Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Post

Four days ago, the labour dispute in Canadian west coast ports came to a conclusion. The four-year contract allows the unionized port workers to return to the job, now looking at clearing the backlog that has occurred over the last five weeks during the stalemated arbitrations. The backlog will affect Small businesses the most, with a good percentage of their stock stuck in it. There is now buzz from small businesses asking for a change to labour law that would reduce the necessity to hear out labourers, considering the economy over labourer needs. Of course, that would take away crucial negotiating power and could have devastating effects in the long run for union workers. To read about the contract ratifications, look here: https://lnkd.in/gQ8vPD5k. To read more about small businesses’ reactions to the backlog, look here: https://lnkd.in/g2hacWgk.

Yesterday, on behalf of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, my colleague Pascal Chan and I appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade to discuss the 2023 West Coast Port Strike. Our message was clear: ▶ The West Coast port strike caused significant damage to the Canadian economy and to our reputation as a reliable trading partner. The numbers were staggering -- with $800 million worth of trade being interrupted each day, our estimated total impact of the strike is $10.7 billion. ▶ We need to make sure that the government has the ability to force the two sides together in a form of binding resolution. We can’t have the government waiting on the sidelines for two weeks before action is taken. ▶ The introduction of Bill C-58, (anti-replacement workers legislation) will lead to serious supply chain and service disruptions. The government is simply playing politics while Canadians pay the price. Full remarks: https://lnkd.in/eFiFnQ-Y #InternationalTrade #WestCoastPortStrike #CanadianEconomy #SupplyChainDisruptions

Uncertainty looms as Teamsters Canada union members "voted almost 99% in favour of reauthorized strike action," while CN and CPKC railways seek ways to avoid disruptions. To learn more about the situation, check out the article at: https://lnkd.in/gcRwHZBG #SupplyChain #Logistics #SupplyChainManagement #CPKC #Railway

Uncertainty looms as Teamsters Canada union members "voted almost 99% in favour of reauthorized strike action," while CN and CPKC railways seek ways to avoid disruptions. To learn more about the situation, check out the article at: https://lnkd.in/egT7fFxa #SupplyChain #Logistics #SupplyChainManagement #CPKC #Railway

Uncertainty looms as Teamsters Canada union members "voted almost 99% in favour of reauthorized strike action," while CN and CPKC railways seek ways to avoid disruptions. To learn more about the situation, check out the article at: https://lnkd.in/gdWea42r #SupplyChain #Logistics #SupplyChainManagement #CPKC #Railway

There is a new tentative deal reached at Western ports. Both the ILWU and the BCMEA are recommending ratification of the agreement. No details of the deal have been released, but it was developed in part by the Canada Industrial Relations Board. This comes two days after union members rejected the previously proposed agreement.   To hear more about the new tentative deal, read here: https://lnkd.in/gRz9sBUW.

To confront modern slavery and combat human suffering, the Parliament of Canada passed Bill S-211, the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. It compels business and government organizations alike to reveal the measures they take to ensure forced and child labour are not present in their operations and supply chains. This article examines one approach businesses can take to adhere to the act and to realize the advantages.   

Canada's House of Commons has passed a groundbreaking law, Bill S-211, to combat forced labor in supply chains. Effective January next year, large companies will be mandated to report on areas of their supply chains susceptible to forced labor as well as their due-diligence procedures. By doing so, Canada is poised to transition from being a follower to a frontrunner in the global fight against slavery. Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne, who sponsored the legislation, envisions this law becoming the gold standard in supply chain transparency worldwide. Critics argue that it doesn't go far enough, but Canadian Labor Minister Seamus O'Regan promises additional legislation by the end of 2024. Canada's resolute action sets an inspiring example for other countries grappling with forced labor concerns. Leaders everywhere should continue to forge a more ethical and humane future for workers worldwide. #SupplyChain #Leadership #Labor