“Alberta’s government is extremely concerned about the grain terminal labour disruption at Canada’s largest port, the Port of Vancouver. Harvest is underway, and each day this strike continues will have far-reaching impacts on our agriculture industry, the supply chain and Canada’s economy.

“A strike at the West Coast terminals has the potential to back up the entire grain-handling system. Local elevators may stop taking grain and farmers have limited abilities to store grain on their farms for extended periods of time. This could lead to spoilage or severe quality downgrades for the grain, causing financial hardship for both farmers and grain handlers.

“While we respect the collective bargaining process and understand the parties have agreed to resume negotiations alongside federal mediators, the damage caused by this disruption will be devastating to our grain handling industry, disrupting about $35 million of grain exports each day the work stoppage continues, including $11 million of Alberta exports.

“Alberta has one of Canada’s most competitive agriculture sectors and our producers rely on grain terminal systems to remain up and running to meet international demand. According to the Grain Growers of Canada, more than 52 per cent of the grain produced in Canada was shipped through terminals at the Port of Vancouver last year.

“Our grain supply feeds Canadians and millions of people around the world. A prolonged work stoppage could undermine Canada’s position as one of the world’s most stable and reliable food suppliers. Over the past year, the world watched as labour disruptions in federally regulated sectors undermined our country’s reputation as a stable trading partner. We call, once again, on the federal government to step in and act now to avoid immediate and long-term damage to Canada’s economy and our farming families.

“Market access is critical for Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and agri-food businesses. This strike is another blow to the agriculture industry, following closely after China initiated an anti-dumping investigation into canola seed imports.

“The federal government must improve its approach to labour relations, particularly in federally regulated transportation sectors. The continuous strikes we have seen are a direct result of these failed relations and must be urgently addressed to restore stability in our supply chains.

“That is why Alberta’s government has sent a letter continuing to call on the federal government to respond proactively and more effectively to labour disputes that have potential to create widespread damage to critical supply chains, as well as to our country’s economy and reputation as a reliable trading partner.”