitude would create a freight capacity crisis that would have a profound impact on rail shippers throughout the broader Canadian economy.

Many Canadian businesses may soon face difficult decisions about their ability to continue operations. Additionally, the damage to Canadian supply chains would extend beyond our borders and harm our reputation as a reliable partner in international trade.

The Canadian economy and our supply chains need certainty. Prolonged uncertainty would have a deep and adverse impact for all Canadians who rely on the essential rail supply chain and for the broader Canadian economy.

We urge the federal government to do what is best for Canada’s economy and facilitate a negotiation between CP and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. While we support the right to collective bargaining, this issue requires the government’s full attention to preserve jobs and protect Canada’s economy.

Sincerely,
Retail Council of Canada
Alberta Chambers of Commerce
Business Council of Canada
Canadian Association of Importers and
Exporters
Canadian Canola Growers Association
Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Canadian Food Exporters Association
Canadian International Freight Forwarders
Association
Canadian Meat Council
Canadian Steel Producers Association
Canadian Toy Association
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association
Canola Council of Canada
Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
Fertilizer Canada
FETCO
Food, Health & Consumer Products of
Canada
Forest Products Association of Canada
Freight Management Association of
Canada
Heating, Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning Institute of Canada
Institute of Canadian Agencies (ICA)
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
Medtech Canada
Mining Association of Canada
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
Shipping Federation of Canada
Supply Chain Canada
The Greater Vancouver Gateway
Council
Western Canadian Shippers’ Coalition
Western Retail Lumber Association