OTTAWA, ON, The federal government must take immediate action to end the St. Lawrence Seaway strike after yesterday's negotiations between the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) and Unifor failed to result in a tentative agreement. The seaway is an important trade corridor for Canada, including importing fertilizer for Eastern Canadian farmers and exporting potash to international markets. Farmers have a short window to apply fertilizer and any disruption to the supply chain can threaten getting fertilizer to farmers in time and jeopardize food security.
Fertilizer Canada respects the collective bargaining process, but after seven days of closure it is time for the federal government to act and use all tools available under the Canada Labour Code. Action must be taken to find a swift resolution to protect Canada's economy and our global reputation as a reliable trading partner.
"There is no time to waste to get the Seaway moving again," says Karen Proud, President and CEO Fertilizer Canada. "Each day the strike goes on we add to the backlog and jeopardize our reputation on the world stage as a reliable trading partner."
To strengthen Canada's supply chains and help safeguard against future disruptions it is imperative the federal government accelerates the recommendations of the 2022 National Supply Chain Task Force, including addressing systemic labour dispute delays.