The lives and livelihoods of Canadians depend on rail

Today the Canada Industrial Relations Board acknowledged that a rail work stoppage would result in “economic hardship” and would possibly cause “harm to Canada’s global reputation as a reliable trading partner.”

Rail is the backbone of the Canadian economy. Businesses of all sizes and in all sectors rely on rail to deliver goods that are essential for their operations and the employment of millions of Canadians.

In addition to the overall harm to the economy and jobs, a national work stoppage would also drive up prices for essential goods at a time when Canadians are facing affordability challenges.  

This is why the Business Council of Canada has joined nearly 100 industry groups and associations from across Canada in calling on the federal government to act swiftly and do everything necessary to avert a disruption to Canada’s Class I railways. The lives and livelihoods of millions of Canadians depend on it.