Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager.
“Delayed.”
It’s a notice no one likes receiving. From the business owner waiting on an invoice, to the customer hoping their gift arrives on time, we all rely on supply chains to keep things moving.
This year, Canada has seen major labour disruptions to vital trade and transportation links. Work stoppages at the Vancouver and Montreal ports left billions – with a B – of dollars worth of goods sitting idle.
Earlier this month, the Vancouver Board of Trade’s Port Shutdown Calculator indicates $8 billion of trade was disrupted by the 10-day labour action at the Port of Vancouver. This is on top of the economic impacts of rail and air labour disputes from earlier in the summer.
Trade is an integral part of Canada’s economy; exports alone represent 1 in 6 Canadian jobs. The reputation of Canada as a reliable supply chain partner is essential if we want to maintain and grow our economy. After the recent U.S. election and upcoming CUSMA review in 2026, continued frequent disruptions could cause significant damage.
During the recent Canadian Global Cities Council Day on Parliament Hill, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce met with Canada’s Transport Minister Anand and Industry Science and Economic Development Minister Champagne to discuss Canada’s reputation as a reliable trade partner.
It was stressed that federal government needs to act decisively to keep supply chains moving and ports operational.
Canadians rely on government officials to protect our economy and ensure a prosperous future for not only businesses, but people. Legislators need to anticipate interruptions and be ready if legislation is required. A work stoppage is not the time to debating courses of action, while the Canadian economy suffers.
The Winnipeg Chamber, as Vice Chair of the Canadian Global Cities Council, continues to work with our counterparts from other large urban Chambers on this matter.
Learn More and Take Action
Read Day on Parliament Hill with Canadian Global Cities Council
If you would like to be involved in The Chambers advocacy efforts, please contact Gwen Black our Policy and Government Relations Manager.
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