Rail Labour Dispute Work Stoppage

The dual lockout and strike action that recently halted service at both of Canada’s Class 1 railways, CN and CPKC, is a stark reminder of the imbalance in the rail system to which farmers are beholden to in order to get their grain to markets both domestically and internationally. Alberta Grains worked extensively with industry partners and through media to emphasize the impact of a prolonged disruption on the grain sector and farmers at the critical time of year and to encourage government intervention. While we were pleased that rail service resumed quickly upon the Canadian Industrial Relations Board ruling, we continue to monitor the situation and look to government and industry for long-term permanent solutions to avoid future disruptions, which have become all to frequent.