CALGARY, AB: The Wheat Growers Association continues to urge the federal government to take immediate action to prevent a shutdown of the Canadian rail system caused by a union-led strike. A work stoppage by both railways would cause long term damage to Canadian agriculture and jeopardize the viability of Canada’s economy.
Farmers rely heavily on the movement of grain, fertilizer, and other inputs by rail. When both railways stop working, it severely disrupts the supply chain, leading to significant challenges for farmers, exporters, and our global customers. When grain deliveries stop, grain exports come to a halt, undermining our reputation as a reliable exporter.
Over the past dozen years, there have been more than ten major rail stoppages due to union actions, in addition to numerous minor ones. Each instance has had adverse effects on everyone involved in the food supply chain – from farmers and exporters to processors and consumers.
While we appreciate Transport Minister O’Regan request for a safety review from the Canada Industrial Relations Board, we believe this is merely a temporary measure that fails to address the root cause of a potential major disruption. The Wheat Growers Association believes that the economic implications of a strike are too great to be ignored. We urge the Minister to move quickly on this file and take proactive steps to prevent a rail strike.
About the Wheat Growers:
Founded in 1970, the Wheat Growers Association is a voluntary farmer-run advocacy organization dedicated to developing public policy solutions that strengthen the profitability and sustainability of farming, and the agricultural industry as a whole. For more information please visit: wheatgrowers.ca. Click here to see who is helping to advocate for grain farmers.
For more information please visit: wheatgrowers.ca. Click here to see who is helping to advocate for grain farmers.
For media requests please contact:
Dave Quist
1-587-224-7221
dquist@wheatgrowers.ca