November 11, 2024 (OTTAWA) – Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC) and its members are again raising an alarm over the escalating labour disruptions at both the Port of Montreal and West Coast ports. This latest wave of strikes and breakdowns in negotiations poses a severe threat to Canada’s food supply chain, with implications that reach across the country and impact businesses of all sizes from coast to coast.
Negotiations aimed at resolving the multi-day lockout in British Columbia have collapsed. Similarly, the parties at the Port of Montreal appear more divided than ever, with the complete halt of port activities now taking place. These ongoing issues compound the cumulative impact of repeated stoppages in Canada’s transportation network, straining an already fragile system.
“We cannot afford to view these disruptions as isolated events,” said Kristina Farrell, CEO of Food and Beverage Canada. “Each strike chips away at the stability of our supply chain, threatening perishable goods, escalating costs, and limiting Canadians’ access to essential food items. Monitoring the negotiations is not enough – we need decisive intervention now.”
The current disruptions extend beyond mere delays. The risk of spoilage and halted production creates a domino effect that jeopardizes the availability of food and beverages for Canadians and harms our international trade relationships. Without immediate federal action, these strikes will have devastating long-term consequences for businesses, consumers, and Canada’s economic reputation.
“The ongoing labour disruptions put a huge strain and additional costs onto our sector and are affecting Canada’s reputation as a reliable place to do business,” said Chris Conway, CEO of Food and Beverage Ontario.
Food and Beverage Canada calls on the federal government to step in and facilitate a resolution to these disputes without delay, employing all available tools to ensure the swift resumption of port operations. Additionally, we reiterate our calls for the development of a comprehensive contingency plan to shield the food supply chain from future disruptions.
Food and Beverage Canada – Aliments at boissons Canada
Alberta Food Processors Association
BC Food & Beverage
Food and Beverage Ontario
Food & Beverage Atlantic
Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec (CTAQ)
Food and Beverage Manitoba
The Baking Association of Canada
Contact:
Kristina Farrell
CEO, Food and Beverage Canada
613-322-9235