The strike by workers at some of British Columbia’s busiest ports continued into its fourth day on Tuesday, prompting growing apprehension from the Mining Association of Canada (MAC).
The MAC has sounded the alarm about the potential consequences of the industrial action, emphasising the detrimental impact it could have on the mining sector and the broader Canadian economy.
“BC’s ports play an essential role in Canada’s mining supply chain, serving as central hubs for the transport of the critical minerals and metals essential to businesses both domestically and internationally,” said president and CEO Pierre Gratton.
“Canada’s reputation as a trusted producer of these materials is in question if we are unable to rely on our transportation networks to get them to market.”
About 7 000 cargo loaders at about 30 British Columbia ports walked off the job on Saturday, as BC Maritime Employers Association and International Longshore Warehouse Union Canada attempt to negotiate better pay and job security against contracting out labour.
Mining is a major user of Canada’s ports and is the biggest single shipping sector by volume by both rail and marine modes. The majority of this production volume is shipped to international customers, together accounting for 22% (or C$127-billion) of the total value of Canada's exports in 2021, and consistently contributing positively to Canada's balance of trade.
Work stoppages such as those occurring at ports across British Columbia have immense costs to Canada, include additional operational costs to businesses and reduce confidence in Canada as a destination for investment for supply-chain-reliant businesses, such as mining.
"Immediate action from the federal government is required in order to minimise the serious negative effects to our broader economy and to maintain our standing as one of the key suppliers of the materials essential to the global energy transition and the needs of customers around the world," continued Gratton.
"With the ongoing supply chain issues stemming from the war in Ukraine, extreme weather events, and regular labour disputes at transportation networks across the country, Canada's reputation is at stake should work stoppages continue."