Ukraine, CP Rail strike top of mind for Bibeau

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau attended an emergency meeting of G7 agriculture ministers Friday to discuss the global shortage of wheat caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine is one of the world's biggest exporters of grain and officials are warning millions could go hungry in countries including Afghanistan, Yemen and Sudan if other countries don't step up.

"We definitely care a lot about these countries who are facing food security challenges," said Bibeau. "We have already committed $100 million in humanitarian assistance. I also know that our producers/exporters of grain are already working with the world food organization to provide food. This is great to know that Canada is very much involved in terms of humanitarian assistance."

Another issue that Bibeau is focused on is a looming CP Rail strike.

An overwhelming majority, 96.7 per cent, of the more than 3,000 members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference voted in favour of strike action earlier this month.

CP Rail could be looking at a strike as early as March 16th.

Bibeau commented on the issue.

"We have the federal mediator already engaged because we are trying to do everything we can for the parties to reach a negotiated agreement as soon as possible. I understand how the anxiety related to a potential strike because our food supply chain has been stretched and under so much pressure in recent months. We definitely don't need a strike right now, or ever, but especially not right. With my colleague's, we're close to both parties and doing everything we can for a resolution."