Alberta’s premier urges a ‘quick fix’ for BC’s port strike
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the ongoing strike in British Columbia ports could cause “substantial economic damage” in Alberta and across Canada.
Dock workers across BC left work Saturday morning and Smith is urging the federal government to work with all parties “to ensure a speedy resolution.”
Negotiators with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada and the BC Maritime Employers Association are expected to return to the table today after talks broke off late Sunday.
Smith released a statement saying her government is monitoring the situation and is concerned about the negative impact the strike will have on the Canadian economy, including increased inflationary pressures on consumers.
Business groups across Canada have warned of the economic fallout from the strike, which is affecting thousands of cargo loaders in more than 30 ports. They have urged the federal government to take action to get workers back to work, while the Ottawa union has publicly asked not to interfere.
In 2021, Devin Dreeshen, then Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, said Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba ship about $78 billion in exports annually from the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s busiest port.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 3, 2023.
