On behalf of the Burnaby Board of Trade and our members, I am reaching out to request your urgent intervention in the ongoing labour dispute affecting Canada’s port operations, especially the Port of Vancouver. We strongly encourage you to use all powers available under the Canada Labour Code to prevent further harm to Canada’s economy and our reputation as a reliable trading partner.

Past disruptions have shown us the severe consequences of prolonged labour disputes. The recent 13-day strike by B.C. longshore workers led to substantial economic losses, including:

•          $800 million in goods halted daily,
•          17 cargo ships diverted to other ports, with many more delayed and
•          Months of backlog and delays impacting businesses nationwide.

These disruptions harm businesses and communities across Canada, with some business lost to U.S. ports and railroads unlikely to return. The situation is unsustainable, and resolving it promptly is essential to protecting Canada’s reputation and economic prosperity.

We urge you to take decisive action to bring all parties back to the table and prevent further disruptions. The status quo cannot continue, and we stand ready to support any steps toward a lasting solution.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Angie Whitfield
CEO
Burnaby Board of Trade