Moe calls on federal government to intervene in B.C. port labour dispute
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is calling on the federal government to intervene and end the current labour impasse affecting ports in B.C.
Sharing a letter from Saskatchewan’s ministers of highways, energy and resources, agriculture, as well as trade and export development, addressed to several federal ministries – Moe highlighted the need for a quick resolution of the labour dispute.
“Canada and Saskatchewan’s success in oversees markets relies on our exporters delivering quality products on time,” the letter read. “A labour dispute could cause delays, allowing global competitors to gain an advantage.”
On Nov. 4, the B.C. Maritime Employers Association locked out about 700 foremen from ILWU Local 514.
The association’s move came in response to a strike notice from the union.
Federal mediators are on site to assist both parties in reaching an agreement. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has given no indication if the federal government will act to end the dispute.
“We are thankful the federal government did the right thing when many of these same economic powerhouse industries were threatened with a rail disruption, and we’d ask them to do the same today,” Moe said in his message to X.
The lockout is just the latest disruption of trade in the region. In 2023, work stopped for 13 days at 30 terminals in B.C.
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade estimated the stoppage disrupted $10.7 billion worth of trade.
The letter went on to call for decisive action to be taken – given the cost to producers and Saskatchewan businesses.
"This work stoppage comes on the heels of the rail shutdown in August, and most producers have limited storage capacity to mitigate the impact of a second disruption," it read.
"We urge the federal government to encourage the resolution of port labour disputes and implement measures to prevent work stoppages while a new collective agreement between the ILWU 514 and BCEMA is being negotiated."
-With files from CTV Vancouver’s Ben Miljure
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Canadian activist accuses Hong Kong of meddling, but is proud of reward for arrest
A Vancouver-based activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest.
New York taxi driver hits 6 pedestrians, 3 taken to hospital, police say
A taxicab hit six pedestrians in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, police said, with three people — including a 9-year-old boy — transported to hospitals for their injuries.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.