Canada Must Strengthen Supply Chains Amid Escalating Trade Dispute
The escalating trade dispute between Canada and the US is causing significant disruption to businesses, investors, and consumers. To mitigate this, Canada must protect its economy by ensuring reliable supply chains that can support the government's strong trade diversification agenda.
Federally Regulated Employers, Transportation and Communications (FETCO) has called on the government to introduce amendments to the Canada Labour Code, specifically creating a special mediator and constitutionally valid safeguards to prevent strikes that impair the national public interest.
A recent WestJet dispute highlighted how quickly labour conflicts can affect consumers and businesses. The same pattern has played out in ports and railways year after year, with a total of 24 days lost due to labour disputes at Canada's West Coast ports in 2023 and 2024 resulting in cargo worth $19.2 billion being disrupted.
FETCO President and CEO Derrick Hynes emphasized the importance of addressing labour stability: 'A trade deal is only as good as our ability to deliver on it.'