(Chris Schwarz/Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff and Canadian Press

DANIELLE SMITH AND DEVIN DREESHEN

Premier and minister of transportation comment on B.C. port work stoppage

Nov 6, 2024 | 3:50 PM

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen have issued a joint statement regarding the West Coast ports work stoppage.

The BC Maritime Employers Association locked out employees on Nov. 4, in response to strike activity by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514. The Association says that since then, there has been no engagement with the union or federal mediators.

Smith and Dreeshen shared their disappointment that another work stoppage is impacting Canada’s transportation sector and could have widespread impacts on the country’s economy and reputation as a trade partner.

“Alberta is a landlocked province that relies on the safe, dependable movement of goods to and from West Coast ports. These ports export about $50 million worth of Alberta’s key commodities every day including agricultural, energy and manufacturing-related products,” they said. “A prolonged work stoppage will disrupt the movement of these products, backlog other transportation networks such as rail and trucking and damage the economies of Alberta and Canada.”

They also urged both the employers and union to work towards an agreement to minimize disruptions at the ports.

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Dreeshen and Smith added that moving forward, they would like to see the federal government respond more proactively to labour disputes impacting essential components of transportation and supply chain networks, especially those with limited service providers. They would also like to see the Canadian government intervene now through binding arbitration, or any other steps necessary to maintain port operations.

As of November 6, port employers have said they may need to “reassess” their position on a current offer that applies to more than 700 workers. A statement from the Association said the offer made last week is their final offer and remains on the table, but that position could change “as the shutdown continues.”