Calgary business leaders urge for stability in Canada’s critical rail infrastructure

Calgary, Alberta, August 8, 2024 – The Calgary Chamber of Commerce expresses deep concern over the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB)’s decision to declare rail as “non-essential”, despite the fact a potential labour disruption could create a full network shutdown. This would cause extensive disruption for agriculture, energy, construction, manufacturing and other sectors, impacting the overall economy. Canada’s economy cannot afford any sort of disruption.

“Trade infrastructure is vital to the health and success of the business community in Calgary and across Alberta and Canada. So many businesses – from small to large – rely on a stable and predictable supply chain to ensure they receive the inventory they need or to ship their product to market – to keep their businesses moving,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “We are extremely concerned a strike will have a profound, negative impact on businesses, workers and the economy – at a time when our productivity levels continue to fall.”

The impact of this strike is deeply concerning as it puts the economic prosperity of Canada – and the livelihoods of the thousands of workers, business owners and Canadians – at risk. While key sectors such as energy and agriculture will feel an outsized impact, this disruption will be felt among small and medium businesses that rely on railways for their inventory as well as exports.

Both CPKC and CN Rail own the majority of Canada’s rail capacity and are responsible for transporting millions of tonnes of cargo from across Canada and to international markets. A service disruption could cost the Canadian economy millions of dollars in economic activity, which could endanger jobs, livelihoods and the prosperity of Albertans and Canadians.

Additionally, we are concerned that a rail strike will also magnify the challenges of inflation. With reduced capacity to move goods to market, we are concerned that this will lead to constrained supply and potentially push prices further, for both businesses and consumers.

“At a time when productivity is at an all-time low – and inflation continues to put pressure on Canadian households – we cannot afford to see a prolonged disruption of our railways. We urge the federal government to work with CPKC, CN Rail and union representatives to come to an agreement and get back to work,” says Yedlin.

The health, vitality and prosperity of businesses and households across Canada rely on our railways working effectively and efficiently. To protect the jobs and livelihoods at stake, we urge the federal government to work with industry, unions and other stakeholders to ensure stability in this critical infrastructure – and we stand ready to work collaboratively on policy solutions.

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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

Media opportunities

For media inquiries, please contact Brittany Brander, Manager, Public Relations & Communications, at media@calgarychamber.com.