Derek Nighbor and the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) joined groups representing sectors across the economy – from forestry to propane to agriculture – call on the federal government to end illegal blockades across our national rail system that are putting safety, public health, and Canadian jobs at risk.
We want to see a peaceful resolution to these blockades. We strongly believe that dialogue is important, but it can only be meaningful if illegal blockades come down immediately.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact Kerry Patterson-Baker by phone at (613) 716-7500. ,
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada
Prime Minister’s Office
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A3
RE: Infrastructure Blockades Damaging Canadian Economy
Dear Prime Minister:
As you are aware, the ongoing rail and other infrastructure blockades taking place in various parts of the country are creating severe problems for public services, Canadian businesses, workers and their families.
We fully share your government’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Numerous Canadian businesses have long-standing, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities. The Canadian business community supports the economic and social imperative of ensuring Indigenous peoples have the same tools to benefit from economic activity as everyone else. We are anxious to partner with governments to build relationships based on the recognition of Indigenous rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.
Our member companies collectively employ millions of Canadians from every region and every industrial sector of the economy. We call on your government to work urgently with the provinces and territories, Indigenous leaders and law enforcement authorities to bring an end to the ongoing disruptions and restore normal services without further delay.
In addition to denying access to public transportation for tens of thousands of Canadians, these illegal blockades inflict serious damage on the economy, leaving countless middle-class jobs at risk, many of them in industries that must get their goods, parts, and ingredients to and from market by rail. In addition to disrupting domestic and global supply chains, the blockades undermine Canada’s reputation as a dependable partner in international trade. They also threaten public safety by preventing the distribution of essential products like chlorine for water treatment and propane for heating homes, seniors facilities and farms.
The damage inflicted on the Canadian economy and on the welfare of all our citizens mounts with each hour that these illegal disruptions are allowed to continue. Each additional day rail lines are disrupted requires three to four days for supply chains to recover. This is why it is imperative that the Government act now to get the Canadian economy moving again.
Ken Kobly
President & Chief Executive Officer
Alberta Chambers of Commerce
Jean Simard
President & Chief Executive Officer
Aluminum Association of Canada
Wendy Zatylny
President
Association of Canadian Port Authorities
Sheri Somerville
Chief Executive Officer
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
Mike Leonard
President & Chief Executive Officer British Columbia Maritime Employers Association
Goldy Hyder
President & Chief Executive Officer
Business Council of Canada
Tim McMillan
President & Chief Executive Officer Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
Tim Reuss
President & Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Automobile Dealers Association
Hon. Perrin Beatty, P.C., O.C. President & Chief Executive Officer Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Dan Kelly
President & Chief Executive Officer Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Peter Boag
President & Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Fuels Association
Dennis A. Darby, P.Eng., ICD.D President & Chief Executive Officer Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Ron Lemaire
President
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Nathalie St-Pierre
President & Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Propane Association
Bruce R. Burrows
President & Chief Executive Officer
Chamber of Marine Commerce
Robert-Lewis Manning
President
Chamber of Shipping
Bob Masterson
President & Chief Executive Officer
Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
Pierre Petelle
President & Chief Executive Officer
CropLife Canada
Charles Milliard
President & Chief Executive Officer Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
Garth Whyte
President & Chief Executive Officer
Fertilizer Canada
Denise Allen
President & Chief Executive Officer
Food Processors of Canada
Michael Graydon
Chief Executive Officer
Food & Consumer Products of Canada
Derek Nighbor
President & Chief Executive Officer
Forest Products Association of Canada
Robert H. Ballantyne, P. Eng. President
Freight Management Association of
Canada
Richard Moore
President & Chief Executive Officer
Halifax Employers Association
Chuck Davidson
President & Chief Executive Officer
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
Martin Tessier
President & Chief Executive Officer
Maritime Employers Association
Pierre Gratton
President & Chief Executive Officer
The Mining Association of Canada
Rocco Rossi
President & Chief Executive Officer
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Marc Brazeau
President & Chief Executive Officer
Railway Association of Canada
Cathy Campbell
President
Responsible Distribution Canada
Diane J. Brisebois
President & Chief Executive Officer
Retail Council of Canada
Michael H. Broad
President
Shipping Federation of Canada
Christian Buhagiar
President & Chief Executive Officer
Supply Chain Canada
Cc:
Hon. Andrew Scheer, P.C., M.P. Leader of the Official Opposition
M. Yves-François Blanchet, M.P. Leader of the Bloc Québécois
Mr. Jagmeet Singh, M.P.
Leader of the New Democratic Party of
Canada
Mrs. Jo-Ann Roberts
Interim Leader
Green Party of Canada