Bill C-39 Labour Code Changes Spark Divided Reaction from Business and Unions

Canadian Labour Code changes have sparked mixed reactions from labour and business leaders. The Building Canada Strong Act, also known as Bill C-39, aims to fast-track major infrastructure projects by setting one-year caps on impact assessments and permit approvals.

The bill includes changes to the Canada Labour Code that would allow Cabinet to extend expired contracts, order striking workers back to work, and force binding arbitration if a strike poses a 'significant adverse national impact.'

Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) president Dan Kelly welcomed the proposed changes, stating they appear to be moving in the right direction. He emphasized that labour disputes do not only affect large employers but also small businesses and millions of workers in the broader economy.

Kelly cited recent strikes and lockouts, including a 2024 Canada Post strike that cost small and medium-sized businesses over $1.6 billion, prompting nearly three-quarters of business owners to permanently reduce or eliminate their reliance on the postal system for shipping.