Business groups advocating for rail to be declared an essential service in the wake of last week\u2019s temporary work stoppage at Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. say a \u201cpermanent solution\u201d is needed to ease this country\u2019s supply chain woes.<\/p>\n
Fertilizer Canada president and chief executive Karen Proud said that, since 2019, her industry has dealt with strikes at Canadian National Railway Co. and the Port of Montreal, in addition to the most recent labour dispute at CP.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe every few years seem to get stuck in the same situation. Sometimes a couple of times a year,\u201d she said. \u201cIn the long term, we\u2019re really hoping that the government will look at this.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Western Grain Elevator Association, which represents the country\u2019s grain shippers, said in a recent statement that railways are the \u201ceconomy\u2019s lifeblood\u201d and must be treated as so.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot afford to face another massive disruption to our economy where everyday Canadians will pay the price,\u201d the group said in a statement.<\/p>\n