Multiple organizations in Saskatchewan are urging the federal government to intervene and resolve the ongoing Port strike on the west coast.
Port workers in British Columbia have been on strike for over a week now, causing concerns among industries heavily dependent on exports.
The economic consequences are a major concern for the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
“About 44% of our trade goes through the Vancouver-Fraser port, accounting for approximately $17 billion in commodities. This is a significant issue,” stated Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Ramaswamy further explained that without alternate ports of the same capacity to handle the province’s exports, rerouting through the United States would lead to increased costs for exporters.
“We possess valuable resources that the world needs, but the challenge lies in effectively reaching international markets. The strike has only compounded this challenge,” Ramaswamy emphasized.
On June 20th, the provincial ministers of highways and trade, Jeremy Cockrill, sent a letter to the federal government highlighting the implications of a strike. They outlined how a labor dispute would cause bottlenecks in the supply chain, leading to shortages and increased costs for businesses.
The letter pleaded with the federal government to explore all possible solutions to prevent a labor disruption, as the consequences would be extensive and detrimental for the province and the country as a whole.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also tweeted, urging the federal government to explore all options to end the strike, which is costing the economy significantly.
With the strike now in full effect, Brad Sigurdson from the Saskatchewan Mining Association expressed concerns that a prolonged strike could lead to production cuts or even shutdowns.
“These disruptions are disheartening and highly disruptive for workers. We cannot get our products to market without these ports,” Sigurdson said.
As Saskatchewan is the world’s largest exporter of potash and fertilizer, both the Chamber and the Mining Association join the province in calling on the federal government to explore options for a mutual agreement and prevent further economic challenges.
During a meeting with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Calgary, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that the federal government will continue applying pressure on both sides to resolve the port strike.
Trudeau acknowledged the significant impact the strike has had on businesses in the Prairie region and emphasized that the best solution lies in negotiations at the bargaining table.
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