Control What Can Be Controlled – Canada Must Protect Supply Chains Now

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Control What Can Be Controlled – Canada Must Protect Supply Chains NowAuthor of the article:FETCO calls on the federal government to adopt new tools to improve labour stability and supply chain reliability for collective bargaining disputes in federally regulated sectorsTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountOTTAWA, Ontario, Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The escalating trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. is causing profound disruption and uncertainty for businesses, investors, and consumers. Now, it is more important than ever that Canada protect its economy with reliable supply chains that can support the Carney government’s strong trade diversification and investment agenda. Against this critical backdrop, it can no longer be “business as usual” when it comes to labour stability.Federally Regulated Employers – Transportation and Communications (FETCO) and its members urge the government to rapidly introduce amendments to the Canada Labour Code.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againCritical amendments are needed to create a special mediator — as recommended in the government-commissioned Industrial Inquiry Commission on West Coast Ports — and constitutionally valid safeguards to avoid strikes that clearly impair the national public interest. Canada must improve labour stability in our critical transportation supply chains so that we are seen as a trusted and reliable trading partner as the Carney government seeks to diversify our trading relationships around the world.“A trade deal is only as good as our ability to deliver on it,” said Derrick Hynes, President and CEO of FETCO. “The recent WestJet dispute showed exactly how fast labour conflict can hit consumers and businesses – and how a single disruption in a critical industry can spiral into a national economic crisis overnight. This isn’t an isolated incident. We’ve seen the same pattern play out in our ports and our railways, year after year.”When labour disputes shut down most operations at Canada’s West Coast ports for a combined 24 days in 2023 and 2024, it disrupted cargo worth $19.2 billion. A total rail stoppage would be equally devastating, estimated to cost $341 million per day. Work stoppage costs are ultimately paid for by Canadian businesses, workers and consumers — and they damage Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.According to Statistics Canada, the number of person-days not worked due to labour disputes over the past three years is, on average, over 1.1 million per year. In each of the last three years, this total exceeded the previous 10-year period combined (2013-2022).Each of those days carries a real cost, and real consequences. It’s the small business that can’t get its products to store shelves, a farmer whose grain rots because it can’t reach the port in time, or the medical shipment that doesn’t make it to the person who needs it most.The Carney government has clearly shown it recognizes this is a problem directly at odds with the goal of growing the strongest economy in the G7, and we appreciate their focus on finding solutions. Now is the time for action.This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.“These changes will increase the likelihood that employers and unions reach a deal themselves, at the table, avoiding costly, unnecessary disruption,” said Hynes. “They’re practical steps that strengthen supply chain reliability and increase trade with our partners around the world, at a moment of real economic headwinds.”FETCO President and CEO Derrick Hynes is available for interviews upon request. Federally Regulated Employers – Transportation and Communications (FETCO) is an employers’ association comprised of federally regulated firms within the transportation and communications sectors. FETCO members collaborate on matters related to human resources and labour relations, including issues captured by several key pieces of legislation, such as the Canada Labour Code, Employment Equity Act, Human Rights Act, as well as others.Colton PraillPublic Relations Strategist, spark*AdvocacyColton@sparkadvocacy.ca613-875-4320Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.