Earlier today, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) President and CEO Derek Nighbor issued the following statement regarding an impending work stoppage affecting CN and CPKC operations:
“A shutdown of Canada’s rail network threatens to shut down many of our mills – which would be a blow to forest sector workers, contractors, their families, and the local businesses that rely on their paycheques – at a time when business is already tough.
CN and CPKC are essential partners to most of Canada’s sawmills and pulp and paper mills. Having both railways in a position to grind operations to a halt at the same time reeks of a deliberate attempt to hold the Canadian economy hostage and is completely unacceptable. At a time when governments, industry, and workers are focused on bringing more made in Canada products to the world, it’s a black eye on Canada’s reputation as a reliable and serious business partner.
In thirteen of the last fourteen years, we have faced some kind of strike, lockout, or other serious disruption along Canada’s national transportation system and it’s beyond tiresome.
It’s frustrating for workers and small businesses who are innocent bystanders and what’s not being talked about enough is how it’s a massive drag on Canada’s competitiveness position and international reputation.
All indications are negotiations are not progressing. If that is in fact the case, the federal government has an obligation to act immediately.”
FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. As an industry with annual revenues exceeding $97.6B, Canada’s forest products sector is one of the country’s largest employers operating in over 600 communities, providing 200,000 direct jobs, and over 374,000 indirect jobs across the country. Our members are committed to collaborating with Indigenous leaders, government bodies, and other key stakeholders to develop a cross-Canada action plan aimed at advancing forest health, while supporting workers, communities and our environment for the long term.
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